Veteran Outreach Program Specialist

About the role

The Veterans Outreach Program Specialist serves as the principal outreach staff member for Military Reserve and National Guard members returning from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) — Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). The nature of the job requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center. This position requires you to drive to various locations to interact with the target community in the mobile vet center. You must have and maintain a state-issued driver's license; your driving record will be verified as part of the selection process and annually on your birthday if selected. Closing date for applications: 10/29/2026.

Qualifications

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)

CTAP provides selection priority for eligible federal employees. To receive priority you must:

• Be "surplus" or "displaced" (as defined below)
• Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent
• Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• Apply for a specific vacancy at or below your current grade level with no greater promotion potential than your current position
• Meet the application deadline in the announcement
• Be found "well qualified" for the job

You are "surplus" if you: are in the competitive service; are in tenure group I (career) or tenure group II (career-conditional); and have an official notice from your agency that your position is no longer needed (e.g., Certificate of Expected Separation, agency certification of surplus organization/occupation, notice of position abolition, or letter of eligibility for discontinued service retirement).

You are "displaced" if you: are in the competitive service; are in tenure group I or II; and have an official notice that you will be separated by reduction in force (specific RIF separation notice, or notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment/transfer out of the local commuting area).

You are generally NOT eligible for CTAP priority if you are in the excepted service; downgraded/reassigned due to RIF but not separated; in a different local commuting area; in a temporary or term position; in an agency not in the Executive branch or not following OPM hiring procedures (including Postal Service, legislative and judicial branch agencies); or in the Senior Executive Service. For details see OPM CTAP Guidance.

Time-In-Grade Requirement

Current federal employees who have held a GS grade within the past 52 weeks must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level (in any occupation, but in federal service). An SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted; if the most recent SF-50 is dated within the past year, an additional SF-50 showing one full year at grade is required. This also applies to former federal employees seeking reinstatement and current employees applying under VEOA.

GS-09 Qualification Requirements

You may qualify based on specialized experience, education, or a combination.

Specialized Experience (GS-09): One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the Veterans Outreach Program Specialist. Examples include:

• Participating and assisting in the planning of outreach events and generating program referrals
• Providing individual and group presentations to inform others of various services
• Distributing and assisting in the creation of marketing materials (brochures, presentations, flyers, fact sheets, web content)
• Accurately maintaining client records in accordance with program guidelines and policies
• Collecting outreach data and providing reports to leadership

Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B./J.D. if related.

Combination: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

GS-11 Qualification Requirements

You may qualify based on specialized experience, education, or a combination.

Specialized Experience (GS-11): One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. Examples include:

• Working in the community — developing, planning, scheduling, and conducting outreach events and referral processes
• Creating and presenting formal briefings to diverse audiences (various education, environmental, ethics, and cultural backgrounds)
• Developing, managing, and distributing outreach materials (brochures, presentations, flyers, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information highlighting services and locations)
• Preparing and maintaining records including documentation of contacts, client visits, and administrative activities per program guidelines
• Preparing and providing accurate reports and cursory analysis on outreach data as assigned per program requirements

Education: Ph.D. or equivalent degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M. if related.

Combination: A combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education in excess of the first year (or 18 semester hours).

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA)

SAA may be used to qualify based on one of the following:

• Grade-point average: 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 ("B" or better) on official transcript or as computed over 4 years of education or final 2 years of curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on average of required courses in the major field or those completed in the final 2 years.
• Class standing: Upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision (e.g., College of Liberal Arts, School of Business Administration) based on completed courses.
• Honor society membership: Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.

Responsibilities

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder (GS-09/GS-11). The major duties listed represent the full performance level (GS-11); at lower grade levels you will perform assignments of more limited scope and with less independence, progressively acquiring the background necessary for full performance. The incumbent has an office at the Vet Center but a major portion of services are conducted away from the office — in other agencies' offices, "nontraditional" settings, and military, reserve, and National Guard