Information Technology Specialist (AI)

Summary

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This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.

This announcement will close at 11:59 PM, on the day that 50 applications have been received or the closing date of the announcement, whichever comes first.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

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### The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

### Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

### Clarification from the agency

Open to All U.S. Citizens through Direct Hire Procedures,

Duties

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As an Information Technology Specialist, you will:

• Serve as a technical thought leader to shape artificial intelligence (AI) strategies; provide strategic direction for the design and development of complex AI applications, tools, and solutions; and advise stakeholders on projects and initiatives related to AI and machine learning to enable accomplishment of agency objectives.
• Apply project management methodologies, principles, and practices to plan, execute, monitor, and control AI initiatives; develops and maintain detailed project schedules, resource allocation plans, risk registers, and status reports; ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while meeting quality standards and stakeholder expectations.
• Perform testing, evaluation, verification, and validation for AI solutions to ensure they are developed to be and remain robust, resilient, responsible, secure, and trustworthy; and communicate results and concerns to stakeholders.
• Present highly technical information to a diverse array of audiences of varying technical knowledge levels and documents processes and procedures required tofacilitate understanding and adherence..

Requirements

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### Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service \- http://www.sss.gov
• Suitable for federal employment
• Meet time in grade restrictions by the closing date of the announcement
• Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.
• Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I\-9 will be verified through the DHS "E\-Verify" System.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date.
• Financial disclosure statement may be required.
• Probationary (or trial) period may be required.

### Qualifications

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The 2210 series has an Individual Occupational Requirement that must be met and can be viewed here. There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Individuals must have IT\-related experience demonstrating each of the nine competencies listed below:

Attention to Detail \- Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Customer Service \- 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.

Decision Making \- Makes sound, well\-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

Information Management \- Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.

Interpersonal Skills \- 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.

Oral Communication \- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Problem Solving \- Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Teamwork \- Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.

Technical Competence \- Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on\-the\-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

NOTE: Your resume must support your response to this question. Failure to provide sufficient evidence of the required competencies in your resume may result in an ineligible rating.

Minimum Qualifications: You must have one\-year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS\-13 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following:

• Serving as a technical advisor on artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning projects, including providing recommendations on AI approaches, evaluating solutions to complex AI problems, and collaborating with data scientists, engineers, or development teams to deploy AI products or systems.
• Planning, organizing, and directing AI programs or projects, including setting project priorities, developing project plans and timelines, tracking milestones and deliverables, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure successful completion of AI initiatives.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of AI systems or technologies, including establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting assessments to identify optimization opportunities, performing testing and validation of AI solutions, and recommending improvements based on data\-driven insights.
• Developing or assisting with the development of AI\-related guidelines, policies, standards, or technical documentation; and providing training or mentoring to staff on AI concepts, tools, technologies, or best practices.
• Collaborating across cross\-functional teams (such as engineering, design, data science, or product management) to align AI initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring seamless development and execution of AI\-powered products, features, or services.

Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF\-50 or SF\-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.

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; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part\-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.

OPM Qualification General Policies Website

### Education

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.

Note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. Education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.

### Additional information

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon multiple factors, including funds availability. If authorized, certain incentives may require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives may include the following: moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentive; student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable service for annual leave for prior non\-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, etc.

Bargaining Unit Position: No

Research position: No

Drug Screening Required: No

Applicants selected for this position will be subject to reasonable suspicion and post\-accident drug testing upon hiring.

Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans \- https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working\-in\-government/unique\-hiring\-paths/veterans/

Special Hiring Authorities for Military Spouses \- https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working\-in\-government/unique\-hiring\-paths/military\-spouses/

People With Disabilities (Schedule A) \- https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Individuals\_with\_Disabilities

Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an CTAP/ICTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee\_guides/career\_transition.asp\#ictap. To be well\-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85\.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position.

Reemployment Priority List (RPL): To receive selection priority for this position, individuals on the RPL must meet the qualification requirements, complete all required assessments and be rated as qualified. RPL candidates are ranked using Category Rating procedures.

Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non\-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non\-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

For Résumé Tips visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\=8YX7o1PBoFk

For Application Tips visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\=bqYkibnuiJU

For additional information about USAJOBS visit the Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If after verifying/confirming the application count/cutoff is not 50, the Set Application Count and Summary will need to correlate with the verified number. Add a note in the USAS casefile if you verified the application count/cutoff.

In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 14, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug\-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law\-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.

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.

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

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this announcement. Evaluation will be based on your application materials (such as your resume and supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and the results of all required assessments.

Resume Requirement

Your resume must not exceed two (2\) pages in length.

Qualifications: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies as related to the series and grade of the position being filled. Final qualifications determinations will be assessed based on OPM's General Schedule Qualifications Standards found here.

Basic Qualification Question

As part of the application process, you must answer a question addressing whether you meet the Basic Requirement for this position, as described in this announcement.

Your response must be supported by the experience documented in your resume. If your resume does not demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you may be found not qualified.

Assessment Process

USA Hire Assessment

You are required to complete a USA Hire assessment for this position.

The USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

HR Resume Review

Human Resource (HR) Specialists will review your resume to determine whether you meet the required Specialized Experience.

Applicants who successfully pass all of the assessment(s) may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration.

You must complete all required steps in the process, including submitting an application and resume and participating in the assessments, to be considered for this position.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers: PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps may apply online to this announcement. Candidates will be referred as CC personnel and not as candidates for conversion to a permanent career or career\-conditional appointment.

For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

For Noncompetitive Applicants: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring agency.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• + Accountability

+ Attention to Detail

+ Customer Service

+ Decision Making

+ Flexibility

+ Influencing/Negotiating

+ Integrity/Honesty

+ Interpersonal Skills

+ Learning

+ Reading Comprehension

+ Reasoning

+ Self\-Management

+ Stress Tolerance

+ Teamwork

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12975362

Required Documents

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Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. You must provide a complete online Application Package which includes:

• Resume must not exceed two (2\) pages and must support responses to the online application. Failure to submit a resume and all required documentation identified in this announcement may result in removal from further consideration. Use of the USAJOBS Resume Builder is encouraged to ensure all required information is included. Resumes must include duties, accomplishments, related skills, and start and end dates (month/day/year) for each position. Full\-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise indicated; part\-time experience will be prorated. Incomplete information may affect eligibility or rating.
• A complete online application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12975362\)
• SF\-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) \- documentation supporting eligibility. If submitting a copy of your SF\-50, or equivalent, submit one that shows the effective date of current position, the full performance level, career or career conditional tenure and status in the competitive service.

Other Supporting Documents, as applicable:

• College transcripts, if qualifying all or in part based on education
• RPL Documentation: Candidates must submit all documents required to demonstrate that they meet the qualifications of the position

+ If separated due to Reduction in Force (RIF):

• Most recent SF\-50, or equivalent, that shows position occupied; tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level
• SF\-50 showing Separation \- RIF. If not available, submit official documentation of Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a proposed removal/separation notice
• Latest performance rating showing rating score

+ If separated due to Compensable Injury:

• Most recent SF\-50, or equivalent, that shows position occupied; tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level
• SF\-50, which shows separation, or SF\-50 showing acceptance of position at a lower grade or pay level in lieu of separation
• Notification from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor, that injury compensation benefits have ceased or will cease
• Latest performance rating and rating of record (if separate documents) showing rating score
• CTAP/ICTAP

+ RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement

+ SF\-50, showing positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to be placed through RPL, etc

+ Latest performance appraisal including rating

+ Documentation from your agency showing current promotion potential

• Military Spouse Documentation Overseas Military Spouse: Copy of Military sponsor's PCS orders and a valid marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage. If applicable, a copy of most recent SF\-50
• Certain Military Spouse: For all categories below, a valid marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage. Additional supporting documentation requirements differ for each category

+ Spouse of a service member on active duty, you are required to submit a copy of the service member's current orders or a Statement of Service letter. The Statement of Service must be signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of the service member's unit or higher headquarters, AND the Statement of Service letter must include dates of active\-duty service. For current federal employees, submit a copy of the most recent SF\-50

+ Spouse of a service member who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active duty service, you are required to submit a copy of your spouse's DD\-214 and a copy of documentation from the Department of Veteran's Affairs or the Department of Defense indicating the service member has a disability rating of 100% due to a service connected disability

+ Spouse of a service member who was killed while on active duty, submit a copy of the spouse's DD\-1300 documenting the service member was killed while on active duty and a statement certifying that you have not remarried

• PHS Commissioned Corps Personnel: You must provide a copy of your current personnel orders and/or other supporting documentation to be referred as CC.
• Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working\-in\-government/unique\-hiring\-paths/veterans/
• Documentation supporting eligibility for non\-competitive appointment, (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.)

Official documents are not required at this time; copies are sufficient; may be requested upon selection.

How to Apply

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To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

Resumes must not exceed two (2\) pages in length. Application requirements are clearly stated in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Failure to submit a resume and any other required documentation identified in this announcement will result in removal from further consideration.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

USA Hire 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 that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a 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, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title\=Reasonable\_Accommodations\_for\_USA\_Hire

ADDITIONAL USA HIRE INSTRUCTIONS:

1\. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.

2\. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

3\. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

4\. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re\-use your unique assessment link.

5\. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title\=USA\_Hire\_Assessments