IT Specialist (APPSW) (Recent Graduate)

Summary

The SSA entry level candidates Program provides entry level candidates with entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the Federal government. Program participant(s) are placed in excepted service appointments, not-to-exceed 1 year.

Note: This position is being filled on a full-time basis. This is a 1-year developmental program. After successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.

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Duties

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• Evaluates, develops the technician design codes, and implements software using programming languages and command language. Creates new programs and/or modifies existing programs using programming and structured query languages.
• Translates systems requirements into application prototypes. Writes, debugs, and maintains code and implements programs or directs others in this phase of work.
• Defines user needs, determines and designs new computer applications and automated processes.
• Performs computer programming in any of several languages. Selects the most effective language for the purpose based upon a thorough analysis of objectives, costs, compatibility of languages and long-term viability of programs.
• Reviews proposals for major projects, special studies or special computer programming requests. Determines the feasibility and cost effectiveness of...
• [cont'd] such projects and recommends approval or denial to their line management. Provides users with alternatives to their proposals, based upon analysis of user needs and technology available.
• Directs the maintenance of all regional software programs used locally, regionally, and nationally. Conducts local analyses of systems resources utilization and performs or coordinates system software support as needed.
• Serves as a technical expert of locally developed software processes. Provides technical guidance and recommendations to RO, PSC, TSC, FO and CO components.
• This is an entry level/trainee PD leading to the full performance PD GS-2210-12

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must have a qualifying degree or certificate at the time of appointment.
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required.
• Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
• Selectees are required to serve a trial period.
• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• Selective Service Registration, if applicable (;/li>
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion or national origin.

Qualifications

To be considered for selection, you must be eligible for the Recent Graduate Program AND meet the qualifications specified for the posted position(s).

Recent Graduate Program Eligibility

To qualify for appointment to the entry level candidates Program, you must have completed all requirements of an academic course of study leading to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or qualifying certificate program from an accredited educational institution. Your graduation (degree conferred) date must be within the 2 years preceding your application to this announcement. Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation to prove your entry level candidates Program eligibility.

Preference-eligible veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period are entitled to a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may the eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date on which the preference eligible veteran completed the requirements of an academic course of study, when a qualifying degree or certificate was conferred. Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation to prove your entry level candidates Program and preference eligibility.

Qualifications

You must also meet the below qualifications for the posted position(s) by the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2026.

Applicants must qualify for the series and grade of the posted position. Experience must be IT-related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

Your resume must provide sufficient experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and proficiency of any required competencies to perform the specific position for which you are applying. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies as they relate to this position. Your resume and supporting documents must specifically address the evaluation criteria for the position. Describe duties you perform (not just knowledge, skills and abilities) as they relate to the specialized experience required for this position. Be clear, accurate and specific when describing your experience; e.g., list all positions separately, include full start and stop dates for each position, your work schedule (number of hours per week), your grade (if your position is federal), and a comprehensive description of the relevant duties you performed in each position.

This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official. Please submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position. If your application materials do not demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and/or education needed for this position, your application will be ineligible for consideration.

Minimum Qualifications: Grade 7

• Applicants must demonstrate experience that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, which has equipped them with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such IT-related experience may include:
  
  
  • Supported product lifecycle activities, including ideation, development, and post-launch evaluation, under supervision.
  • Participated in gathering and documenting stakeholder requirements for IT projects.
  • Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for team meetings and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing updates and information to team members.
  • Working as part of a team to implement IT solutions or improvements.

Minimum Qualifications: Grade 9

• Applicants must demonstrate experience that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, which has equipped them with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such IT-related experience may include:
  
  
  • Used programming languages and structured query languages to modify and maintain software applications with guidance.
  • Supported product lifecycle activities, including ideation, development, and post-launch evaluation, under supervision
  • Participated in gathering and documenting stakeholder requirements for IT projects
  • Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for team meetings and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing updates and information to team members.

In addition, to qualify for the GS-2210-09 IT Specialist series, applicants must demonstrate the following IT-related competencies:

Attention to Detail (Level, 3, Intermediate) - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail

Customer Service (Level, 3, Intermediate) - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Interpersonal Skills (Level, 3, Intermediate) - Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations

Reasoning (Level, 2, Basic)- Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.

Teamwork (Level, 3, Intermediate) - Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

For more information on OPM's Competency-Based Qualification Standards, visit: Competency-Based Qualification Standard for the Information Technology Management Series, 2210

Education

Providing Proof of Education or Substituting Education

Proof of education or education substitutions must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation.

Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) including the date the degree or certificate was conferred prior to being appointed.

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 full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. NOTE: It is your responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Locality Pay:

GS-7 Woodlawn, MD:$58,193 - $75,653 based on OPM's 999C Special Rate Table

GS-9 Woodlawn, MD: $70,623 - $91,815

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See ;br>
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) 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 USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request an RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: _Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

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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.