Job opening: Congressional Relations Officer
Salary: $99 200 - 181 216 per year
Published at: Dec 11 2024
Employment Type: Full-time
This position is located at the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs in Washington, District of Columbia.
Duties
The incumbent of this position serves as a member of the professional staff of the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs with responsibility for managing a segment of the Department's Congressional and Legislative Affairs program. The positron entails a variety of assignments dealing with the Department's programs and policies, congressional oversight and legislative agenda. In this capacity, handles the most complex and sensitive issues.
Provides special expertise and knowledge in the area of legislation and of the interests and concerns of Members of Congress and congressional committees and how these issues affect veterans, the Department, its programs and policies. Subject matter includes, as appropriate, legislation and issues under the jurisdiction of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees and the Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, legislation and oversight items affecting the Department which may be addressed by other congressional committees, including, but not limited to, House Ways and Means; Senate Finance; Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; House Education and the Workforce; House Government Reform; Senate Governmental Affairs; House and Senate Armed Services; House and Senate Judiciary.
Incumbent must have knowledge of VA's legislative goals and priorities and have in depth knowledge of VA programs and policies with special emphasis on health care, construction, compensation and pension, educational and training benefits, insurance programs, home loan guaranty, burial benefits, EEO, human resources, administration, and acquisition programs.
Upon approval of the Department's legislative agenda, recommends strategies for communicating VA's legislation to Congress. Maintains close attention to the movement of legislation key to the Department. Develops additional courses of action in dealing with stalled legislation or legislation that is not in support for the Administration's or VA's goals.
Oversees Department's preparation for and follow-up to congressional hearings. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: being the point of contact for congressional staff preparing for the hearing; obtaining information about the upcoming hearing useful to VA witnesses; chairing or providing technical assistance at pre-hearing briefings; recording and analyzing substantive points raised during the hearings; reviewing and editing testimony, briefing books, pre and post-hearing questions, and hearing transcripts.
Personally assists assigned department and/or staff offices (VHA, VBA, NGA, and staff offices) concerning matters within the Congressional Relations Officer's area of program and legislative responsibility. Establishes internal and external points of contact for the purpose of exchanging information- on program and policy matters, coordination of VA Headquarters' and field activities of congressional interest, and VA's legislative program, as well as legislation pending in Congress. Reports findings to superiors, assesses any anticipated problems, and recommends appropriate courses of action.
Other duties may be assigned.
Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position is authorized 50% telework and selectee will be expected to report to 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC or a VA facility within the commuting distance of the selectees location the remaining 50%.
Position Description Title: Management and Program Analyst
Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/18/2024.
GS-12 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 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 and interpreting complex legislation, regulations, and policies related to legislative matters.
Preparing detailed reports, briefings, and recommendations on legislative issues for senior management or elected officials.
Developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional staff, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
GS-13 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 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 and interpreting public laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies related to Legislate and Congressional.
Developing informational materials, policy guidance, and technical assistance documents for dissemination within and outside the Department.
Researching and developing recommendations on Legislative or Congressional inquiries.
GS-14 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
Legislative Affairs - Legislative Analyst, Legislative Coordinator, Senior Legislative Assistant, or Legislative Director
Policy Analyst - Policy Advisor, Professional Staff, Counsel, General Counsel, Staff Director
Presentations for congressional staffers and Members of Congress.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:CommunicationPolitical SavvyStakeholder Management
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: Work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Contacts
- Address Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
- Name: Eric Whittaker
- Phone: 2024895179
- Email: [email protected]
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