IT Specialist (APPSW) (Recent Graduate)

About the Role

The SSA Recent Graduates Program provides entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the Federal government. Program participants are placed in excepted service appointments, not-to-exceed 1 year. This position is being filled on a full-time basis. This is a 1-year developmental program. After successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.

Duties

• Evaluates, develops the technician design codes, and implements software using programming languages and command language.
• Creates new programs and/or modifies existing programs using programming and structured query languages.
• Translates systems requirements into application prototypes.
• Writes, debugs, and maintains code and implements programs or directs others in this phase of work.
• Defines user needs, determines and designs new computer applications and automated processes.
• Performs computer programming in any of several languages. Selects the most effective language for the purpose based upon a thorough analysis of objectives, costs, compatibility of languages and long-term viability of programs.
• Reviews proposals for major projects, special studies or special computer programming requests. Determines the feasibility and cost effectiveness of such projects and recommends approval or denial to their line management. Provides users with alternatives to their proposals, based upon analysis of user needs and technology available.
• Directs the maintenance of all regional software programs used locally, regionally, and nationally. Conducts local analyses of systems resources utilization and performs or coordinates system software support as needed.
• Serves as a technical expert of locally developed software processes. Provides technical guidance and recommendations to RO, PSC, TSC, FO and CO components.

Recent Graduate Program Eligibility

To qualify for appointment to the Recent Graduates Program, you must have completed all requirements of an academic course of study leading to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or qualifying certificate program from an accredited educational institution. Your graduation (degree conferred) date must be within the 2 years preceding your application to this announcement.

Preference-eligible veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period are entitled to a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may the eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date on which the preference eligible veteran completed the requirements of an academic course of study, when a qualifying degree or certificate was conferred.

Minimum Qualifications

Grade 7: Applicants must demonstrate experience that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, which has equipped them with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such IT-related experience may include:

• Supported product lifecycle activities, including ideation, development, and post-launch evaluation, under supervision.
• Participated in gathering and documenting stakeholder requirements for IT projects.
• Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for team meetings and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing updates and information to team members.
• Working as part of a team to implement IT solutions or improvements.

Grade 9: Applicants must demonstrate experience that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, which has equipped them with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such IT-related experience may include:

• Used programming languages and structured query languages to modify and maintain software applications with guidance.
• Supported product lifecycle activities, including ideation, development, and post-launch evaluation, under supervision.
• Participated in gathering and documenting stakeholder requirements for IT projects.
• Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for team meetings and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing updates and information to team members.

IT-Related Competencies (Grade 9)

• Attention to Detail (Level 3, Intermediate): Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
• Customer Service (Level 3, Intermediate): Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
• Interpersonal Skills (Level 3, Intermediate): Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
• Reasoning (Level 2, Basic): Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
• Teamwork (Level 3, Intermediate): Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Education

Proof of education or education substitutions must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) including the date the degree or certificate was conferred prior to being appointed.

If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. It is your responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application.

Pay & Schedule

GS-7 Woodlawn, MD: $58,193 - $75,653 based on OPM's 999C Special Rate Table
GS-9 Woodlawn, MD: $70,623 - $91,815