Summary
As an Administrative Assistant (OA) you will provide clerical and office support for the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs (OCPA). The position is located in McLean, VA.
This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• Military spouses
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Veterans

Duties
As an Administrative Assistant (OA), you will perform the following:

• Answering the phone for the agency, directing calls to the appropriate members of staff.
• Using various software applications, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Preparing letters and reports, ensuring accuracy, consistency with FCA style guidelines, and completeness of reply.
• Proofreading written and visual content to ensure correct grammar and consistent formatting.
• Responding to routine public inquiries.
• Preparing and maintaining mailing lists.
• Distributing correspondence.
• Helping prepare monthly, quarterly, and program activity reports. Ensuring quality control and timely submission.
• Scheduling meetings.
• Using Concur to make travel arrangements for members of staff and submitting travel vouchers for reimbursement in an accurate and timely manner.
• Purchasing office supplies and equipment, serving as a designated credit cardholder for small purchases of supplies and services, reviewing charges in the financial system to ensure they are accurate, and making corrections when necessary.
• Managing subscriptions and handling renewals for newspapers and other publications.
• Opening and distributing mail for offices.
• Serving as timekeeper
• Taking photographs at agency events

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• One year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Applicants may be required to complete a second hurdle assessment. This will include a short writing exercise and a proofreading exercise.

Qualifications
You may qualify at the VH-36 band level if you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the VH-35 (GS-09) band level in the federal service serving as administrative point of contact performing all of the following tasks: receiving all visitors and calls to the supervisor, composing correspondence, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, making purchases, serving as a timekeeper, reviewing format of correspondence, and using various types of office automation software (e.g., word processing, databases, spreadsheets, email, graphic presentations).
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.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Current and former Federal employees (including VEOA eligibles) must have served one-year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade in the Federal service to meet time-in-grade restrictions per 5 CFR 300, Subpart F, by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Educaton may not be substituted for experience to qualify for the VH-36 band level.
Additional information

• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• All FCA employees are subject to the conflict of interest laws and Standards of Ethical Conduct imposed upon all employees of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and may be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report.
• FCA's supplemental ethics regulations restrict certain FCA employees concerning their direct or indirect interests in, or connections with, Farm Credit System institutions. These rules also require all employees to obtain approval for outside employment or business activities. Please contact the HR Division for additional information on these rules.
• FCA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
• This announcement may be used to fill similar vacancies.

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities : For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility
requirements visit the following websites:
Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A
Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the second hurdle assessment, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your application.

• 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.
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps including submitting an application and completing the application questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.
• Ability to produce written documents appropriate for the intended audience.
• Ability to recognize and correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicate in a clear and organized manner; produce written information.
• Knowledge of regulations, rules, policies, and practices sufficient to provide administrative and program support functions.

Applicants may be required to complete a second hurdle assessment. This will include a short writing exercise and a proofreading exercise.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

• 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. Highlighting relevant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this position. Your resume must include the following information (1) paid and non-paid work experience including your position title, start and end dates (month/year) of employment, average number of hours worked per week and salary (separated by position series and grade for each federal position, if applicable ; (2) indication of the knowledge, skills and education you have that are pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties you have performed as a regular part of your job with indications of the level of responsibility and complexity of work; (4) Names and contact information for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
  • SF-50. Your most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action (if applying as a current or former Federal Employee) showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. A cash award SF-50 should not be provided. An SF-50 is required for all employees with the exception of current Farm Credit Administration (FCA) employees.
  • CTAP/ICTAP 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).
  • Worker's Compensation Separation. Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
  • Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
  • Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment Eligible. Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
  • Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721. Your most recent non-award SF-50 and performance appraisal.
  • Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, that lists you as authorized to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
  • Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible. Documentation eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.
  Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
  
  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application .
  Agency contact information
  FCA HR Division
  Phone
  703-883-4135
  Email
  Employment_Opportunities@fca.gov
  Address
  Office of Agency Services, Human Resources Division
  1501 Farm Credit Drive
  McLean, VA 22102
  US
  Next steps
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
  To view the announcement status or your application status : Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.Your application status page is where you can view your application status and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
• 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

• Resume. Highlighting relevant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this position. Your resume must include the following information (1) paid and non-paid work experience including your position title, start and end dates (month/year) of employment, average number of hours worked per week and salary (separated by position series and grade for each federal position, if applicable ; (2) indication of the knowledge, skills and education you have that are pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties you have performed as a regular part of your job with indications of the level of responsibility and complexity of work; (4) Names and contact information for your current and/or previous supervisor(s).
• SF-50. Your most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action (if applying as a current or former Federal Employee) showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. A cash award SF-50 should not be provided. An SF-50 is required for all employees with the exception of current Farm Credit Administration (FCA) employees.
• CTAP/ICTAP 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).
• Worker's Compensation Separation. Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
• Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment Eligible. Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
• Certain Family Members Eligible under E.O. 12721. Your most recent non-award SF-50 and performance appraisal.
• Certain Military Spouses Eligible under E.O. 13473. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, that lists you as authorized to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage).
• Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible. Documentation eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application .
Agency contact information
FCA HR Division
Phone
703-883-4135
Email
Employment_Opportunities@fca.gov
Address
Office of Agency Services, Human Resources Division
1501 Farm Credit Drive
McLean, VA 22102
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
To view the announcement status or your application status : Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.Your application status page is where you can view your application status and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Fair & 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