OPM’S USAJOBS SITE HIGHLIGHTS NEW ‘COVID-19’ JOB ALERT

OPM opening up opportunities for Schedule A and federal employees

To help Federal agencies meet critical hiring requirements in support of mitigation efforts to the coronavirus pandemic, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a COVID-19 tag on USAJOBS so that Federal agencies can flag positions tied to the national response. The new update on USAJOBS will not only help Federal agencies meet critical hiring requirements in response to the COVID-19 national emergency, but job seekers will be able to review all job announcements related to COVID-19 opportunities in one place.

“Visitors to USAJOBS can quickly find opportunities that will have a direct impact on the American people and the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19,” said Acting Director Michael Rigas.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Schedule A Hiring Authority

OPM also has empowered federal agencies to leverage existing special hiring authorities to help onboard new hires during this current national emergency (Federal Hiring Continues During the Coronavirus, April 3, 2020).In a memorandum by the OPM acting director, federal agencies are being authorized the “the use of excepted service appointments under 5 CFR 213.3102(i)(3) to address the need for hiring additional staff in response to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).”

COVID-19 Response Program

Additionally, in late March, OPM launched the COVID-19 Surge Response Program for Federal agencies to post temporary job opportunities supporting the government’s response to coronavirus so current federal employees, with applicable skills, have the opportunity to assist with the federal response to COVID-19.Learn more about OPM’s COVID-19 update on USAJOBS and special hiring initiatives with Schedule A and COVID-19 Response Program.

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Author: Alex Harrington is currently a federal civil servant and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) and Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Persian Gulf War veteran.