[blindlaw] TSA Senior Policy Advisor vacancy announcement

[Nightingale, Noel]

Link:
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=89250610&JobTitle=Senior+Policy+Advisor-SV-0301-J%2fK&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&x=72&y=11&jbf574=HSBC&tm=3&AVSDM=2010-07-09+07%3a21%3a00

Text:
Job Title: Senior Policy Advisor-SV-0301-J/K
Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: Transportation Security Administration
Sub Agency: DHS-Transportation Security Administration
Job Announcement Number: HQ-OSC-10-256316

SALARY RANGE: $88,648.00 - $164,265.00 /year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, July 09, 2010 to Friday, July 30, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: SV-0301-J/K
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: K
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: Arlington, VA
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Open to all U.S. Citizens.

For further information concerning U.S. Citizenship, please visit link:
http://www.http://www.uscis.gov<http://www.http:/www.uscis.gov>

This position is located in Arlington, VA.
The salary includes Locality Pay of 24.22%.
The Transportation Security Administration is an Excepted
Service agency.  Basic Federal employee benefits remain the same
as other Federal agencies.

JOB SUMMARY:
Securing Travel, Protecting People

At the Transportation Security Administration, we serve in a high-
stakes environment to safeguard the American way of life.  In cities
across the country, we secure airports, seaports, railroads,
highways, and public transit systems.  We protect our transportation
infrastructure from terrorist attack and ensure freedom of movement
for people and commerce.

At TSA, we act swiftly and with integrity to:

*       Discover and stop emerging transportation security threats, utilizing state of the art technology

*       Educate and provide friendly customer service to travelers

*       Screen passengers and gather intelligence

*       Coordinate security involving aviation, rail, and other surface and maritime transportation

*       Oversee most transportation-related responsibilities of the federal government during a national emergency

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
Must complete a favorable Background Investigation (BI).
Must pass Drug and Alcohol Screening and be subject to random drug tests.

Additional Duty Location Info:
Arlington, VA

This position is located in the Office of Disability Policy and Outreach, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If selected for this position, you will serve as a Senior Policy Advisor responsible for identifying and proposing solutions to complex problems where previous studies and established techniques require modification and adaptation.  You will also conduct studies that impact programs, projects, or processes across functional and/or organizational lines.  You may be tasked with communicating TSA's position on issues.

Typical duties include:

Creating and drafting final policy documents, such as management directives, guidance documents, policy statements, process and procedures documents, action memoranda and training materials.

Handling complaints from the traveling public to include responding to customer inquiries, conducting fact-finding inquiries, drawing conclusions based on the facts, drafting thorough fact-finding reports, or reports of investigation relating to Disability Policy and Outreach.

Reviewing and commenting on disability policy or procedure documents and training materials and packages submitted by other lines of business for review and comment.

Developing, managing, and strengthening partnerships with community leaders from disability-related interest groups to facilitate mutual understanding and the exchange of information.

Serving as a subject matter expert regarding pertinent disability and civil rights laws.

Evaluating and implementing disability-related etiquette and accessibility.

The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position.  Typically, the lower pay band (Pay Band J) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training; and/or projects/work assignments may be less complex.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
To qualify for the SV-J Pay Band (equivalent  to GS-14), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-I Pay Band or GS-13 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector.  Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Such experience includes evaluating and making recommendations concerning overall plans and proposals for highly complex projects; conducting comprehensive management studies; and interpreting disability and civil rights laws.

To qualify for the SV-K Pay Band (equivalent to the GS-15), you must have one year of Specialized experience at the SV-J Pay Band or GS-14 level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector.  Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Such experience includes providing expert advice, guidance and instructions, to address diverse, complex issues; leading large project/program teams; defining and developing internal civil rights and disability policies and procedures; and preparing recommendations to change the way programs are carried out and implemented.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND CORE COMPETENCIES:

The following KSAs/Competencies have been identified as critical for successful job performance.  These KSAs/Competencies were used to develop the occupational assessment questions presented for your response.

1. Civil Rights, Civil Liberties and Disability Rights Laws and Regulations: Knowledge of laws, regulations, Executive Orders and policy statements to make recommendations for resolving related complaints.

2. Public Affairs: Develops communication plans to disseminate information concerning organizational matters affecting target audiences.

3. Partnering: Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.

4. Interpersonal Skills:  Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect; considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.

5. Human Capital Management: Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations and staffing needs; ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems; manages a multi-sector blended workforce and a variety of work situations.

6. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.

7. Written Communication:  Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

You will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position.  Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  Refer to the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Education websites for more information at Office of Personnel Management link:
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications

Responses to the evaluation criteria may be ranked according to relative merit for this position and identified as being "qualified"
or "best qualified."  Selection for this position will be made only from among applicants possessing the best qualifications.
To preview questions please click here link:
https://jobs.mgsapps.monster.com/tsa/vacancy/previewVacancyQuestions.hms?orgId=1&jnum=28367

BENEFITS:

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program has many plans to choose from all at very reasonable rates, which can be paid from pre-
tax income.

The Federal Employees Retirement System is one of the premier retirement programs in the Nation.  The program features three
components:
*       a retirement pension;
*       the Thrift Savings Plan (an employee controlled investment program);
*       and social security.

Federal Employee Group Life Insurance offers numerous life insurance policy options covering employees and dependents.

The leave program offers exceptional time off benefits including annual leave, sick leave, family medical leave, and 10 paid holidays
per year.

You may be eligible for career development and enrichment training; family friendly policies; and Employee Assistance Programs.

If you commute using public transportation, you may be eligible for a transit subsidy.

OTHER INFORMATION:
TSA employees who are absent for the purpose of performing military duty may apply for any vacancies announced in their absence.

STATUS AND ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR OTHER FEDERAL POSITIONS:
TSA is an excepted service agency exempt from most of Title 5 United States Code; therefore, employment with TSA does not confer the "competitive status" that generally results from selection and service in competitive service agencies.  Under the OPM-DHS Interchange Agreement, permanent employees who have at least one year of continuous service with TSA can apply and be considered for positions in other Federal agencies open to current/former Federal employees with competitive status. For more information please visit: www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/tsa_interchange_agreement.pdf<www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/tsa_interchange_agreement.pdf%20>

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: For most external recruitment efforts, TSA provides preference to eligible veterans who were discharged or released from military service under honorable conditions.  Eligibility requirements for Veterans' Preference are available in the Vets Info Guide available on the Office of Personnel Management's Web site at www.opm.gov.  You must identify your claim for Veterans' Preference on your application and provide proof of your entitlement by submitting appropriate documentation such as a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy).  If you are claiming a disability you must submit the appropriate documentation from the military service or a current letter of disability from Department of Veterans Affairs.  If you are claiming 10-point preference you must also complete Standard Form SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference.

SELECTIVE SERVICE: TSA policy requires verification of Selective Service registration for male applicants born after 12/31/59.  Generally, male applicants who knowingly fail to register will be ineligible for employment with TSA.  For more information on registering with the Selective Service, visit the Selective Service System Web site at www.sss.gov or contact them by telephone at 1-847-688-6888.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
TSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, personal favoritism, protected genetic information, or other non-merit factors.  TSA provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the TSA Help Desk by phone at 1-877-872-7990 or by TTY at 1-877-872-7992.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PRIVACY ACT REQUIREMENTS: The forms referenced in this announcement are used to determine candidates' qualifications for the position and are authorized in 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION: Current TSA employees will not be granted PCS if selected for this position in a location outside their current commuting area. Non-TSA employees are not entitled.

RELOCATION: No relocation expenses will be authorized for this position.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this vacancy announcement.  Please click
the "Apply Online" button.

There are three steps to the application process.  You will be required to complete all steps to be considered for this position.

PLEASE NOTE: Failure to submit the information outlined below will render your application ineligible for consideration for this position.

Step #1: You MUST complete the online assessment, or the Employment Packet (paper), specifically generated for this position. To apply
online, click the "Apply Online" button at the bottom of the screen.

If you do not have access to a computer and you are unable to apply online, a paper application is permitted.  Please contact the TSA HR
Access Help Desk at 1-877-872-7990.

An "Employment Packet" will be sent to you, which includes the vacancy announcement, the demographic questions, the core questions
and the vacancy specific questions.  The "Employment Packet" must be completed and submitted so that it will be received no later than the closing date (Eastern Time) of this vacancy announcement.

Step #2:  You MUST also submit a resume or other form of application.  You have an option of completing a resume within this automated staffing system or submitting a resume that you have in another format or maintained in personal files. Please follow the process outlined at the end of the series of occupational assessment questions regarding submitting your resume or other application form.

Step #3:  This step must be followed if you are applying based upon current or former Federal government status, if you are claiming Veterans' Preference, if you are attempting to qualify for this position based upon education (if applicable), or if you are requesting consideration based upon a special appointing authority, you must submit the required documents with your application. Fax these documents to the fax number on the fax cover sheet provided for each separate document.  Failure to include the required documents may make you ineligible for the position.

For additional information about the TSA and employment, please visit link:
http://www.tsa.gov/join/index.shtm


REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
After completing the steps outlined above, the following documents are required supplements to the resume or application form, if applicable. If you are a current or former Federal government employee, you MUST submit a copy of your most recent or current SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, or equivalent documentation that indicates the type of appointment, position and grade/pay band.  Failure to provide this documentation will result in your application being treated as "External" (i.e., from an applicant who is outside the Federal service).

If you are claiming tentative (TP) Veteran Preference, you MUST provide a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement.

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based upon compensable disability, widow or spouse entitlement or Purple Heart receipt (CPS/CP/XP), you MUST submit a copy of your DD-214, an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and the required proof (i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later),and the latest copy of report of separation from active duty (DD-214) to establish proof of honorable discharge).

If you are attempting to qualify for this position based upon education, you must submit a copy of your transcript(s) from an accredited college or university (for each school attended) to establish qualifications based upon education.

The on-line process and the submission of your application materials will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
HR Help Desk
Phone: 877-872-7990
Fax: 571-258-4052
TDD: 877-872-7992
Email: Helpdesk at TSA-HRAccess.com  Agency Information:
DHS-Transportation Security Administration
Shared Service Center
2650 Park Tower Drive
Merrifield, VA 22180
Fax: 571-258-4052

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
After completion of the evaluation process, you will be notified by e-mail if you applied through the automated process or by letter if you completed an "Employment Packet."

You may also check your application status online.

Agency Information:
DHS-Transportation Security Administration
Shared Service Center
2650 Park Tower Drive
Merrifield, VA 22180
Fax: 571-258-4052

Questions about this job:
HR Help Desk
Phone: 877-872-7990
Fax: 571-258-4052
TDD: 877-872-7992
Email: Helpdesk at TSA-HRAccess.com


Job Announcement Number:
HQ-OSC-10-256316
Control Number: 1965672

EEO Policy Statement | Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement | Veterans Information | Legal and Regulatory Guidance