Program Specialist

Summary

The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.

We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.

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Duties

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The position is located in the Logistics Services Division. The Program Specialist is the principal staff and personal assistant who provides staff support, technical assistance, and advice to the Chief and managers of the Service Unit in a wide range of matters related to the overall fulfillment of the mission of the Logistics Services Division. Incumbent performs research and analyses; carries out special projects; prepares correspondence; and acts as a liaison handling communication with persons and/or groups within and outside the organization.

The position description number for this position is 320257.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

As a Program Specialist, you will:

• Keep informed of the Chiefs responsibilities in all areas, including a broad understanding of the policies, operations, and practices of Logistics Division and an understanding of current developments. Use an understanding of Library policy, status of projects, and knowledge of the Chiefs point of view to convey information, orally and in writing, in a reliable and effective manner. Shift priorities frequently to meet unusual demands.
• Assist the Chief in the resolution of complex program or administrative issues or problems. Independently resolve well-precedented issues. Provide advice and guidance to managers and employees on questions and situations related to the administrative services provided. Provide guidance to managers and supervisors in human resources matters such as classification, leave administration, removal and conduct issues, adverse actions, promotions, training, and staff recognition. Serve as primary liaison to the human resources office.
• Review and annotates correspondence and other material of a policy nature sent to the Chief for approval or recommendation; manages assignment control system and a control of assignments for the Chief. Follow through to ensure that deadlines are met. Prepare replies on own initiative to routine queries of a technical and policy nature for the Chiefs signature. Draft correspondence and memoranda of a special or confidential nature for the signature of the Chief. Bring urgent matters to the attention of the Chief.
• Use standard approaches to perform a variety of duties related to special projects involving administrative program issues. Conduct independent inquiries in response to project requests. Analyze administrative work functions and requirements and gathers data relating to mission and project goals. Review results for next steps. Follow established policies, practices, and procedures for the delivery of accurate and viable product and/or solutions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Ability to problem solve and make recommendations related to administrative and program needs.**

Ability to serve as a liaison and interact collaboratively with others.**

Ability to use and manipulate computer systems and software applications.**

Ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and perform duties and tasks.

Ability to communicate in writing.

Ability to exercise initiative, good judgment and discretion.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

There are no education requirements for this posting.

Additional information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.

The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.

Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.

The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.

The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.

Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.

The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.

A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.

Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.

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.

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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.