Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to process a variety of difficult and complex Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) cases requiring thorough and detailed knowledge of program methods and techniques used in fact-finding, analysis, and resolution. Responsibilities Summary Continued Identifies equal opportunity problems and develops concrete recommendations for actions to resolve complex problems. Provides a wide variety of advice regarding processes, rights and responsibilities, unusual complaint processing, and mediation, facilitation, and/or other conflict resolution services to military members, civilian employees, supervisors, and management. DUTIES As an Equal Opportunity Specialist in an AF Equal Opportunity (EO) function, processes inquiries into complex and difficult informal and formal complaints; observes the distinct policies and procedures required for civilian and military personnel. Determines training requirements and organizes classes and seminars for all counselors and supervisory personnel on a periodic basis to maintain current and full understanding of the latest directives from higher headquarters. Uses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including mediation, facilitation, other dispute resolution techniques, and/or a combination of techniques for assigned workplace disputes which are complex, require determination of multiple cause and effect relationships, and involve concerned parties who are reluctant to cooperate. Conducts Unit Climate Assessments (UCA) and prepares and submits reports with recommendations; plans or participates in planning the UCAs. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions, 260 Series. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes identifying equal opportunity problems and developing concrete recommendations for actions to resolve complex problems, improving mission effectiveness by promoting and implementing equal opportunity programs for employees to create an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers. OR EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience that meets the requirements of the position. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of federal equal employment opportunity program laws, regulations, principles, concepts, UCMJ articles, Executive Orders, Presidential Proclamations, court decisions, methodology, and complaint processing for civilian employees and military members. Knowledge of regulations, laws, policies, and procedures pertaining to the dispute systems and the processes involved with negotiated appeal and grievance procedures, equal employment opportunity (EEO) discrimination complaints, military equal opportunity (MEO) complaints, disciplinary and adverse action procedures, and the current trends and developments associated with alternate dispute resolution (ADR) to include mediation. Knowledge of the specifics of some federal personnel administration regulations, principles, policies, operations, and practices for civilian personnel programs including special emphasis employment; the military personnel system; and the structure and functions of federal agencies. Skill in fact-finding and analysis of a variety of facts and opinions concerning controversial complex issues by determining meaning, relevancy, and significance of a large body of complex and interrelated pieces of information from many sources to include identification of interests of disputing parties, weighing evidence, identifying problems, making conclusions and recommendations, and reporting and presenting findings. Skill in advising and counseling on EEO and MEO programs, compliance and enforcement, and requiring the interpretation and explanation of a body of laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices. Ability to establish effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, specialists, employees, and military members and persons outside of the agency such as equal opportunity specialists and community organization representatives. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, 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 conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. *****ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS***** ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander. Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.