Public Affairs Specialist

Location

Atlanta, Georgia

Department

Department of Health And Human Services

Agenc

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SubAgenc

National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP)

MajorDuties

As a Public Affairs Specialist (Bilingual-English/Spanish) you will: Plan, design, and evaluate comprehensive, national strategic communication efforts to convey information concerning the organization's programs, to both English and Spanish-speaking publics served or affected by such programs. Analyze the social, political, and media environment in which communications will be received, develops communication objectives, strategies, and tactics, in both English and Spanish, to advance program objectives within this environment. Recommend and use digital tools to engage with reporters broadly and/or one-on-one in both English and Spanish. Conduct national strategic communication efforts on health, science, and/or medical issues with responsibility for planning, developing, and communicating the organization's programs, policies, and activities. Translate health, medical, data, and/or scientific information, as well as complex policies and programs into messages; delivers messages to the news media and/or external partners, in both English and Spanish.

Education

Requirements

US Citizenship is required. Background Investigation is required. E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant. Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. One-year probationary period may be required. Travel, transportation, and moving expenses may be paid: No Bargaining Unit Position: Yes Drug Screening Required: No Recruitment incentive may be authorized Relocation incentive may be authorized Annual Leave for non-federal service may be authorized. Promotion potential: Yes, This position has promotion potential to GS-13. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your meeting qualifications and time-in-grade requirements, demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and administrative approval. Promotion to the next grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied. Public Trust/Moderate Background Investigation (5) is required The position requires skill in reading, speaking, and writing fluently in both English and Spanish.

Evaluations

In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 14, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public. Applicants tentatively selected for this position may be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative applicant drug test result. In order to demonstrate commitment to the HHS goal of a drug-free workplace and to set an example for other Federal employees, employees not in a testing designated position may volunteer for unannounced random testing by notifying their Drug-free Federal Workplace Program Point of Contact upon hiring. Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates. The category assignment is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified or Qualified. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics). Digital Information DisseminationExternal and Organizational Awareness and Partnership DevelopmentFoundations in Health Communication and MarketingIssues Analysis, Planning, Advising, and ConsultingNews Media Information DisseminationPublic Affairs Science and Decision Making

HowToAppl

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on09/07/2022 of this announcement to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. If you cannot apply online: You are encouraged to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, please use the following link: Alternate Application. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online if at all possible. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application and you will not receive status updates. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position. To view the questionnaire, click on the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11601766

WhatToExpectNext

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks). Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.

RequiredDocuments

Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed. Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume: Classified or government sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents 2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal). If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx. For USPHS Commissioned Corps Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates: In lieu of PHS Personnel Order (PHS-7063), submit an official copy of your USPHS CAD Medical and Professional Boarding notifications stating you are physically qualified and recommended for appointment. Consideration is subject to Armed Forces Veterans Preference. Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. For Résumé and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.

Benefits

OtherInformation

Positions may be available in multiple locations across the United States, along with telework and remote opportunities, based on the hiring agency and the agency's remote/telework/virtual work policy. This position may be represented by the following union certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority as the exclusive representative: American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2883 BUS Code 1872, President Marie Hopson, email: afgelocal2883@cdc.gov Website: https://www.afge2883.org/external icon For more information you may contact American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2883 or your local human resources office at 770-488-1725 or hrcs@cdc.gov. References: FLRA The Statute Additional selections may be made within the same geographical location CDC-wide. The utilization of shared certificates within multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention may be used from this vacancy announcement for specialties to include but not limited to: Applied Epidemiology, Behavioral Epidemiology, Chronic Diseases, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Environmental Health, HIV/AIDS, Immunization, Infectious Diseases (e.g. Viral, Parasitic, etc.), Influenza, Malaria, Non-communicable Diseases, Outbreak Investigations, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Surveillance, Tropical Medicine, Tuberculosis (TB), Viral Hepatitis, and/or Zoonotic Diseases. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov). For information on "People with Disabilities" please see http://opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp and https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/getting-a-job/sampleschedaletters.pdf. Former and present Peace Corps personnel may be considered to fill vacancies. Peace Corps personnel are eligible for consideration if you have completed at least 36 months of continuous service, without a break in service of 3 days or more. This requirement is consistent with section 7(a) of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2506), which pertains to the appointment of Peace Corps staff (not volunteers) and is applicable within 3 years after separation from qualifying service with the Peace Corps. A copy of your SF-50 is required to support your request. Peace Corps Volunteers may be considered to fill vacancies. Executive Order 11103 provides eligibility for appointment in the competitive service for any person who is certified by the Director of the Peace Corps as having served satisfactorily as a Volunteer or Volunteer Leader under the Peace Corps Act and who passes such examination as the Office of Personnel Management may prescribe.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

01

AnnouncementClosingType

03

SecurityClearance

Other

DrugTestRequired

False

AdjudicationType

Suitability/Fitness,Credentialing

PositionSensitiviti

Moderate Risk (MR)

HiringPaths

FED-TRANSITION, PUBLIC, VET

JobAnnouncementNumber

HHS-CDC-D5-22-11601766

SalaryRange

$83755.0 to $108886.0/PA

MinimumRange

• 83755.0

MaximumRange

• 108886.0

OpenPeriod

8/25/2022 12:00:00 AM to 9/7/2022 11:59:59 PM

ScheduleType

Full-Time

AgencyMarketingStatement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency Americans trust with their lives. As a global leader in public health, CDC is the nation's premier health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agency. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, or mobilizing public health programs with our domestic and international partners, we rely on our employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of people here and around the world. This position is located in the Department of Health And Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases (DDID), National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Office of the Director (OD), Health Communication Science Office (HCSO), in Atlanta, Georgia. This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement HHS-CDC-MP5-22-11601767 under merit promotion procedures. Please review that announcement to see if you are eligible for consideration under merit promotion procedures. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered. Current, active duty PHS Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps (not as a career/career-conditional employee) are encouraged to apply under the merit promotion announcement (if applicable). CDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JobSummar

The incumbent will develop and deliver complete strategic communication plans for the organization, to engage externally with news media and partners, and to provide program officials advisory, planning, and technical services in designing approaches, resolving public affairs problems, and advancing program and policy objectives in various program areas.

QualificationsRequired

Requirements Continue: Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. 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 that to the Human Resources Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service as defined in the next paragraph. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position to include experience assessing scientific data to identify, write, and recommend health messages in English and Spanish and strategies for the national news media on topics related to social, cultural, or health equity issues; to resolve public affairs problems; and advance program and policy objectives. . Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

AgencyContactInfo

CDC HELPDESK 1600 Clifton Road NE Atlanta GA US 30333

Telephone

(770) 488-1725

Email

HRCS@CDC.GOV

JobCategor

Public Affairs

SeriesAndGrade

1035- GS-12/12

IsPositionLocationForeign

0

PositionsCount

1

Placeholder1

1079

Placeholder2

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), The public, Veterans

score

1.0