Job Listing: Computer Assistant (Hearing Office Systems Administrator)

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - ODAR NEWARK, NJ

Why work for SSA?

SSA is searching for individuals who are eager to help others and reach their own potential at the same time. You can be a vital part of the SSA team that assists millions of retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and survivors. Serving people from all walks of life, you will assist individuals in establishing entitlement to benefits under Social Security programs. Join SSA and make a difference in people's lives and your own!

What is the position?

This is a Computer Assistant (Hearing Office Systems Administrator) position located in the Social Security Administration, Office Of Disability Adjudication and Review, Newark, NJ.

What do we offer?

Highly motivated and diverse workforce;
Dynamic environment;
Not just a job – but a career with professional advancement;
Competitive salaries;
Recognition for outstanding performance;
Innovative training and development opportunities: and
Robust health benefit options, Federal retirement plan, 401K-style Thrift Saving Program, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent expenses.
Generous leave policies including sick leave, vacation time and paid holidays.

SSA ranked as one of the top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!

For more information, click on "Benefits and More Information" tab.  

Other notes:

Position will be filled as Full-time, Permanent.
This is not a career ladder position; full promotion potential is GS-09.

Major Duties

This position is located in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, Social Security Administration.  This position is at the journeyman level, GS-335-09.  This position is not for trainees; must have previous experience/training.  The incumbent in this position serves as the primary adviser to management officials in the use of automated data processing (ADP) and has a key responsibility over systems operations automated case processing within the Hearing Office.  The incumbent monitors system performance and network traffic and ensures equipment is operational and functioning properly.  Performs routine preventive maintenance to assure system reliability.  Develops local system audits and reports results to the Regional Office.  Develops local system applications in various programming languages, i.e.  Access, Excel, Word, DOS batch commands, etc. in accordance with established national and local policies.  Serves as the focal point of contact for equipment, software, and operational problems and needs within the office.  Serves as local systems security officer.

How to Apply

Applying for this position requires three steps: 

1. Submission of a resume.

2. Completion of the occupational questionnaire.

3. Submission of any supporting documentation such as a DD-214, Veterans' Administration letter, or educational transcripts.  Please see the Required Documents section below for details.

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by Monday, April 07, 2008.

 

Option A:  Application Manager

To begin, choose one of these options:

·         If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·         If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links  you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org.

Option B:  Paper Qualifications Questionnaire

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager, you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1.      Print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline.

2.      Print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.

3.      Submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents by faxing as follows:

·         Using Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing. If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

Instructions for completing the OPM 1203-FX:

If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however, we can not process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

SN182982

1. Title of Job

Computer Assistant (Hearing Office Systems Administrator)

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

If you would like to be notified by E-mail, please enter your E-mail address in the space provided.

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level you will accept.

09
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

001 Computer Assistant
21. Geographic Availability

166 ODAR NEWARK, NJ
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. Do you have one year of specialized experience comparable in level of difficulty and responsibility to the GS-8 in the Federal service that demonstrates knowledge of computer software and hardware? (Qualifying experience may have been gained in work which entailed programming and processing, administration and management of word processing, data processing, telecommunications, local area network, batch processing, database management/programming, electronic spreadsheet processing/programming and computer security.)

A. Yes
B. No

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.



For questions 2 - 33 choose the ONE letter from the list below (A - E) that best describes your experience, education and/or training.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

2. Manages and maintains automated data processing systems in a multi-operating system environment.

3. Manages and oversees an office's local area network to ensure proper functioning.

4. Performs periodic backup and purging of system, user files and documents to avoid system saturation.

5. Develops local system applications in various programming languages; e.g., dBase, Lotus, WordPerfect, DOS batch commands, etc.

6. Conducts pre-implementation testing and evaluation of new systems and enhancements to older systems.

7. Manages and oversees an office's electronic telecommunications to ensure proper functioning.

8. Identifies user requirements for new or revised system applications.

9. Serves as system security officer.

10. Performs routine preventative maintenance to ensure computer equipment is operational and functioning properly.

11. Coordinates installation and system acceptance, testing progress and problems, to assure that new hardware operates properly.

12. Performs troubleshooting involving hardware problems.

13. Installs hardware components such as drives and boards.

14. Diagnoses hardware malfunction.

15. Connects and disconnects system peripheral devices.

16. Assures preparation for system implementation including site preparation, installation schedule, space planning, equipment location, electrical outlets and equipment inventory.

17. Maintains a variety of equipment including different models of personal computers, printers, modems, etc.

18. Performs diagnostic tests and corrects system operational problems as applicable.

19. Summarizes data and information into tables, charts, or graphs.

20. Develops management information reporting methods and procedures for internal system management.

21. Determines impact of new systems or procedural changes on office operations.

22. Devises solutions to user problems based on software and equipment knowledge.

23. Develops disaster recovery plan for office systems.

24. Performs troubleshooting of system operational problems.

25. Enforces system security procedures to limit risk and protect the integrity of office data, software and hardware.

26. Provides advice to management officials on the use of automated data processing.

27. Serves as the focal point of contact for equipment, software, and operational problems and needs within the office.

28. Prepares and maintains records of system downtime and/or maintenance problems.

29. Presents information at briefings and/or meetings.

30. Writes memos and other correspondence to explain operating procedures.

31. Contributes to technical reports.

32. Conducts individual computer training to address operator initiated problems.

33. Extracts data from a databases, determines proper format and prepares reports in responses to management requests.

Required Documents:

The following sections provide information on supporting documentation that must be submitted to claim certain types of preference, apply for noncompetitive appointments, or substitute education for experience.  Please see the How to Apply section above for information on the application process.

1. If you are an eligible Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position. ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

2. If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, or you will not be considered under the merit promotion process. Also, you should submit your most recent performance appraisal.

3. If you are claiming veterans' preference under competitive procedures, submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214) or other proof of eligibility. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. You will be granted preference as appropriate based on the documents we receive.

4. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

5. You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam era and disabled veterans; returned volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, etc. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking, if any, on your application and follow all other instructions for applying shown in this announcement.

6) PROOF OF EDUCATION:If you are qualifying on the basis of education or training, submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses with title of course, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. To be used in meeting qualification requirements, a college or university degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Electronic applications must be completed by midnight Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement.

Due to our security procedures, we will not accept any applications, questionnaires or supporting documents submitted via surface mail or email. Surface Mail and Email addresses are listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process. In order to be considered, applicants must follow either the Apply Online process or the Alternate Application Method.  Failure to utilize either the Online Application or Alternate Application Method to submit your application, questionnaire and/or supporting documents will result in non-consideration of your application.

Contact Information:
Sherise L. Williams

Phone: (212)264-1520

TDD: 212-264-3050

Email: sherise.williams@ssa.gov


Or write:
SSA New York
26 Federal Plaza
Room 4020
New York, NY 10278

USA


What To Expect Next:

After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive a notification explaining the status of your application. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made. Please note that because we send notifications for each step of the process, we will not respond to status inquiries.

If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you a notification regarding the status of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.