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Full Job Description
Duties
- Utilizes extensive legal research ability and special bibliographical competence in law and legislative services.
- Provides guidance, direction and oversight in one or more of the following functions: a major library system, programs, e.g., cataloging, acquisitions and collections development and maintenance, reference and research and Digital Library services.
- Provides comprehensive, reference, research, advisory, evaluative, consultative and instructional services to individuals and groups.
- Responds to a range of complex inquiries, including those in new or highly specialized fields of knowledge, those regarding historical materials that are difficult to identify or locate and information involving rapidly evolving terminology.
- Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility.
- Exercises considerable judgment and discretion when interpreting and applying guidelines, including deviating from or extending traditional methods, techniques and practices or identifying areas for improvement in established methods and procedures.
- Plans and manages all functions of a large, diverse legal research collection.
- Provides extensive legal and legislative reference services utilizing a variety of highly complex technical and specialized databases and other diverse sources.
- Recommends acquisition and budget modifications by reviewing all new and renewal contracts for publications and library services, for consistency in specifications and customer requirements.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required. Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background/security investigation results.
- See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED sections for more information about this position.
Qualifications
(1) an Individual Occupational Requirement for the federal GS-1410 series, including
(2) additional education specific to the Librarian (Law) specialty AND
(3) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience
(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR)
Applicants for Librarian positions must demonstrate the following:
A. Successful completion of all work required for a bachelor’s degree followed by at least one full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university.
OR
B. A combination of college-level education, training and experience that totals at least 5 years. To qualify on this basis, you must establish conclusively that your education and experience provides knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles and techniques of professional librarianship, knowledge of literature resources and knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
(2) ADDITIONALLY, for Librarian (Law) positions, where the work is primarily concerned with providing library services in law or legislative reference, your education and/or experience must include one of the following:
A. Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university that meets all academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree and includes at least 24 semester hours in law or legal studies.
B. Successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal studies in an accredited law school.
C. At least 4 years of legal research experience that provides knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, terminology and expressions of law librarianship and an understanding of the standard methods, procedures and techniques of legal research and analysis. This experience must be equivalent to: (1) that which would have been acquired through successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, earned in an accredited college or university, that included at least 24 semester hours in law or legal studies or (2) that which would have been acquired through successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal studies in an accredited law school.
This education is in addition to the education in (1) above that requires at least 1 year of graduate study in library science. Transcripts must be submitted to support ALL educational claims.
(3) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your experience was gained in another federal pay scale or outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to a federal position at or above GS-12.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work primarily concerned with directing the overall operation of a law library; utilizing theories and practices by which information is categorized; providing comprehensive legal reference, research and advisory services to professional staff and maintaining up-to-date information on law librarianship.
If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it.
Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don’t describe.
An affirmative response to the online questionnaire is not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (e.g., Individual Occupational Requirement, including additional Law Librarian education AND Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Information on this job series can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1400/librarian-series-1410/
Education
This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) for Librarian positions, including additional education required for the Law Librarian specialty. (See QUALIFICATIONS)
You must meet and demonstrate both educational requirements and submit documents that fully support your claim (even if you already hold a federal 1410 series position).
TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE or you may not receive credit for completed courses.
DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT.
Remember to submit transcripts for ALL college-level education, e.g., your bachelor’s degree, as well as transcripts for all graduate and legal studies.
TRANSCRIPTS – submit copes of your full transcripts, showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled, the relevant courses completed and degree conferred. Highlight courses in library science and/or legal studies to ensure they’re given appropriate consideration.
Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must upload your transcripts as part of your application. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.
If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended.
If you are demonstrating a combination of education, training and experience, be very specific about how that combination meets the full qualification requirements.
If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.
Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or that full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
OTHER NOTES:
See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for this position.
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position.
This is a bargaining unit position.
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedules (AWS).
This position is eligible for telework consideration after all conditions for telework have been met.
This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is Woodlawn, MD. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS by the time of your appointment.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
This is a moderate-risk public trust position. You may be required to complete SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
Location of position:
SSA Headquarters
Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management (ODCBFM)
Office of Facilities and Logistics Management (OLFM)
Office of Media and Logistics Management (OMLM)
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
(1) Eligible applicants will receive a score based on your responses to the experience questions in the online questionnaire.
Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12532695
(2) Using that score, you will be placed into one of three Category Rating groups.
– Best Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
– Well Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
– Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, skills, and abilities
Veterans’ Preference is considered during this part of the evaluation.
(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on your score, your transcripts and resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the IOR, additional Law Librarian education / experience and Specialized Experience required for this position.
Your resume must describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited.
– Skill in managing a legal research library
– Skill in conducting online legal searches
– Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing
– Knowledge of Law Library theories and practices
– Knowledge of federal budget and acquisition processes
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
Affirmative responses to the eligibility questions and experience in the online questionnaire are subject to verification.
(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the full IOR and Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review. (See Priority Selection below.)
Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability.
PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-qualified ICTAPapplicants will receive the first consideration if appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS).
Qualified Veterans’ Preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which they are ranked.
Qualified preference-eligibles who demonstrate a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be placed in the Best Qualified category.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
Resume – all applicants (SSA employees may use SSA-45)
Transcripts – all applicants (to support IOR)
SF-50 – recommended for all current and former federal employees
Veterans’ documents – if claimed
ICTAP documents – if claimed
Military Spouse documents – if claimedDOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUME (or SSA-45) must include:
– your name and contact information
– employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week
– full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
– your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and
– a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
If you are demonstrating at least 4 years of legal research experience in lieu of completing legal or law studies, be specific about the work you’ve done and establish how it’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree that that includes at least 24 semester hours in law or legal studies or successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal studies in an accredited law school.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate that experience from duties performed at the lower grades. Career-ladders described as a single position may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
TRANSCRIPT(S) – see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on what your transcripts must demonstrate. Transcripts that don’t fully support the education required for this position will cause you to lose consideration. Remember that you must submit the transcript for your bachelor’s degree, as well as the transcript for your graduate studies.
SF-50 – recommended all current and former federal employees
VETERANS’ DOCUMENTS – submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service. (*See below if still on active duty.) This information must be provided to establish veterans’ preference.
For 10-point preference based on a service-connected disability, also submit completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference) and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
For derived preference submit completed SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
- Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act – submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan) – currently no is eligible for CTAP.
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan) – only applies to competitive service employees in the local commuting area displaced from other federal agencies.
ICTAP-eligibles must provide:
– written notice of eligibility or copy of separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) and
– most recent performance rating of at least “fully successful” (Level III) or equivalentFor more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)
Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
MILITARY SPOUSES – see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses – submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable.
- How to Apply
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents.
(4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(5) “View/Print My Answers“ to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(6) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)READ “NEXT STEPS” FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) September 13, 2024, and must include:
(1)responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded transcript(s)
(4) uploaded eligibility documents, if applicable (SF-50, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse’s military orders, etc)SEE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements – Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
Agency contact information
OPE Staffing DCBFMAddressDCBFM – OFLM
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
USNext steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the “How to Apply” and “Required Documents” sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
HR cannot provide copies of announcements or application documents to you.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete, and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Transcripts – all applicants (to support IOR)
SF-50 – recommended for all current and former federal employees
Veterans’ documents – if claimed
ICTAP documents – if claimed
Military Spouse documents – if claimed
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUME (or SSA-45) must include:
– your name and contact information
– employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week
– full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
– your grade and pay scale (if your position is or was federal) and
– a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
If you are demonstrating at least 4 years of legal research experience in lieu of completing legal or law studies, be specific about the work you’ve done and establish how it’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree that that includes at least 24 semester hours in law or legal studies or successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal studies in an accredited law school.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate that experience from duties performed at the lower grades. Career-ladders described as a single position may not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing specific work at the required level.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
TRANSCRIPT(S) – see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on what your transcripts must demonstrate. Transcripts that don’t fully support the education required for this position will cause you to lose consideration. Remember that you must submit the transcript for your bachelor’s degree, as well as the transcript for your graduate studies.
SF-50 – recommended all current and former federal employees
VETERANS’ DOCUMENTS – submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service. (*See below if still on active duty.) This information must be provided to establish veterans’ preference.
For 10-point preference based on a service-connected disability, also submit completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference) and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
For derived preference submit completed SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
- Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act – submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan) – currently no is eligible for CTAP.
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan) – only applies to competitive service employees in the local commuting area displaced from other federal agencies.
ICTAP-eligibles must provide:
– written notice of eligibility or copy of separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) and
– most recent performance rating of at least “fully successful” (Level III) or equivalent
For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov)
Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
MILITARY SPOUSES – see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses – submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable.
This job is open to
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Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Military spouses
Clarification from the agency
Vacancy is open to All US Citizens. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the ODS by the time of your appointment.
