Job Listing: IT SPECIALIST (CAREER INTERN)

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Columbia, MO

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VG197858 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

He/she will be participating in a centrally funded and organized developmental program designed to prepare them to assume responsibilities as an IT Specialist.  He/she will serve as an intern information Technology (IT) Specialist within the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) for a period of two years.  During the first year, this individual will work directly with journeyman level specialists and managers responsible for each of four primary descriptions.  These disciplines include Network Management, Server Systems, Client Hardware and Private Branch Exchange (PBX).  He/she will serve as a fully integrated, working, team member in each discipline for a minimum of three months, during the first year.  The second year will be focused toward technology areas of interest as well as aptitude as deemed most appropriate by the Facility, Chief Information Officer (FCIO).  This position will be exposed to a broad range of complex, diverse, and mission critical systems that provide current technological solutions in real health care delivery situations.  He/she will be subject to gradually decreasing oversight as he/she develops the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of this position.
 
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement (Thursday, July 03, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents.  To verify that your uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scann.  You can then verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account (https://applicationmanager.org ) for this vacancy announcement.  Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area. 
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, July 03, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, July 03, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

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

Vacancy Identification Number

VG197858

 

1. Title of Job

IT SPECIALIST (CAREER INTERN) 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

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

5. Employment Availability

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

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

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

9. Languages

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

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (05) you will accept for this position.

0507
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

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

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

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

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

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Information Technology Specialist
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0222 Columbia, MO
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

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in a decree approved in a lawsuit entitled Luevano v. Lachance, Civil Action no. 79-0271, has ordered that Federal Government agencies provide data on the race and national origin of applicants for certain Federal occupations. The position for which you are applying is in one of those occupations. The collection of this information is authorized for use by the Office of Personnel Management only for the purposes of complying with the requirements of the Luevano v. Lachance Decree. The data you supply will be used for statistical analysis pursuant to the requirements of the lawsuit, and will not be shared with employing agencies. You are requested to complete the following, however, submission of this information is voluntary. Your failure to do so will have no effect on the processing of your application for Federal employment.

The categories ( items 1-6 ) below provide descriptions of race and national origins. Select the category with which you identify yourself. If you are of mixed race and/or national origin, select the category with which you most closely identify yourself. Please select only one by shading in the circle next to the number corresponding to the category.

PRIMARY GEOGRAPHIC ZONE

Select the Zone ( items 7-15 ) which includes your first choice for location of employment. This designation is for statistical use only and will not affect your actual consideration for employment. Your geographic area of consideration will be determined by your entries in Section 21, GEOGRAPHIC AVAILABILITY. Please select only one or darken the appropriate circle next to the number corresponding to your selection.

01 American Indian or Alaskan Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through community recognition or tribal affiliation.02 Asian or Pacific Islander - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. For example, this area includes China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa.03 Black, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.04 Hispanic - A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins. This does not include persons of Portuguese culture or origin.05 White, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North America, or the Middle East. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.06 A person not included in another category.07 ATLANTA ZONE includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia08 CHICAGO ZONE includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin09 DALLAS ZONE includes Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming10 PHILADELPHIA ZONE includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont11 SAN FRANCISCO ZONE includes California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington12 ALASKA ZONE includes the State of Alaska13 CARIBBEAN ZONE includes Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands14 HAWAII ZONE includes the State of Hawaii and Pacific overseas area15 WASHINGTON, DC ZONE - Washington, DC metro area (Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George Counties in MD, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, King George, Stafford, and Loudoun Counties and Falls Church, Alexandria, and Fairfax cities in VA) and Atlantic overseas area (African, European, Middle Eastern, Central and South American countries)
25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONS - Mark only 1 response for each question.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WORK EXPERIENCE
This section asks you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific factors which relate to job performance. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED. Record your answers in Section 25.

1. From the descriptions below, select the letter that describes the education or experience you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-5, Computer Specialist work. If your highest level of education is not described below, choose the letter that describes experience or lower level education that you do have. Mark only 1 response.

A. I have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or I possess a bachelor's degree.
B. I have completed education beyond the bachelor's degree, e.g., graduate study, master's degree, LL.B., J.D., LL.M., Ph.D.

C. I have at least one year of work experience in translating detailed logical steps into language codes; or interviewing subject matter personnel on work processes and developing flow charts.
D. I have work experience that primarily included only general clerical work.
E. I have three years of experience as a computer operator, computer assistant, computer sales representative, or program analyst that demonstrated a general knowledge of data processing functions and general management principles to understand the stages required to automate a work process.
F. I have at least 3 years of post-high school education and at least 3 months of experience as described in "C."

G. I have less than 4 years of post-high school education or a bachelor's degree and less than the experience described in "E," but I have a combination of education and the type of experience described in "E."
H. My education and/or experience is not reflected in any of the above statements.

2. From the descriptions below, select the letter that describes the education or experience you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-7, Computer Specialist work. If your highest level of education is not described below, choose the letter that describes experience or lower level education that you do have. Mark only 1 response.

A. I have a bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement S.A.A. (S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 1. Class standing--Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. 2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.)--Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. Grade-point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. 3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society--Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies listed below. These honor societies are listed in the Association of College Honor Societies: Booklet of Information (1992-95) and/or Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (1991). Agencies considering eligibility based on any society not included in the following list must ensure that the honor society meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies. Membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision. A bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement: Superior academic is 1). Class Standing; (2) Grade-point average (G.P.A) 3.0 or higher; (3).Membership in a national scholastic honor society
B. I have one full year of graduate level study, or possess a master's or higher degree, e.g., LL.B., J.D., LL.M., Ph.D., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
C. I have at one or more years of specialized work experience in the performance of tasks such as: translating detailed logical steps developed by others into language codes that computers accept where this required understanding of procedures and limitations appropriate to use of a programming language; interviewing subject-matter personnel to get facts regarding work processes, and synthesizing the resulting data into charts showing information flow; operating computer consoles where this involved choosing from among various procedures in responding to machine commands or unscheduled halts; scheduling the sequence of programs to be processed by computers where alternatives had to be weighed with a view to production efficiency; preparing documentation on cost/benefit studies where this involved summarizing the material and organizing it in a logical fashion.
OR
I have at least one year of work experience in translating detailed logical steps into language codes; or interviewing subject matter personnel on work processes and developing flow charts.
D. I have at least one year of work experience clerical work only.
E. I have less than the full amount of graduate education described in "B" and less than the amount of experience described in "C," but I have a combination of the type of graduate education described in "B" and the type of experience described in "C."
F. My education and/or experience is not reflected in any of the above statements.

3. Please respond "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

4. Please respond "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

5. Please respond "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

The following questions ask you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific areas which relate to successful job performance.

You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Then, record your answers in Section 25 on OPM Form 1203-FX beginning at Item 6. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted. Do not omit answers unless instructed to do so. Other omissions may decrease your score.

1. During high school (grades 9 - 12), I made the semester honor roll:

A. never
B. once or twice
C. three or four times
D. five or six times
E. seven or eight times

2. The high school grade I most often received was:

A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D or lower
E. I do not remember

IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND COLLEGE, PLEASE SKIP TO ITEM 9.

3. The college grade I most often received was:

A. A
B. B
C. C
D. D or lower

E. I do not remember

4. In the past three years the number of different paying jobs I have held for more than two weeks is:

A. 7 or more

B. 5 - 6
C. 3 - 4

D. 1 - 2

E. none

5. I have been employed in work similar to that of the job covered by this examination:

A. never employed in a similar job
B. less than 1 year
C. 1 - 2 years
D. 3 - 4 years
E. over 5 years

6. In the past three years, my primary work experience has been in:

A. professional or administrative occupations

B. clerical or sales occupations

C. service occupations

D. trades or labor occupations

E. not employed in the past three years

7. On my present or most recent job, my supervisor rated me as:

A. outstanding
B. above average

C. average
D. below average

E. not employed or received no rating

8. In the past three years the number of jobs I have been fired from is:

A. 5 or more

B. 3 to 4

C. 2
D. 1
E. none

9. The number of civic or social organizations (which have regular meetings and a defined membership) that I belong to is:

A. none

B. 1
C. 2 or 3
D. 4 to 6
E. 7 or more

10. In organizations to which I belong, my participation is best described as:

A. do not belong to any organizations
B. not very active
C. a regular member but not an office holder

D. have held at least one important office

E. have held several important offices

11. My previous supervisors (or teachers if not previously employed) would most likely describe my basic math skills as:

A. superior

B. above average

C. average

D. below average

E. do not know

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The questions in this part relate to fundamental competencies, such as problem solving, that are required for the job for which you are applying.

Please answer each question "A" for YES or "B" for NO.

Keep in mind the following:

1)      Some questions refer to “work” experience.  Unless otherwise stated, this includes experience you have gained through:

 

·      School,

·      Volunteer work,

·      Military service,

·      Paid employment,

·      Hobbies, or

·      Professional, charitable, religious, community, social, or other organizations.

2) Some questions include examples to help show the broad range of accomplishments and experience applicants might have. Read the entire question using the examples as a guide, but do not base your answers solely on the examples.

3) Some questions ask you if you received a grade of B or above in your schoolwork. On an A, B, C, D, F scale, a grade of B or above is considered an above average grade. If you were graded on a different scale, use the equivalent of a B or above on the type of scale on which you were graded.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Your responses are subject to verification through background checks, job interviews, and any other information obtained during the application process. Untruthful responses or any attempt to conceal information can result in your removal from a Federal job and in you being barred from seeking Federal employment in the future.

A- Yes
B- No

12. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your computer skills?

13. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, demonstrating a product or service, or providing assistance to customers, clients, or the public?

14. Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to lead or facilitate briefings, meetings, or conferences, or formally present technical or other complex information to others?

15. Have you successfully done work, not including computer programming classes, that regularly involved writing or debugging computer programs?

16. Have you designed an innovative system or procedure that was implemented by your organization and adopted as a model by other organizations?

17. Have you successfully developed an automated system that improved accuracy, efficiency, or productivity?

18. Have you often been asked to proofread or edit the writing of others for content, punctuation, spelling, and grammar?

19. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved manipulating data in a computer database (for example, importing, exporting, merging, updating, sorting data, etc.)?

20. Have you suggested or developed an innovative strategy that increased participation in a group or program?

21. Have you received favorable feedback for oral presentations you have given to management or other officials, or to the public (for example, for speaking at religious services, performing in theatrical productions, etc.)?

22. Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using word processing software to create, edit, and format documents or correspondence?

23. Have you taught yourself skills that improved your performance in school or at work (for example, taught yourself typing, computer skills, a foreign language, etc.)?

24. Have you successfully planned or monitored a large-scale project or program that involved several steps that were carried out over an extended period of time?

25. Have you successfully done work that required extensive on-the-job training?

26. Have you worked on several major assignments or projects at the same time with minimal supervision and completed the work on time or ahead of schedule?

27. Have you successfully done work that required you to keep enough cash on hand or maintain an adequate stock of supplies, equipment, or merchandise?

28. Have you successfully learned a hobby or leisure activity requiring extensive study or use of complex directions (for example, constructing stereo or computer systems, making stained glass objects, etc.)?

29. In high school, did you have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, belong to an honor society, or graduate with honors?

30. Have you willingly changed routine tasks to accommodate new systems, policies, or procedures (for example, changed to a new filing system, computer system, financial record-keeping system, etc.)?

31. Have you suggested or designed a program that improved the quality of a product or service (for example, an employee suggestion program, customer satisfaction tracking program, etc.)?

32. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved conducting quality checks or following up with customers or clients to ensure satisfaction with a product or service?

33. Have you willingly rearranged many of your priorities and much of your schedule to accommodate a major, planned change that had a long-term impact on you (for example, worked overtime for several months to implement a new system on schedule, had extensive renovations done on your house that required you to live elsewhere, etc.)?

34. Have you readily rearranged many of your priorities and much of your schedule to accommodate an unplanned change that had a short-term impact on you (for example, took on additional work for a co-worker who was absent due to a minor illness, rescheduled all final examinations due to a death in the family, etc.)?

35. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your customer service skills?

36. Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to modify plans to accommodate unexpected assignments or to respond to changing workloads, priorities, or deadlines?

37. Have you devised a strategy to overcome a major setback that successfully enabled you to complete a project on time or within budget?

38. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved relaying messages to co-workers, or providing information or giving simple instructions to customers or the public, either in person or by telephone (for example, worked as a receptionist, dispatcher, etc.)?

39. Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to determine resource requirements or monitor the use of resources (for example, staff, space, equipment, supplies, materials, etc.)?

40. Have you done work that involved writing brochures, press releases, or speeches?

41. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved informally providing oral explanations of technical information or other complex information, such as regulations, policies, or procedures?

42. Have you learned a hobby or leisure activity well enough that you have been asked to do it for others on a voluntary basis?

43. Have you successfully coordinated work, school, and/or family responsibilities under especially difficult circumstances (for example, you and your spouse worked full time while raising young children, you went to school full time and worked more than 20 hours per week, you worked full time while caring for an elderly parent, etc.)?

44. Have you successfully completed a highly structured, formal training program, not including an apprenticeship for a trade or craft, that required you to learn a complex body of information (for example, training for jobs in insurance, law enforcement, real estate, etc.)?

45. Have you written procedures or instructions that others have followed successfully (for example, instruction manuals, survey instructions, training materials, etc.)?

46. Have you successfully completed a long-term project outside of work where you were solely responsible for doing the work (for example, completed a thesis, wrote a book that was published, prepared a horse for competition that won a ribbon, restored an antique car, etc.)?

47. Have you successfully worked in a newly created organization that was still in the process of establishing its policies and procedures?

48. Have you successfully planned an event such as a conference, fund-raiser, etc.?

49. Have you successfully done work that often required you to accommodate last minute requests from customers or clients or to provide quality service in situations where timeliness is critical (for example, worked as a courier or travel agent, worked in newspaper publishing, etc.)?

50. Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using graphics software to create and edit charts, tables, or graphs?

51. Have you successfully created computerized databases to organize information?

52. Have you proposed a creative idea, system, or procedure that benefited a group or organization?

53. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your self-management skills (for example, time management, goal setting, career development, etc.)?

54. Have you successfully completed a large-scale project (lasting several months or longer) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?

55. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that improved your performance at work?

56. Have you been requested to take on additional responsibilities because of your ability to manage your own work effectively?

57. Have you identified and solved a problem with a procedure, product, or service that benefited the organization (for example, saved the organization time or money, increased sales, reduced errors, etc.)?

58. Have you designed a tool or device that helped you perform your work more effectively?

59. Have you successfully dealt with a disruption to regular operations in a way that allowed for completion of the work or continuation of a noncritical service?

60. Have you readily rearranged virtually all of your priorities and much of your schedule to accommodate a sudden major change, problem, or setback that had a relatively long-term impact on you (for example, assumed the duties of another staff member who quit unexpectedly, took in an elderly parent who suddenly became ill, etc.)?

61. Have you developed a formal mechanism to learn more about a problem (for example, developed a survey, conducted interviews or focus groups, etc.)?

62. Have you successfully done work that regularly required you to respond or react quickly in emergency situations (for example, combat duty, firefighting, rescue work, police work, natural disaster relief, etc.)?

63. Have you successfully done work that involved writing technical or legal reports, or translating technical or other complex material into language that was more easily understood?

64. Have you suggested or designed an innovative procedure for tracking information or expenses that improved the accuracy, efficiency, or accessibility of the information?

65. Have you successfully done work that only occasionally required you to present information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?

66. Have you successfully written reports that presented facts, findings, logical conclusions, and persuasive arguments (for example, wrote a thesis, briefing papers, policy papers, complex research papers, etc.)?

67. Have you received formal recognition for providing good service to customers or clients (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

68. Have you successfully planned activities for nonwork groups (for example, athletic teams, professional associations, religious groups, etc.)?

69. Have you received favorable feedback about your ability to provide oral instructions or on-the-job training to others, or about your ability to instruct or coach others in athletic, leisure, or community activities?

70. Have you successfully done work where one of your primary responsibilities was to solve customer problems (for example, provided support services for customers with software problems)?

71. Have you successfully worked closely with a client over an extended period of time to complete a project or resolve a problem?

72. Have you learned a hobby or leisure activity well enough that others have paid you to do it?

73. Have you successfully done paid work that regularly involved troubleshooting and resolving problems with equipment or systems (for example, appliances, vehicles, machinery, computer or electrical systems, etc.)?

74. Have you received formal recognition based on your creativity (for example, received an award, a letter of recognition, etc.)?

75. Have you successfully designed or developed innovative ways of gathering information that had not been used before in your organization (for example, developed a new form for recording patient history, used focus groups to get customer feedback, etc.)?

76. Have you designed or developed something, on your own initiative, to help you or other employees better complete assignments (for example, designed a training manual)?

77. Have you received formal recognition for your written work (for example, received an award, letter of commendation, excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

78. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved verifying the accuracy of information or the relevance of information to a problem or a situation (for example, investigative work)?

79. Have you successfully done work that frequently required you to present nontechnical information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?

80. Have you done work where regularly you were responsible for dealing with disruptions that impacted a group of people (for example, rowdy behavior at a public pool, weather changes at a camp, altercations in a prison, etc.)?

81. Have you suggested or made changes to products or procedures that resulted in better meeting customer needs?

82. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved composing letters or writing reports containing several short paragraphs, such as investigation reports, accident reports, performance evaluations, etc.?

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Thursday, July 03, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VG197858), Position Title (IT SPECIALIST (CAREER INTERN)), and grade (05/07);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

Submitting Documents

If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.org for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area.

 

Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the special cover page. Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager. Or, you may click this link http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf to print a blank copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below.  

 

Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number VG197858
Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.
Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144.

 

Faxed documents submitted with missing information will not be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed: 

 

Not using the special cover page mentioned above.
Missing, incomplete, or invalid Vacancy Identification Number
Missing or incomplete Social Security Number or name

 

Note: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied and saved then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this announcement.

  

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a 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, you MUST use the special cover page.  Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager, or you may click this link ( http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf ) to print a blank copy of the cover page.  When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below: 

Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number VG197858
Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.

Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144. 

Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

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.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU

Phone: (678)924-5785

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: VISN7DEU@MED.VA.GOV


Or write:
VA HEARTLAND NETWORK 15
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
THANK YOU, DE 30096

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.