Program Specialist
What you'd do
Two Page Resume Limit Applies for this Position. The Program Specialist GS-0301-09 is a career ladder position leading to GS-11. Incumbent receives one-on-one training and supervision to develop full independence in target duties. Work is performed with guidance and reviewed for accuracy. Supervisor approves work and provides increased oversight for new projects. GS-9 incumbents are expected to develop skills and complete required training to advance to GS-11.
Major duties
The incumbent will operate under the supervision of the Mental Health Service Administrative Officer and MH RRTP Program Manager. To ensure the development of proper skills and knowledge, the incumbent receives detailed instructions for new, complex, or unique assignments, with the AO or Program Manager readily available for guidance. Routine assignments are completed under general instructions, allowing some latitude for independent action within defined parameters. Work at this level is closely monitored and reviewed for accuracy, compliance with instructions, and adherence to established procedures. The incumbent receives regular feedback and frequent progress reviews to ensure satisfactory development of necessary skills and competencies. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Perform office or non-manual work directly related to management or general business operations of the organization or its customers. Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance, beyond applying well-established procedures or standards. Make independent choices, free from immediate supervision, in: Formulating, interpreting, or implementing management policies and operating practices Committing the organization on matters with significant impact Waiving or deviating from established policies/procedures without prior approval Negotiating or binding the organization on significant matters Carry out major assignments related to organizational operations. Perform work that substantially affects the organization's operations. Provide consultation or expert advice to management. Participate in planning long- or short-term organizational objectives. Investigate and resolve significant matters on behalf of management. Represent the organization in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, or resolving grievances. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD940460 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/13/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-09 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: analyzing program operations, coordinating or supporting administrative projects, preparing and presenting reports, interpreting and applying regulations and policies, and providing recommendations for process improvements. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR an LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the bachelor's degree level. GS-11 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: conducting program analysis to develop or revise organizational policies or procedures; managing and evaluating complex projects; preparing comprehensive briefings or presentations; interpreting complex regulations; and providing consultative advice to managers or leadership. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR an LL.M., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the master's degree level. Note: a copy of your transcripts is required. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Your resume must indicate clearly the nature of your duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Administrative and Management Computer Skills Customer Service Interpersonal Skills 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: There's no unusual physical demands. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.