Position: Sign Language Interpreter/Reading Specialist, GS-12/13

Division: Office of EEO Affairs

Unit: Services Unit

Location: Washington, DC

Working Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm (Flexible)

Salary: GS-12 $94,199.00 - $122,459.00;
GS-13 $112,015.00 - $145,617.00;

Full Performance level: GS-13

Number of Positions Available: 2

Duration: Full Time/Permanent

Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.

In accordance with Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) provides the guidance and tools necessary to support FBI mission accomplishment in an environment free from unlawful discrimination, retaliation, and disruptive workplace discord. The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Through the American Sign Language Interpretation/Reading Services program (ASLIP), the FBI provides reasonable and effective accommodations in the form of interpreting services for the Deaf/hard of hearing individuals and reading services for the blind/low vision individuals who interface with the FBI.

Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• Selectee will be required to pass a practical exercise as part of the interview process. Staff interpreters will participate in the interview process with each selectee, separate from the structured interpreting session.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the FBI is to protect the American People and uphold the Constitution of the United States.

Major Duties:

GS-12:

• Serve as one of the coordinators and principal resources for the OEEOA ASLIP program, advocating accommodations supported by the Rehabilitation Act (1973) and required by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and FBI policy.
• Participate in frequent deployments and travel requirements, including working days and nights, based on the needs of the client.
• Provide reading services for employees who are blind/low vision in the FBI.
• Provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services to Deaf/hard of hearing employees, visitors, applicants, persons interacting with Federal and local law enforcement entities, high-level management, dignitaries at the Division and FBI Headquarter level, as well as various field offices and resident agencies throughout the FBI.
• Assesses and potentially advises supervisors and executive management on the needs of Deaf/hard of hearing employees, to determine service requirements.
• Prepares or assists with analytical and statistical data reports, assessing trends, and evaluating effectiveness.
• Testify in court on behalf of the FBI on any supported cases.

GS-13 In addition to the major duties above:

• Provide oversight and independent execution of major projects affecting the Deaf or blind customers, including but not limited to – projects in technology, contract development, creation of new SLI positions.
• Prepare written communications and make oral presentations, including training, to diverse groups (field offices, divisions, law enforcement agencies), representing the ASLIP program.
• Conducts studies of management practices and FBI processes affecting Deaf or blind clients, to identify areas of improvement and make recommendations for changes.
• Engages in partnerships and establishes relationships with the interpreting programs of Department of Justice (DOJ) components and Other Government Agencies (OGAs).
• Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for interpreting services and support.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI’s Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.

Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Most Competitive, Competitive, or Least Competitive. Names of candidates in the Most Competitive category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Veterans’ preference will be applied.

All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

• Communication
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Interpersonal Ability
• Organizing and Planning
• Customer Service
• Interpretation

Specialized Experience (SE):

GS-12: In addition to the above, applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Experience with knowledge of sources for the contracting of sign language interpreter services.
• Experience with knowledge of telecommunication devices for the deaf.
• Experience with knowledge and understanding of various employment practices, disability issues, and conditions that constitute barriers to equal employment opportunities.

GS-13: In addition to the above, applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Experience communicating effectively with persons at all levels of the Bureau, community leaders, and management personnel in other organizations.
• Experience developing training curriculum and utilizing various teaching methods and audiovisual equipment during the instruction of sign language courses.
• Experience preparing written narrative reports in order to explain procedures, regulations, and concepts.
• Experience adjusting and communicating without disrupting the flow of communication.

How to Apply
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on