About this role
Job SummaryThis position serves as an Education Program Specialist in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, performing professional work for educationally related program (or group of programs) directed towards improving American education.
QualificationsMinimum Qualification Requirements: You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-09, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-09: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-07 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience interpreting grant programs and their function, and be able to identify areas where there may be issues and challenges with respect to discretionary and formula grant programs and be able to identify the sources necessary to mediate the challenge. Experience of state law, regulations, and policy with respect to specific grant program requirements and accountability. Experience providing technical support to advise applicants on the requirements for submitting contract and/or grant proposals. You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-11, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-11: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-09 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience reviewing program guidance on formula or discretionary grant programs, and an awareness of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques in implementing new procedures and approaches, to identify areas where there may be issues and challenges with respect to discretionary grant programs. Experience discerning grant program requirements and accountability and the interplay between Federal and State responsibilities. Experience in the support and/or provision of technical support, on education projects; advising applicants on the requirements for submitting contract or grant proposals. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) GS-09 The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-09: Knowledge of education theories, principles and practices and the roles of the federal, state, or local governments sufficient to support evaluations on funded educational programs, their requirements and problems. Knowledge of the grant process to support grant management and provide technical assistance to grantees. Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to convey information and prepare basic reports. Knowledge of qualitative or quantitative data techniques to analyze academic and program data and develop reports supporting program implementation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) GS-11 The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-11: Skill in applying educational theories, principles, and practices, and federal, state, or local government roles to independently plan, evaluate, and advise on funded educational programs; analyze program requirements and issues; and recommend solutions to improve program effectiveness and compliance. Skill in applying the grant process to anticipate issues, conceptualize and implement strategies to support effective grant management, and provide technical assistance to grantees Skill in applying qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques to analyze academic and program data and develop reports that support program implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Skill in oral and written communication sufficient to clearly convey complex information, prepare reports, and present findings to diverse audiences.
Major DutiesAPPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As an Education Program Specialist, GS-1720-09, you will be responsible for: Performing professional work for an educationally related program (or group of programs) directed towards improving American education, achieving program objectives through the management of grants and contracts as well as through professional leadership and expertise. Serving as a program officer in support of formula and discretionary grant programs. Performing assignments related to program review (i.e., monitoring), and providing technical assistance to each assigned grantee. Participating in special initiative, meeting, planning; developing and monitoring contract activities. Writing reports and, with support, making recommendations to senior program staff. Preparing designated segments of project documentation and other supporting information. Supporting the program office in reviewing data, with support, evaluating grantee progress toward quality and outcome measures following established protocols. As an Education Program Specialist, GS-1720-11, you will be responsible for: Interpreting program requirements, criteria, rules and regulations, and comments on proposed regulations and policies. Meeting and consulting with staff and program officials to obtain their cooperation and input. Eliciting and compiling viewpoints and alternatives that afford management the benefit of several views and options. Following established criteria to conduct monitoring reviews to assess the educational effectiveness and progress of grantees and to determine compliance with Department rules and regulations, with grant/contract terms and agreements, and with proposal objectives and to provide technical assistance to each assigned grantee. Reviewing data, with support, to evaluate grantee progress toward quality and outcome measures following established protocols. Writing reports and making recommendations to senior program staff. Prepaing designated segments of project documentation and other supporting information.RequirementsCondition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: • your performance and conduct; • the needs and interests of the agency; • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. 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. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.