Job Listing: Case Advocate

Duty Locations

 01 vacancies - Chicago Metro area, IL 01 vacancies - Springfield, IL

Among the benefits and advantages of assuming an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) position is excelling in a work culture that is more than the sum of its parts. Here, you will find a commitment to provide a balance to your personal life and a dedication to recognizing the professional needs and ambitions of all employees, including distinct groups. In fact more often than not, IRS benefits exceed private sector offerings.

APPLICANTS MUST BE FLUENT IN READING, SPEAKING AND WRITING BOTH SPANISH AND ENGLISH.

These positions are located in a Local Taxpayer Advocate's office of the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).  The incumbent serves as an entry-level Case Advocate trainee under close supervision.  The employee develops basic skills in advocating to the IRS for taxpayers who have suffered or are about to suffer a tax-related hardship.  Also develops basic skills in resolving taxpayer problems that have not been resolved through normal contacts with the IRS.

The incumbent communicates orally and in writing with both English and Spanish-speaking taxpayers and their representatives, corporate representatives, and other government officials.

Promotion Potential: 09

Major Duties

Incumbent assists taxpayers in technical and procedural cases to develop the incumbents' analytical and personal contact skills.  Interviews taxpayers to determine their tax situations and answers questions on their accounts, notices or bills received, and status of accounts.  Counsels taxpayers on basic case issues, advocates for the taxpayer with the IRS' operating/functional divisions (O/FD's) to resolve issues, and takes corrective action within statutory and delegated authorities, thereby developing expertise in advising, educating, and assisting taxpayers in preventing future tax problems.  Confers with customers meeting TAS criteria to provide explanations to those who are unable to resolve their tax problems with other IRS organizations due to a delay beyond normal processing time, a significant hardship, or where systemic issues have been identified.  Performs research, analysis, and necessary computations to make adjustments to customers' accounts.  Per the TAS/IRS service level agreements, recommends adjustments as appropriate, credit transfers, payment tracers, and computations to tax, penalty, and interest.  Prepares manual refunds, makes abatements, and prepares and executes waivers to extend statues within TAS authorities.  Explains to the taxpayer actions taken, citing applicable laws as necessary.  Fully advises customer of all appeal rights and secures agreement of customer to final decision.  As needed, answers telephone calls from taxpayers from a published telephone line and determines whether calls meet TAS criteria for handling a case and directs calls or gives information to taxpayer.

How to Apply

How To Apply:

To apply for this position, you must provide both of the following parts:

1.      Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, and

2.      Your resume and any other documents specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement.

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 must be complete by Monday, July 14, 2008.

 

Step 1

 

Option A: Application Manager
To begin, choose one of these options:

1.  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.

2.  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.  You can print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline.

2.  Obtain and 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.  You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume, and any supporting documents either by fax, by mail or in person.

By Fax: If you are faxing a completed Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover page. Simply make sure that all six pages of the Form 1203-FX are on top of any other documents you are faxing. 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.

Note: If you are only submitting supporting documents see the Submitting Documents instruction in Step 2 below.

 

By mail or in person:

 

      Office of Personnel Management
Atlanta Services Branch
75 Spring Street, SW., Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30303
AT196530

                  Staffing Group: (404) 331-4541

Step 2 

Resume
Qualifications
Veterans Preference documentation 
Miscellaneous

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 copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below.  

 

Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number:  AT196530 
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.

 

Electronic resumes must be submitted by midnight Eastern Time on the closing date. 

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE CLOSING DATE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.

Required Documents:

For this job announcement the following documents are required:

Resume - Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications.

Veterans Preference documentation (if applicable) - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), if applicable Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying to the veteran's present receipt of compensation.

To submit the documents requested follow the instructions above. Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process, fax, mail or by hand-delivery. Please ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone and at least your last four digits of your social security number.

Contact Information:
STAFFING GROUP

Phone: (404)331-4541

Email: Atlanta@opm.gov


Or write:
Atlanta Services Branch
Office of Personnel Management
75 Spring Street SW Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30303


What To Expect Next:

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire. If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM Form 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


Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is:  AT196530

1. Title of Job

Case Advocate
2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address


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 you are willing to accept: 

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


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 Case Advocate
21. Geographic Availability


0121 Chicago Metro area, IL0132 Springfield, IL
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

APPLICANT RACE AND NATIONAL ORIGIN

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.

1 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.2 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.3 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.4 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.5 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.6 A person not included in another category.7 ATLANTA ZONE includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia8 CHICAGO ZONE includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin9 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:

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, Case Advocate 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 four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree or possess a bachelor's degree in any field of study.
B. I have at least three years of general experience, at least one year of which is equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service that demonstrated a basic knowledge of business practices; analyzing and making recommendations; communicating orally and/or in writing.
C. I have less than four years of post-high school education or a bachelor's degree described in "A," and less than the experience described in "B", but I have a combination of education and the type of experience described above.
D. My work primarily involved maintaining files, routing telephone calls, and tracking leave and attendance.
E. 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, Case Advocate 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 in any field of study and meet Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) Grade Point Average (GPA), (2) Class Standing, and (3) National Honor Society. 1. Grade-point Average- a grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 3.0 or higher) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last 2 full years of undergraduate study; or a grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.5 or higher) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study; or 2. Class Standing- rank in the upper one-third of your class in college, university, or major subdivision; or 3. Honor Society Membership- membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
B. I have one full year of graduate level study (18 semester hours), or possess a Master's or higher degree, e.g., Ph.D., etc., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position.
C. I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service that involved tracking or controlling funds for special programs; or analyzing program work pertaining to payroll, cash control, or benefit systems; or developing financial controls; or interpreting and applying laws, decisions and rulings to agency operations; or examining financial transactions to determine their legality; or issuing, collecting or controlling appropriated or non-appropriated funds.
D. I have one year of general experience performing clerical duties such as answering the telephone, inputting data, typing, etc.
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 kind of experience described in "C."
F. My education and/or experience is not reflected in any of the above statements.

3. I am fluent in reading, speaking, and writing both Spanish and English.  (I have provided documentation in my application).

A. Yes
B. No

4. Please fill in "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

5. Please fill in "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 (Form C) 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 4.
 

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 and oral communication, 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.

Remember:

A- For Yes
B- For No

12. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved keeping detailed financial records, making or verifying calculations for accounting purposes, or preparing financial reports?

13. Have you taken the initiative to learn new skills or acquire additional knowledge that improved your performance at work or school, or in leisure activities?

14. 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?

15. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved making decisions about disclosure of sensitive or confidential information?

16. Have you successfully audited financial records, or monitored a budget to ensure expenditures were within budget, or that funds were disbursed, properly accounted for, or used according to regulations or policies?

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

18. 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?

19. Have you successfully completed a small-scale project (lasting several days or weeks) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?

20. Have you successfully reviewed and evaluated forms, applications, documents, or other information, not including contract proposals or bids, to make determinations (for example, to determine approval or denial of loans, eligibility for claims, etc.)?

21. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting with people, other than your co-workers, from a foreign country or from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds?

22. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, gathering nonsensitive information, or providing assistance to others, either in person or by telephone?

23. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved forecasting costs or revenues for the short term (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)?

24. 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.)?

25. Have you successfully done work of a nonemergency nature that required you to be flexible about being on call, frequently changing work hours or locations, etc. (for example, worked as a substitute teacher, worked as a "temp" for a temporary agency, etc.)?

26. 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.?

27. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting or coordinating with people outside of your immediate work group (for example, people from other offices, departments, organizations, etc.)?

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

29. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for fewer than 10 people?

30. 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.)?

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

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

33. Have you successfully done work, not including schoolwork, that required you to juggle several assignments or projects at the same time?

34. Have you successfully responded to external changes that impacted a business you owned or managed (for example, responded to changes in the market, new laws, etc.)?

35. Have you successfully done work where one of your responsibilities was to handle payroll, accounts receivable, or accounts payable?

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

37. Have you successfully done work, not including computer applications classes, that regularly involved using statistical software programs to analyze data?

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

39. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved discussing sensitive information with others, or interviewing or surveying people, either in person or by telephone, to gather information they were reluctant to give?

40. Have you successfully done work where your primary responsibility was financial management (for example, worked as a budget assistant, accounting clerk, financial planner, budget analyst, etc.)?

41. Have you served on a decision-making board or committee (for example, student governing board, planning board, homeowners' association board, etc.)?

42. Have you received favorable feedback about your interpersonal skills when serving as a leader, instructor, or supervisor for academic, religious, community, sports, leisure, or work activities?

43. Do you have a professional license or certificate issued by a state or other official or professional licensing board indicating your mastery of a specialized body of knowledge (for example, cosmetology, real estate, certified public accounting, etc.)?

44. 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?

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

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

47. 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?

48. 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.)?

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

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

51. Have you received formal recognition for solving a work-related problem (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, etc.)?

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

53. Have you received formal recognition for your ability to work well with others (for example, received a letter of recommendation or appreciation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

54. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved deciding how best to use the strengths of team members (for example, deciding who to assign to various projects, which player to put in each position, etc.)?

55. Have you successfully worked as treasurer of a school or community group, or planned and monitored the budget for a special school, group, or community project (for example, a class reunion, school trip abroad, neighborhood block party, etc.)?

56. 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.)?

57. Have you successfully done work that constantly required you to work under difficult time constraints?

58. Have you successfully done work that involved deciding which supplies, equipment, or merchandise to purchase for a group or organization?

59. 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)?

60. Do you regularly monitor your progress toward achieving your career goals (for example, by initiating discussions about your career goals with your supervisor, employee counselor, mentor, etc.)?

61. 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)?

62. Have you successfully completed a complex research project that included collecting and analyzing information, and reporting conclusions or recommendations?

63. 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.)?

64. Have you broken a sales record or a similar record, regularly exceeded quotas or similar productivity standards, or received formal recognition for doing work that surpassed what was expected (for example, received a certificate of appreciation, bonus, etc.)?

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

66. 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.)?

67. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved using computer software to run a payroll, accounting, or inventory system, or to record or track other quantitative information?

68. 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.)?

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

70. 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?

71. Have you successfully done work that involved making personnel decisions (for example, who to hire, promote, or discipline) or deciding how to allocate equipment, materials, staff, etc.?

72. 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.)?

73. Have you successfully remained courteous and tactful while enforcing laws or policies or helping customers, clients, or members of the public who were hostile or upset, not including handling customer complaints (for example, worked in a crisis center, worked as a police officer, parole officer, park ranger, etc.)?

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

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

76. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for 10 or more people?

77. Have you made decisions that turned an unprofitable business into a profit-making operation?

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

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

80. Have you successfully done work that involved forecasting costs or revenues for the long term (annually or longer)?

81. 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.)?

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