IT SPECIALIST (APPSW)

Summary Who may apply: This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens Position located in: Info & Tech Office, Payroll Services, Civilian Pay, DCPS Self Service Reporting, IT-ZTBAG OPM Pay tables: https://www.opm.gov/policydata-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/ Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. Responsibilities This position is to perform data analytic responsibilities for the Defense Civilian Pay System Self Service Reporting (SSR) and Advana. Analyzes functional and technical requirements of proposed or existing IT systems to determine avenues of development or modification necessary to meet mission objectives. Prepares system change/programming specifications, and specifies programming instructions, inputs and outputs, structures, and other analytical products to document the functional and technical requirements. Prepares and executes tests for system or subsystem software validation. Reviews test results for effectiveness in meeting specifications and takes necessary corrective actions based on testing results. Participates in systems requirement reviews and coordinates with customer/functional representatives and other technical personnel to clarify requirements. Ensures customer understanding through the preparation of technical guidance and training on software and computer use and capabilities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process. GS-7/9/11 Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards. My work or the data that I produce is typically reviewed by my supervisor or another colleague Customer Service- experience having brief contact with customers to provide information about available information technology products and services and providing customers with standard products or routine services to address information technology needs Oral Communication- experience informing my supervisor and other IT staff of the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of basic technical information to a non-technical audience Problem Solving- identifying or selecting from a number of alternatives to address routine information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from standard sources that provide a limited number of solutions GS-12 Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards Customer Service- experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs Oral Communication- briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience Problem Solving- identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-07 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-05 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: applying basic IT principles and practices to assist in providing software and systems development support; providing input to design specifications, testing plans, and issue resolution of an automated system. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-09 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-07 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: assisting senior level programmers in the design, development and maintenance of systems; providing assistance in the design specifications, testing plans, and issue resolution of an automated system. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-11 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-09 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: experience designing, developing, and maintaining systems; experience working with customers to determine technical requirements and writing technical documentation including design specifications. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12 LEVEL: In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: providing technical expertise on the development, modification and support of an organization's major system; analyzing functional and technical requirements of proposed or existing IT systems to process system change requests; prepares and executes tests for systems validation; analyzing causes of system failures. Volunteer Experience: 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. Education FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-7 LEVEL: Substitution of education for experience: One full year of graduate level education in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management; OR a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks from an accredited college or university and claim eligibility for superior academic achievement (SAA) based on one of the following: a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, class standing in the upper third of your graduating class or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-9 LEVEL: Substitution of education for experience: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-11 LEVEL: Substitution of education for experience: A qualifying Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks. (You MUST submit transcripts and any other applicable documentation to verify your claim.) Combination of education and experience is not applicable for this position FOR ENTRY AT THE GS-12 LEVEL: Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level. Additional Information In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position is subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months. Moving expenses MAY be paid. Management is willing to consider the following types of incentives if applicable: Relocation Incentive Recruitment Incentive Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment. Employment with DFAS means access to generous benefits such as: health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits. A one year probationary period may be required. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date. This position is Non-Exempt at the GS-7 and GS-9 level and Exempt at the GS-11 and GS-12 level from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Travel requirement is seldom. This position is covered by a bargaining unit. Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA). PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov). Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here). The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.