What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Affairs Specialist position at United States Attorneys' Offices?
Summary
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
A recruitment incentive may be authorized for this position. (See Additional Information section for more details.)
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
This position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens and Nationals under 27-NYN-13078928-DE.
Duties
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If Selected For This Position, You Will Join a Well-respected Team To Serve As The Community Outreach And Public Affairs Specialist For The United States Attorneys' Office (USAO) For The Northern District Of New York Administering Programs To Inform And Educate The Public And District, State, And Region-wide Audiences Consisting Of Various Special Interest, Social, Economic, Community, Legal, And Law-enforcement Groups, Associations, Organizations, And Agencies. In Addition, You Will Devise And Implement Programs To Support The District's Mission, Goals, And Objectives To Include Sensitive And Controversial Matters, Which Occasionally Draw National Media Attention. Typical Work Assignments Will Include
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
To be qualified at the GS-12 level, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least work at the GS-11 level in Federal service, which has equipped you with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: planning and directing a comprehensive community outreach and public affairs program to educate the public on an organization's initiatives, programs, and operations; coordinating an organization's information program, responding in writing and orally to requests from media and various publics and special interest groups; establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with media representatives, general public, and specialized groups; organizing and coordinating media interviews, press conferences, and presentations to organizations to enhance understanding of significant issues; developing and disseminating new information materials using a variety of formats, including news releases, fact sheets, and articles for publication and various social media platforms; arranging and conducting community relations activities and other special events, workshops, seminars, and meetings with various organizations to stimulate program participation and identify audience concerns; and collecting and analyzing views and opinions of various publics to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend modifications as needed.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Special Employment Consideration: Persons with disabilities, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the armed forces, and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for non-competitive appointments. For further information, click on the links provided below . You must specify in your online questionnaire under what authority you wish to be considered and submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities Links
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
Additional information
Recruitment Incentive: A recruitment incentive may be authorized if this position is determined to be difficult to fill, if supported by the skills of the selected candidate, and subject to the availability of funds. If paid, an incentive requires a service agreement as well as satisfactory performance and conduct, the details of which will be provided prior to the selected candidate's entrance on duty.
Relocation: The payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorneys' Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
A recruitment incentive may be authorized for this position. (See Additional Information section for more details.)
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
This position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens and Nationals under 27-NYN-13078928-DE.
Duties
Help
If Selected For This Position, You Will Join a Well-respected Team To Serve As The Community Outreach And Public Affairs Specialist For The United States Attorneys' Office (USAO) For The Northern District Of New York Administering Programs To Inform And Educate The Public And District, State, And Region-wide Audiences Consisting Of Various Special Interest, Social, Economic, Community, Legal, And Law-enforcement Groups, Associations, Organizations, And Agencies. In Addition, You Will Devise And Implement Programs To Support The District's Mission, Goals, And Objectives To Include Sensitive And Controversial Matters, Which Occasionally Draw National Media Attention. Typical Work Assignments Will Include
- Planning, initiating, and implementing community outreach and public affairs campaigns to enhance understanding of the District's initiatives.
- Responding in writing and/or orally to information requests from the media, specialized groups, and general public.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives and groups interested in District programs through the use of various social media platforms.
- Organizing and coordinating media interviews with staff and developing and providing supporting materials as needed.
- Analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of the information, media relations, and community relations programs used to achieve greater understanding of the District's mission, goals, and objectives.
- Arranging and conducting special events, workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various organizations to stimulate program participation, identify concerns, and motivate groups to conduct similar programs.
- Advising and assisting other departmental components or federal agencies on carrying out community relations activities involving District programs.
- Evaluating program effectiveness, advising District leadership, and recommending modifications when appropriate.
- Developing articles for distribution and publication.
- Organizing press conferences and other media events to enhance the District's law enforcement message.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
- You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
- If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
- Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
- You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
To be qualified at the GS-12 level, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least work at the GS-11 level in Federal service, which has equipped you with the competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: planning and directing a comprehensive community outreach and public affairs program to educate the public on an organization's initiatives, programs, and operations; coordinating an organization's information program, responding in writing and orally to requests from media and various publics and special interest groups; establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with media representatives, general public, and specialized groups; organizing and coordinating media interviews, press conferences, and presentations to organizations to enhance understanding of significant issues; developing and disseminating new information materials using a variety of formats, including news releases, fact sheets, and articles for publication and various social media platforms; arranging and conducting community relations activities and other special events, workshops, seminars, and meetings with various organizations to stimulate program participation and identify audience concerns; and collecting and analyzing views and opinions of various publics to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend modifications as needed.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Special Employment Consideration: Persons with disabilities, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the armed forces, and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for non-competitive appointments. For further information, click on the links provided below . You must specify in your online questionnaire under what authority you wish to be considered and submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities Links
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.
Additional information
Recruitment Incentive: A recruitment incentive may be authorized if this position is determined to be difficult to fill, if supported by the skills of the selected candidate, and subject to the availability of funds. If paid, an incentive requires a service agreement as well as satisfactory performance and conduct, the details of which will be provided prior to the selected candidate's entrance on duty.
Relocation: The payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.