Federal Job Search Opportunities and Application Guidelines for Veterans, Students, and the Disabled
All federal job opportunities are open to veterans, students and individuals with disabilities who meet the application requirements in terms of experience and skills. To encourage applications from veterans, students, and persons with disabilities, the federal government has implemented hiring programs designed to address specific needs.
VETERANS
The Veterans’ Employment & Training Service (VETS) provides job services and resources to assist veterans seeking employment with the federal government. By law, active-duty and disabled veterans of the Armed Forces, receive special consideration over non-veterans in recognition of the sacrifices they made in serving our country. Veterans meeting the 5 or 10 point preference requirements as outlined by the U.S. Office of Personnel should indicate “Preference” on their application or resume. These points are added to a veteran’s written examination score.
Disabled veterans with disability ratings of 30 percent or greater may also qualify for Selective Placement Programs. For information on this program, the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act, or other services, contact the local Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Offices or the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in your area.
STUDENTS
To encourage students to consider federal employment, all levels of students, from high school to professional degree, qualify for federal job opportunities under the Student Educational Employment Program.
Opportunities under the Student Educational Employment Program include: the Student Career Experience Program, which features work-study arrangements between students, their school and federal agencies involved in the program; Internships, which are offered through several colleges, organizations and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management; and Student Temp Educational Program (STEP), which offers temporary employment opportunities or summer employment.
To apply for these programs, students should talk with their school guidance office, their college career planning and placement office, or the federal agency employment office where they would like to work.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Individuals with disabilities can apply directly to a federal job opening or use the special hiring program established by the federal government. These Selective Placement Programs are designed to assist people with special circumstances in their job search for federal employment.
Selective Placement Coordinators are available within each government agency for people with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities who submit proof of disability documentation and a certification of job readiness from a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or a government agency issuing disability benefits.
Those using a Selective Placement Coordinator should submit their application, documentation and resume directly to the coordinator. During the interview process, candidates should discuss with the hiring official any workplace accommodations they may need.
To use the Selective Placement Programs service, contact the government agency where you want to work and ask for their Selective Placement, Disability Employment Coordinator or their equivalent.
