Information Technology Specialist (Applications Software)

Summary

The position is located in the Systems Solutions Division (SSD), Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Office of the Executive Director (EX), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). The SSD sets policies, guides programs, and establishes standards for Enterprise Applications. This office also manages the analysis, design, development, and improvement of these applications and provides limited technical support for customer requests to build or update information management systems.

Duties

• Manages projects that design and develop Bureau-wide applications throughout the IT management and development process.
• Leads multifunctional development projects and creates measurable goals in software analysis, design, and development.
• Advises on the software development process, resolving critical issue affecting the configuration of the IT infrastructure.
• Provides advice and guidance on a wide range and variety of complex IT issues through thorough analysis and interpretation of IT policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Evaluates and recommends adoption of new or enhanced approaches to delivering IT services to ensure high quality solution through testing.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying for the GS-13 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrate each of the FOUR competencies AND specialized experience listed below: 1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided you with knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the positions. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience maintaining and improving software applications in an operational environment, including troubleshooting issues, implementing enhancements, and leading tasks to ensure ongoing system stability. Experience related to enterprise IT systems, including collaborating with stakeholders and leadership to evaluate and facilitate project approvals. Experience communicating IT project risks to management through written reports. Note: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience must be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement. How You Will Be Evaluated

The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review by subject matter experts (SMEs) will be conducted for the top qualified candidates based on the combined total score. Resumes longer than 2 pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment. You will be assessed on the following job-related competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail and Self-Management. Set aside at least 2 hours to take the external assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. There are timed sections that must be completed within the allotted timeframe. Your score from the external assessment (i.e., Non-supervisory) will remain on file for 180 days, allowing you to apply for multiple DOS-announced positions without needing to retake the assessments. Top applicants may be referred for further consideration. The assessment is used to measure the degree in which your background matches the competencies and KSAs required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: Knowledge of IT Project Planning processes. Ability to serve as primary liaison between customers, vendors, and IT management throughout the development process. Ability to investigate, evaluate, and recommend tools and methodologies to enhance productivity and software quality. Ability to analyze software systems and develop solutions to ensure efficient application operations. Skill in managing the information technology (IT) planning processes to ensure that developed solutions meet customer requirements. Ability to make IT management recommendations by analyzing long-range software needs against requirements, technology, and cost. SMEs will review your resume to determine your qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. Your resume should demonstrate how you meet all aspects of the specialized experience statement. Please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Overstating your qualifications/experience in your application may result in your removal from consideration. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., links embedded). If meeting basic qualifications through education only or a combination of education & experience, applicants will not be referred to the SME panel but will be reviewed by the HR Specialist for referral. This announcement used the set number of highest-ranked eligibles method under 5 CFR §332.402 to refer candidates for further consideration and possible interview (all candidates tied at the cut score will be referred). We will provide the selecting official a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least 3 candidates per vacancy. If less than 3 eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, we may expand the referral in accordance with the pre-determined agency and OPM policy. You may preview questions for this vacancy. Other Information

To request a reasonable accommodation for additional time on the timed sections of the assessment, please submit your request using the “Request a Reasonable Accommodation” button within the Assessment Application. For all other reasonable accommodations at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at [email protected]. OAA is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for the Assessment Battery being used for this announcement. The following applies to all RA requests: RA requests cover additional time on timed sections only. Applicants submitting a RA request MUST attach supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed, treating medical provider. The documentation should describe the nature, severity, and expected duration of the condition, identify the relevant medical condition or diagnosis, and explain the basis for the requested extension. RA requests that do not contain supporting medical documentation attachments at the time of initial request may be subject to further review. Note: the following documents do not, on their own, qualify for automatic approval of the RA request: Schedule A letters, VA benefits letters, or SSA letters. Applicants MUST submit their application before the vacancy closes, even if pending an accommodation decision. Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow instructions related to medical documentation provided in the vacancy announcement prior to beginning the RA process. Applicants will have 48 hours after their RA request is adjudicated to complete the assessment battery. Scores generated after the allotted timeframe will not be admissible and the applicant will not be considered further for the vacancy. If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions. Veterans' preference points are added to the passing score of candidates eligible for either 10-point or 5-point preference. Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% or more are listed at the top of a certificate regardless of score. Other 10-point and 5-point preference eligible veterans who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed in score order. View information on veterans' preference on OPM's Fed Hire Vets website. Agency & Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP & ICTAP): You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category and submit supporting documents under the required documents section of this announcement to receive selection priority consideration. To be considered Well-Qualified applicants must: score an 85 or above, meet Minimum Qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all major aspects of the position.