EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ASSISTANT (OA)

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Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience:

For the GS-07 level, one (1) year of graduate education may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement when education is directly related to the position being filled. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

For the GS-08 level, eighteen months of graduate education may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement when education is directly related to the position being filled. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

• • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
  • An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
• FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
  • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.

For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education Specialized Experience for GS-07 (Developmental): One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-6 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience includes: Interpreting and applying regulations, procedures, and laws to provide guidance, complete tasks, and resolve issues efficiently; Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and consistently meet deadlines; Proven communication skills, both oral and written; Solid understanding of administrative functions, contributing to seamless office operations; Reviewing and ensuring correspondence is complete, accurate and grammatical; Screening incoming calls and visitors, ensuring appropriate handling.

Specialized Experience for GS-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-7 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience includes: assisting in analyzing and processing discrimination complaints; providing advice and guidance to employees and managers regarding EEO policies, programs, requirements and procedures; assisting in reaching and preparations of plans for implementing affirmative employment programs; reviewing correspondence for completeness, correctness, consistency, and grammatical accuracy, and proper coordination; and screening telephone calls and visitors, and responding to requests for information.

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.