There are many advantages to working for the federal government. Federal employees serve in a wide variety of exciting jobs, earn good wages, receive medical benefits, and make a difference through public service. The federal government hires people in many different fields, from accounting to public affairs, health care to law enforcement, and everything in between. Show There are a number of ways that people can apply for a job in the federal government. For individuals with disabilities, one of those paths is the Schedule A Hiring Authority for people with disabilities. So what is Schedule A? There are a lot of rules and regulations that govern the hiring process in Federal agencies. Most of the time, an individual must go through a competitive process which is open to all applicants. Selectees through this process are hired into the "Competitive Service". The Schedule A Hiring Authority for people with disabilities (Schedule A) is an exception to the traditional hiring process. Schedule A streamlines the hiring process for persons with disabilities and, in some instances, hiring officials may select solely from a list of qualified Schedule A applicants. You can apply using Schedule A if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability. In order to be selected you will need to show that you meet the qualifications of the job (with or without reasonable accommodation). Want more information? Read on! This guide provides answers to many of your questions about using Schedule A to obtain a job in the federal government. THE ABCsA. Identify an open position If you are interested in working for the federal government, your first task is to identify an open position for which you want to apply, if you do not already have one in mind. Most federal vacancies are advertised on the USAJOBS web site, found at www.usajobs.gov. This is the federal government's official site for job information and includes thousands of job postings. Not all agencies use USAJOBS to announce job vacancies, so it is important to check specific agency web sites for additional information about employment opportunities. A list of all agency websites can be found here. Below are some helpful hints to navigating resources on USAJOBS. QUICK TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS
B. Prepare your application Once you have identified a job(s) you would like to apply to, create a USAJOBS account and start preparing your application materials. Step 1: Prepare your resume To apply for a federal job, you need a resume that accurately describes your abilities and qualifications. You can create a resume directly on the USAJOBS website using the "resume builder" feature. This may be useful if you are seeking your first job or are re-entering the workforce. Alternatively, you can upload an existing resume directly onto USAJOBS. If you need assistance with creating a resume, please see the Resources page at the end of this guide. Your resume is a chance to show why you would be a great fit for the particular job that interests you. You can tailor your resume to demonstrate how your skills match the job qualifications listed in the vacancy announcement. QUICK TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS:
Step 2: Prepare documents for the job vacancy Beyond creating a resume, you may need to prepare other documents as required by the job vacancy. The job announcement will tell you what materials to include in your application package (such as a writing sample, cover letter, transcripts from high school or college, or a professional certification/license). For some positions you may need to complete an occupational questionnaire--a series of yes/no and/or multiple choice questions. This helps the agency determine whether an applicant has the requisite skills and experience for the position. Read the job announcement carefully. Your application will be considered "incomplete" if you fail to provide all required documentation or fail to complete any required questionnaires. An agency will not give you an opportunity to provide the missing information once you've submitted your application; instead, your "incomplete" application will be rejected. Step 3: Obtain your Schedule A documentation To apply using Schedule A, you may also be required to submit documentation that proves you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. This is often referred to as "Proof of Disability Documentation". This documentation simply lets the agency know that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A because you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. It is advisable to have this letter ready before you apply under Schedule A. You can request this documentation from:
Most of the time, agencies will accept a letter from one of the above as proof of disability. The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation. To view sample Schedule A proof of disability letters click here. Please be aware that some agencies may request additional documentation as proof of disability. C. Apply for the job Once you have your resume and supporting documents in order - including your Schedule A proof of disability documentation - you are ready to apply for the job. You should use two approaches when applying for federal jobs as a Schedule A applicant. Approach 1: Apply through USAJOBS You should start by applying for the position online through the USAJOBS web site or the specific federal agency's web site. You should do this as soon as you find a position for which you are interested in applying. Sometimes agencies will only accept a limited number of applications. Also, every job posting will only accept applications for a specific amount of time. Thus, it is important that you apply as quickly as possible. When you apply online, make sure you follow the application instructions in the job posting. There may also be a place for you to upload your Schedule A proof of disability documentation. Approach 2: Apply directly with the agency using the Schedule A process Most agencies have a Disability Program Manager (DPM) or Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) whose role is to help the agency recruit, hire, and accommodate people with disabilities. Contact the DPM or SPPC at the agency where you wish to work and ask for guidance on the best way to apply for the identified vacancy using the Schedule A hiring process for persons with disabilities. He or she can work with you to make sure your resume/application is considered through Schedule A. Click here for a directory of Selective Placement Program Coordinators in each agency. It is advisable to apply for a position through the regular vacancy announcement (on USAJOBS or the agency's web site) AND THEN follow-up with the SPPC/DPM or appropriate office. Contacting the appropriate agency person responsible for overseeing Schedule A applications can take time. It is important to factor this in as part of your application deadline. QUICK TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS
What happens after you submit your application? Generally, the agency will contact you about the status of your application. If, after a reasonable period of time you haven't heard from the agency about your application, you should follow-up with the DPM, SPPC, or the HR Specialist listed on the job vacancy. If the agency is interested in you as a candidate for the open position(s), someone from the agency will contact you to set up an interview. At this point, you should let the DPM, the SPPC, or the HR Specialist listed on the job vacancy know if you need an accommodation for the interview. If the agency wants to hire you, you will be offered the position.fter you accept an offer of employment, if you believe you will need an accommodation to perform the job duties, now is the time to ask. You want to give the agency plenty of time to get your accommodations in place to ensure you will have what you need your first day. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q1. How do I know if I have a disability which would allow me to be eligible for hiring under Schedule A?
Q2. If I am eligible for a Schedule A appointment, am I guaranteed a job?
Q3. Are agencies required to use Schedule A to hire people with disabilities?
Q4: Why do I have to disclose that I am a person with a disability to be considered under Schedule A?
Q5: Do I have the option of selecting which potential federal employers I disclose my Schedule A status to when I apply using USAJOBS?
Q6: Can I submit the same proof of disability documentation more than once when applying for a position using Schedule A? Must the documentation be dated within a specific timeframe?
Q7. What kinds of appointments can an agency use when hiring through Schedule A?
Q8: What if I need more related experience?
Q9: Where can I find contact information for the SPPCs or DPMs?
Q10: May a family member or vocational rehabilitation counselor contact the agency about the position I am applying for on my behalf?
Q11: I sent my resume to the SPPC/DPM a while ago, but there is now an open position for which I think I would be a good fit. Will I be considered for the new job?
Q12. I have heard a lot of different terms used in describing the types of hiring done in the federal government. What are they and what do they mean?
Q13. If I am hired through Schedule A, can I be converted to the competitive service?
Q14. Is conversion to a career or career-conditional appointment mandatory after two years on a Schedule A appointment under 5 CFR 213.3102(u)?
USAJOBS has a glossary of federal hiring terminology available here. RESOURCES Federal Resources There are numerous federal programs designed to assist people with disabilities in finding employment. The following is a non-exhaustive list of programs/resources:
Recruitment and Referral Programs The OPM Shared List - OPM has developed a database of candidates with disabilities who are eligible to apply for employment through Schedule A. Interested applicants with disabilities may submit appropriate documentation to Bender Consulting Services via e-mail at [email protected] or through their website. Workforce Recruitment Program - WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs - VR programs provide a variety of services to help people with disabilities prepare for and engage in gainful employment. VR services include the following: vocational counseling, training, supported employment services, and job placement services. To find contact information for a local VR provider, click here. Resume and Cover Letter Resources ODEP, in partnership with the Workforce Recruitment Program, developed a video on writing an effective resume. Click here to view this video. The Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website, has a number of resources for job seekers, including a resume builder tool, sample resumes and cover letters, and interview tips. Resources for Veterans with Disabilities There are numerous organizations and agencies that exist to assist veterans with disabilities find and maintain employment. The following is a sample of useful resources to keep handy:
Advocacy Organizations for People with Disabilities A number of disability organizations, such as the ones listed below, have great resources that may help with your job search inside and outside of the federal government. Some of those organizations include:
Accommodations CAP - The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) provides assistive technology and services to people with disabilities throughout the federal government FREE OF CHARGE! (Note: Before contacting CAP directly, check with the DPM or SPPC, as they may already have a relationship with CAP.) JAN - The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the most comprehensive resource for job accommodations available and is a terrific and easy-to-use resource. This free consulting service is designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities. JAN provides individualized worksite accommodation solutions, as well as information on job accommodations and related subjects for employers and people with disabilities. What is it called when an employer and an applicant meet to discuss the job opening?The interview is a conversation in which you and an employer exchange information. Your objective is to get an offer of a job, and the employer's objective is to find out the following: •
Which type of closing letter requests the employer to call you for an interview?Your call to action is the final few sentences of your cover letter that allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role and gives the employer a push to reach out to you for an interview.
What documentation should an applicant bring to an interview?Documents required for the job interview. Copies of your resume. Pro tip: Always bring more than one copy of your resume or CV to your job interview. ... . Copies of your reference list. ... . Pre-written interview questions for your hiring manager. ... . Driver's License. ... . Fact sheet. ... . Work portfolio. ... . Pen and paper. ... . A bag or briefcase.. How do you request an interview in a cover letter?Examples Of How To Ask For A Job Interview In Your Cover Letter. I'm excited about the Director of Sales position with XYZ Widgets and would love the opportunity to meet in person to further discuss my experience and the value I can offer you as your next Director of Sales. Please call me at 555.555.
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