Posted Date:December 10, 2014
| Author: | Robin Minor, Chief Compliance Officer, Federal Student Aid |
Subject: Employment Opportunities-Vacancy Announcement for Business Analyst (GS-0301-12)
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is looking for the best and brightest to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. If you are a highly motivated, creative individual who would like to be involved in establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds; collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research; focusing national attention on key educational issues; and prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education, ED is the place for you!
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: FSA/PC-2015-0017
POSITION TITLE: Business Analyst
DIVISION TITLE: Federal Student Aid, Program Compliance Office, Performance Improvement and Procedures Service Group
SERIES, GRADE: GS-0301-12
SALARY RANGE: $76,621.00 - $98,305.00
LOCATION: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
OPENING DATE: 12/05/2014
CLOSING DATE: 12/18/2014
Federal Student Aid (FSA) is responsible for administering all aspects of the operations for the student financial assistance programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The Program Compliance office is responsible for administering a program of monitoring and oversight of the institutions, guaranty agencies, lenders, and servicers participating in the Department's Title IV programs.
The Performance Improvement and Procedures Service Group (PIPSG) provides support to the School Eligibility Service Group (SESG) and the Financial Institution Oversight Service Group (FIOSG) through the development and review of policy, procedure development and refinement, training, and resolution of difficult matters.
Performance Improvement and Procedures Service Group (PIPSG) serves as liaison to Federal Student Aid’s policy organization to provide recommendations for policy development and communicating policy decisions back to Program Compliance. Performance Improvement and Procedures Service Group (PIPSG) addresses regulatory and statutory changes with the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE); conducts quality assurance evaluations, coordinates with Technical and Business Support Services Group (TBSSG) in the development of systems and Training of staff in the use of program compliance automated systems; and reviews and evaluates programmatic publications for consistency with established policies and procedures.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
- You must be a U.S. citizen. Security Clearance
- Must complete a Background Investigation and fingerprint check
- Must complete a One-year Probationary Period
- Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
MAJOR DUTIES
The incumbent acts as a liaison between departmental end-users, technical analysis, information technology analysts, consultants and other governmental organizations in the analysis, design, configuration, testing and maintenance of case management systems to ensure optimal operational performance. Consults with functional unit management and personnel to identify, define and document business needs and objectives, current operational procedures, problems, input and output requirements, and levels of systems access. Analyzes the feasibility of, and develops requirements for, new systems and enhancements to existing systems; ensures the system design fits the needs of the users. Identifies opportunities for improving business processes through information systems and/or non-system driver changes; assists in the preparation of proposals to develop new systems and/or operational changes. Reads and interprets case management systems and functional technical literature and translates in terms understandable to the end-users.
Researches and prepares statistical reports using data from integrated management systems and internal surveys. Consolidates information into cohesive and understandable correspondence or other written form for use in management decision-making. Develops training curriculum and conducts formal training sessions covering assigned systems module. Directs or participates in studies of new and existing programs and special projects to determine feasibility, resolve problems including organizational, procedural, technical and fiscal research and analysis; develops policy and procedures to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and/or improve internal and external customer service; develops information system documentation to support efficient court operations; prepares reports and written findings and recommendations; and monitors changes.
REQUIREMENTS
EVALUATIONS
WARNING! High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from best-qualified status or result in a lowered score. Your responses to the vacancy questions must be substantiated by your on-line resume. Be sure that the experience/education as described on your resume contains accurate and sufficient information that clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing experience and education relevant to this position. If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings can/will be changed, or you may be removed from employment consideration. You should make a fair and accurate assessment of your qualifications.
Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.
Eligible candidates will be placed for selection consideration into three (3) categories as described below:
1 - Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "Q" score between 70 and 84.99 meets the specialized experience outlined in the Minimum
Qualification Requirements section of this announcement.
2 - Well Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "WQ" score between 85 and 94.99 exceeds the Minimum Qualification Requirements based on review of resume and vacancy specific questions.
3 - Best Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "BQ" score between 95 and 100 Outstanding level based on review of resume and vacancy specific questions.
Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification.
To perform successfully the duties of this position, applicants are expected to possess the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) listed below. Your answers to the on-line experience questions will serve as responses to the KSAs.
- Knowledge of completing an OMB package that is presentable to the public.
- Ability to complete an end-to-end business flow.
- Ability to apply principles and practices of producing effective project documentation including business functions, desk manuals, and configuration documentation.
- Knowledge of application software including presentation, spreadsheet, flow charting, and word processing applications.
- Knowledge of procedures and methods for testing business functions within computer systems.
QUALIFICATIONS
(GS-12)
All qualified candidates must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in federal services.
Examples of such experience may include: reviewing program plans to ensure that requirements are met; explaining regulatory and legal requirements; providing information and explanations to resolve problems; negotiating agreements; reviewing program operations; conducting surveys; developing program requirements; establishing and revising operating procedures; reviewing program operations; providing technical assistance; developing publications or web pages; reviewing policies, directives, and reports; undertaking analyses of administrative services; preparing responses to correspondence; performing budget and financial analysis; an maintaining management information systems.
NOTE: Applications must be submitted by the closing date: December 18, 2014.
Please see the job announcement at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/388046800 application.