Personnel Research Psychologist

US Office of Personnel Management

Job Overview

Duties

As a Personnel Research Psychologist, some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Lead and/or participate on project teams to develop and/or contract for innovative assessment tools.
  • Conduct Governmentwide and/or agency-specific job analyses.
  • Develop and implement competency models and hiring/promotional assessments.
  • Establish project objectives, activities, timelines, budgets, and staffing plans.
  • Advise agencies and internal senior management on implementing assessment strategies.

The Assessment and Evaluation Branch (AEB) provides assessment-related reimbursable products and services to meet Federal human capital needs. The AEB is part of HR Strategy and Evaluation Solutions, within OPM’s HR Solutions (HRS).

AEB Personnel Research Psychologists enjoy work flexibilities, independence, training and development opportunities, occasional travel, collaborating with passionate professionals, and an opportunity to make a difference to Federal employees and the American public. AEB offers a fast-paced environment requiring interacting at all levels, across offices, within and external to HRS and OPM. AEB has three sections: (1) Selection and Promotion Assessment (SPA); (2) Leadership and Workforce Development Assessment (LWDA); and (3) Organizational Assessment (OA).

SPA develops, validates, and administers cognitive and non-cognitive competency assessments for selection, promotion, and diagnostic purposes to include written and non-written tests, job knowledge tests, performance tests, and computer simulations, and conducts job analyses and provides assessment training and support.

LWDA develops, validates, and administers leadership and workforce planning assessments to assess leader and employee effectiveness by targeting competencies, personality, and leadership potential and conducts competency modeling and gap analysis for workforce training and development.

OA develops and administers organizational assessments to assess climate and organizational outcomes including organizational climate, employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, onboarding and exit surveys, and custom surveys, and conducts program evaluation and develops organizational effectiveness indices.

Areas of research and specialization are not limited to the above. All sections are responsible for conducting research and applying innovative assessment procedures and technologies to support Federal organizations.

 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

 

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
  • This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit.
    • if the duty station is finalized in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, employees in this position will be represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 32. (BU Code – 2286)
    • if the duty station is finalized outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, this position will not be represented by a bargaining unit. (BU Code – 7777)

 

Qualifications

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: You must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited or pre-accredited academic institution leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree with a major or equivalent in Psychology to receive further consideration.

For GS-13: You must meet the Basic Requirement AND have 1 full year (52 weeks) or more of specialized experience equivalent in diff iculty and complexity to the Federal GS-12 grade or pay band. Specialized experience must demonstrate ALL of the following:

  • Leading/managing projects that involved conducting job analyses, performing statistical analyses and developing tests/assessment tools consistent with professional and legal requirements (e.g., Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures); AND
  • Using knowledge of the principles, theories, and methods of industrial/organizational psychology or related field (e.g., applied social psychology, applied research/evaluation) to develop practical solutions to assessment problems, including experience with assessment development and validation methods; AND
  • Experience applying knowledge of statistics and using a major statistical analysis package (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R); AND
  • Planning and monitoring project or program budgets to include negotiating funding with management or other officials; monitoring budgets; determining pricing for operational activities; determining estimated costs for products or services; and managing resources to ensure delivery within budgeted amounts.

If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of your transcript(s) to verify eligibility.

Related Degrees:
The curriculum of related degrees should include coursework such as research methods, statistical methods, and core industrial and organizational domains, including: measurement of individual differences; criterion theory and development; job and task analysis; employee selection, placement, and classification; performance appraisal and feedback; training theory, program design, and evaluation; work motivation; attitude theory; small group theory and process; leadership theory; organizational theory; and organizational development.

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

This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.

Additional information

Relocation expenses will not be paid. Current OPM employees may qualify as an exception.

Incentive payments may be considered.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.

If you are a veteran and you are claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility.
If you are a veteran and you are claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, you must also submit an SF-15, “Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference” plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans’ preference click here.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)

  • Benefits

    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.

     

    Review our benefits

    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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For Category Rating: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are eligible to proceed in the hiring process. Those deemed eligible to proceed will be invited to a structured interview to evaluate qualifications. If, a determination is made during the resume review or structured interview processes that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experiences, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the three quality categories: Qualified, Well Qualified, Best Qualified. Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below. Well Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement and demonstrates a higher level of proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below. (This category must be met to be considered under ICTAP procedures) Best Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement and demonstrates the highest level of proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Data Analysis
  • Decision Making
  • Financial Accountability
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing and Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Oral Communication
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Reading
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Competence
  • Writing

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

The Category Rating Process does not add veterans’ preference points or apply the “rule of three,” but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above based on the competencies listed above; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

 

Benefits

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.

 

Review our benefits

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.

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Your Resume showing applicant’s name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  • This position has a basic education requirement; you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts for further consideration.
  • Other optional supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
    • Veterans’ Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)
    • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
    • Worker’s Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
    • Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
    • Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. 

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST)on 05/08/2022 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:

  • To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  • Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  • Click the “Submit Application” button prior to 11:59pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  • After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
  • If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the “Additional Application Information” page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to “Update Application.” This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an “Additional Application Information” page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Informatio

You may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11455573 

Agency contact information

OPM Human Resources

Phone

202-606-9321

Email

jobs@opm.gov

Address

 

OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US

Next steps

Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended. Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.

The resumes and additional required supporting documents of applicants completing the online assessments will be reviewed to verify eligibility to proceed in the hiring process. Applicants found eligible to proceed in the process will be invited to a virtual structured interview to confirm technical qualifications. For applicants eligible for further consideration after the structured interview, results from the questionnaire and online assessments will be used to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager.

Once referred, you may be asked to complete a hiring manager interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.

We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation..

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Your Resume showing applicant’s name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  • This position has a basic education requirement; you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts for further consideration.
  • Other optional supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
    • Veterans’ Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)
    • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
    • Worker’s Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
    • Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
    • Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. 

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

This job is open to

  • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

    Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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