Schedule AHow Federal Employment can benefit our clients…

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Now, I know what you are thinking…

Federal Employment = Washington D.C.

No, Federal Employment

opportunities exist across Utah. Here

are just a few…

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

United States Department of the Interior (USDI)

United States Department of Energy

United States Environmental Protection Agency

United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Specialized hiring authority that allows Federal hiring officials to appoint qualified people with disabilities non-competitively.

• The candidate must meet all job qualifications of an approved position description.

• The candidate must furnish the Department with a Schedule A certification letter or some other proof of disability documentation prior to appointment.

What is Schedule A?

What is proof of disability documentation?• Statements or letters on a

physician’s/medical professional’s letterhead stationary.

• Statements, records or letter from a Federal Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits.

• Statements, records or letters from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency counselor.

• Certification from a private Vocational Rehabilitation or other Counselor that issues or provides disability benefits.

Schedule A Certification Letter• The letter must state the

individual has a disability and is eligible for hiring under this authority. Candidates may obtain such letters from their local vocational rehabilitation agency.

Sample of Certification Letter

Two Ways to fill positions:• Competitive

−Advertised through vacancy announcements.

• Non-Competitive−Do not have to be advertised.−Selecting official can select a person with a

disability who has a Schedule A certification.

• Meets the qualification requirements for the job, and;

• Is able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

People with disabilities may apply for jobs in either category.

Competitive Hiring Process1. Apply On-line through

www.USAJobs.gov

2. Goes to Modal Staffing Specialist.

3. Rating/Review.

4. Top qualified- forwarded to hiring manager.

5. Hiring manager selects for interviews.

Non-Competitive Hiring Process1. Resume and Schedule A/Vet Letter sent to

Departmental Selective Placement Coordinator (SPC).

2. Departmental SPC screens/provides feedback to applicant and forward to Modal (Area or Regional) SPC’s. http://apps.opm.gov/sppc_directory/

3. Modal SPC’s screens and forwards to hiring manager.

4. Hiring manager considers applicants and communicates with Modal SPC.

5. Hiring Manager selects for interviews.

Selective Placement Coordinators • Departmental SPC

−Background in disability, education, training/outreach, reasonable accommodations.

−Work to systemically improve communication, streamline processes, establish internal/external networks, policy development.

−“Sells” Schedule A to hiring managers.−Helps to coordinate accommodations as

needed in the hiring process.

Partnering with VR:• Respond quickly to job announcements.

− Normally there is a one-two week window before the position is posted competitively.

• Improve the quality and completeness of applications.− Ensure that all applicants have grammar/spell

checked resumes.− Provide complete Schedule A letters electronically.

• Keep resumes concise and accurate− Encourage applicants to include a “specialized

skills” area that summarizes their skills and abilities.

− Review for grammar/inaccuracies, typos.− Only refer qualified applicants.

More Info:• Possible internships/apprenticeships

with Federal Agencies.

• Web site is www.USAJobs.gov

• Also, can review information on www.opm.gov/disability/appointment

Questions?

Contact:Leah Lobato, Employer Relations

Specialist, USOR

801-538-7964

leahlobato@utah.govWork Ability UtahWork Ability Utah

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