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Communication Specialist

Department of Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security - Agency Wide
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Summary

This Joint Duty assignment is a virtual assignment. In a virtual Joint Duty assignment, the employee works from the employing office (physically) or teleworks from home full-time, a standard 40-hour work week. This assignment is 1year non-reimbursable assignment and may be extended in 120-day increments as needed.

This position is located in the DHS Joint Duty Program, Office of the Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO).

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
02/01/2021 to 02/05/2021
Salary
$79,468 to - $103,309 per year

Your pay is current and based on your home agency

Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Location Negotiable After Selection, United States
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Detail
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Announcement number
JDP-10977221-20-DC
Control number
585808500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This detail opportunity is for current competitive and excepted service employees only. If you are not a current federal civilian employee you will not be eligible for this position. DHS Joint Duty Assignments do not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Duties

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Defining and leading internal communication initiatives, including writing/drafting/editing messages and other communications.

Drafting executive level talking points for internal or external engagements.

Drafting and preparing articles for media publication, including coordinating the review process through leadership and Public Affairs.

Reviewing/editing fact sheets, promotional materials, messages to the workforce, and other strategic messaging and communiques for stakeholders.

Developing/updating content for internally-facing and externally-facing webpages on SharePoint, DHS Connect, and DHS.gov, as needed, including coordinating with site managers.

Provides ancillary support throughout all Strategic Learning, Development and Engagement (SLDE) offices.



Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a current permanent Federal employee
  • Must have supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment
  • Must NOT have any pending/outstanding disciplinary actions
  • Must have achieved a minimum of "meet expectations/proficiency" on latest performance appraisal/evaluation
  • Must currently be at the grade level of the detail or equivalent in other pay system . ? No Temporary Promotion Opportunity
  • The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.
  • Must complete DHS 250-2 Application Form.? Supervisory signature is required. Please see "Required Documents" section for form.

Qualifications

Qualifications required:

You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you are currently a GS-13 and meet the qualifications below.

  1. Ability to communicate orally and in writing;
  2. Attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and sound judgment;
  3. Ability to think creatively about how to pitch and position stories;
  4. Excellent organizational skills;
  5. Develop materials for the media that promote the Joint Duty Program Office's policy;
  6. Contribute to the Joint Duty Program Office web site s social media presence;
  7. Research and investigate new or improved communication and marketing practices for application to agency programs or operations;
  8. Identify data required for use in the management and direction of programs;
  9. Provide higher management with reports, evaluated information, proposals and similar products necessary for effective direction of administrative operations.
Applicants must possess strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills. Honed writing skills at the executive level and ability to research and absorb information rapidly and turn out high-quality written products is a must. Knowledge or prior experience in public affairs, strategic communications, and media relations is desirable, but not required.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:
It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement.

Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated based on your resume.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:
  1. Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job)
  2. Duties (Be specific in describing your duties)
  3. Name of Federal agency
  4. Supervisor name, email, and phone number
  5. Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

Additional information

**DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving.

If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance to placement AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position.

Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA:

  1. Complete the DHS Training Course 15 days prior to the arrival to the JDA.
  2. Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include:
    • Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA.
    • Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA.
    • Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.
  3. Complete 12 hours of professional development using Skillsoft courses, videos, and books in conjunction with the established assignment objectives for the JDA.
  4. Attend each of the DHS Joint Duty Program Director's quarterly webinars (1 hour per quarter).

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this Joint Duty Assignment.

If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination will be made. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Note: DHS continues to take necessary steps to keep our workforce safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive a final Joint Duty Assignment offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding requirements and/or forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed.

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