Summary This position is located in the Patron and Network Engagement Division, National Library Service for the Blind/Print Disabled, Library Collections and Services Group. The position description number for this position is 197039. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Responsibilities The incumbent researches the latest trends in: information technologies pertaining to digital libraries and their operational and informational systems, particularly those used in the 97 network libraries across the nation that comprise the National Library Services (NLS) network, searching techniques, and Virtual and in-person instruction and educational methodologies. The incumbent also designs and develops instructional materials and programs for a national audience using traditional classroom instruction, web based interactive instructional programs, and pre-recorded learning modules, delivered virtually and in-person. The incumbent works with subject matter experts to determine the intervention necessary to meet established training and educational needs, prepares learning objectives. identifies prerequisites, defines course content, selects and sequences activities, and writes programs, leader guides, participant manuals and other training materials as required. Coordinates educational program efforts for the most difficult programs or projects with unusually demanding social, economic, cultural, governmental, and political conditions. Provides leadership and direction for implementing educational programs/projects of major size and/or complexity. Coordinates program efforts and special projects for NLS educational initiatives for the network of regional libraries, subregional libraries, and advisory and outreach centers. Assists in executing instructional initiatives of major library impact; writes technical publications concerning educational initiatives; and represents NLS and the Library of Congress on special projects and programs for public and private organizations and the library community. Serves as an expert in educational program/project planning and development impacting sizable populations in multiple states/locations, with large and complex issues and problems. Provides expert advice in broad educational program areas impacting the specialized skills required for providing library service to the blind and print disabled. Expert advice encompasses specialized and commercial consumer digital audio and braille technologies and assistive devices that enable eligible populations of this program to read. Develops and applies new program methods, approaches, and/or technology or extends, revises and adapts existing methodology to new and unusual situations. Provides advice and assistance in the resolution of difficult program management and administrative operational problems and/or issues that include significant controversies or difficulties presenting barriers to program delivery and application. Performs research, development, and implementation of new and innovative methods of delivering academic and/or career development programs. Provides advice and guidance to NLS and network managers in the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of training and learning programs at NLS. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to apply knowledge of education programs and project activities.** Ability to develop, manage, implement, and provide advice and guidance on educational programs/projects.** Ability to perform research and analysis.** Ability to apply new and emerging technologies to develop programs and projects. Ability to communicate in writing to support educational programs and projects. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Education 1. Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position. or 2. Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in 1 above. You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application. Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application. Additional Information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.