Social Science Specialist

Summary This position is located COLUMBIA BASIN JOB CORPS CENTER in MOSES LAKE, WA. The incumbent is responsible for providing counseling and other related services to other employees. For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Chris Barner at Christopher.Barner@usda.gov. Responsibilities Assists with the development of FS operating procedures related to individual and/or group counseling. Solicits input from the core team to develop an overall behavioral and educational plan. Monitors and documents progress. Works with the mental health consultants, physicians, health services staff, counselors, and other staff to ensure that program component is fully understood and integrated within the unit. Conducts on-going individual counseling and support group sessions. Incumbent collaborates with the recreation department assisting in the development of leisure time activities and specific incentives to reinforce positive behavioral goals. Establishes and maintains liaison with community resources. Counsels individuals about matters relevant to their performance and other related concerns to encourage and motivate them to succeed. Emphasizes and instructs others regarding the importance of personal hygiene, professional appearance, job punctuality, and reliability. Communicates the importance of cooperation with fellow workers, acceptance of constructive criticism, following instructions, and respecting the value of company and personal property. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable). Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Basic Requirement GS-09: Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level OR have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree (36 semester/54 quarter hours) OR a master's degree with a major directly related to the work of the position (for example - behavioral or social science, or courses related to the position to be filled.) OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Specialized experience is defined as three or more of the following: Assisting others as a counselor in a youth summer camp; and/or instructor in a training program for the development of job skills; and/or unit leader-monitor-proctor for a dormitory group in a boarding school or other residential facility; and/or assistant to professional or specialist guidance/counseling staff in such fields as personnel (private or government), employment guidance in a vocational or academic institution, social service, or manpower development; and/or assistant to professional or associate staff engaged in work of a social services nature in private, public welfare, government program, or community organizations, or in voluntary activities; and/or assistant to professional or specialist staff working with individuals who are addicted to or abuse alcohol and/or drugs. 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Additional Information The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered. This position is not eligible for telework. The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website. This is a bargaining unit position and is represented by either NFFE, AFGE, or NAGE. Forest Service daycare facilities will not be available. Government Housing will not be available.