Summary This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Phoenix Division Office AZ. This position(s) primary purpose is to support the Phoenix Division Office in planning communication and media outreach working collaboratively with federal, state and local law enforcement public affairs personnel as well as responding to requests for information from the media. Responsibilities As a Public Affairs Specialist, your typical work assignments may include: Planning, developing and implementing media programs for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) leaders and the Division that have coverage in multiple states to garner greater understanding of support for DEA's mission. Advising management at various Division levels on public information matters. Developing and maintaining relationships with local and regional media representatives to garner media placement and positive coverage of DEA. Planning and directing special outreach events, ceremonies, tours and other activities intended to develop public and media interest within the Division. Coordinating local press conferences, statements and press releases with the appropriate partner agencies in the event of a joint law enforcement investigation. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Qualification claims will be subject to verification. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying specialized experience. Specialized 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; religious; 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. To qualify at the GS-12 level: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 Federal grade level performing the following duties: 1) Administering media relations programs in an effort to increase awareness and support of an organizations mission; 2) Advising management on public information matters; 3) Responding in writing and through media engagement to answer questions; and, 4) Planning and leading special outreach events, ceremonies and tours. To qualify at the GS-13 level: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 Federal grade level performing the following duties: 1) Analyzing public reaction to agency programs and activities; 2) Developing and executing a communication plan to capture diverse points of view; 3) Writing press releases describing events and critical incidents; and 4) Advising and/or coaching managers on interactions with the media; and, 5) Creating print, radio, and broadcast news stories on drug diversion and abuse, prevention, and drug abuse trends. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DEA requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation (Critical-Sensitive/Top Secret, Special-Sensitive/Top Secret, or Non-critical Sensitive/Secret). This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. DEA committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. EEO POLICY STATEMENT Reasonable Accommodations Request: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 which list your active service dates, awards/campaigns and character of service or an official statement from your command if currently on active duty that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) and the required supporting documents listed on that form. For more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee\_guides/career\_transition.asp