VETERANS, SPOUSES, AND
FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
News Release, June 15, 2011
OPM Director John Berry
"Through the President's Veterans Employment Initiative, OPM
and our agency partners are helping tens of thousands of
veterans and their families continue their legacy of service," said
OPM Director John Berry. "These are some of the best, brightest
and hardest-working Americans in the federal government.
While we've accomplished a lot in the first year, too many
veterans are still unemployed and we're going to keep pushing to
do even better going forward."
News Release, June 15, 2011
OPM Director John Berry (Cont.)
25.6 percent of total new hires across the federal
government in FY 2010 were veterans. This is a 1.6
percentage point increase from FY 2009. Second, of
the veterans hired in FY 2010, 23,140 are disabled
veterans compared to 20,448 in FY 2009. This is a
1.2 percentage point increase.
Why is Veterans' Preference Important in the
Federal Hiring Process?
Provides a veteran an advantage in Federal
employment or special consideration for
appointment
BUT
Does not guarantee a veteran a job
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Services Get Clients Hired"
Veterans' Preference vs Veterans
Not all veterans are eligible for Veterans' Preference
Veterans need not have Veterans' Preference to gain
some hiring advantages
Not all people with Veterans' Preference are actually
veterans
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Services Get Clients Hired"
When Veterans' Preference rules does NOT
apply
Jobs in the Senior Executive Service
Positions for which Senate confirmation is required
Certain medical occupations in the VA (title 38)
Retirees at the rank of lieutenant commander (major)
or higher UNLESS they are disabled
CPS or CP veterans do not “float to the top” for
scientific or professional jobs at or above GS-9*
*Except GS-1102, Contracting.
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Consulting...Our Services
Get Clients Hired"
Types of Veterans' Preference
 CPS: disability of 30% or more
 CP: disability of at least 10% but less than 30%
 TP: Served at specific time and not disabled
 XP:
– Served any time and has a present service-connected
disability or is receiving compensation, disability retirement
benefits or pension but does not qualify as CP or CPS
– Received a purple heart
– Eligible spouse, mother, widow/widower
Note: National Defense Authorization Act of 2006 allows applicants who have not previously claimed preference to contact DEU to give
them preference now before submitting proof of eligibility.
Preference and Federal Rating and Ranking
A qualified veteran receives added points advantage during the
Federal rating and ranking process
• 5 Point Preference: Five points are added to passing examination score or
rating for designated periods served.
• 10 Point Disability Preference: Ten points are added to the passing
examination score or rating of veteran who served at any time AND has a
compensable service-connected disability rating of at least ten percent
but less than 30 percent.
• 10 Point 30 Percent Disability Preference: Ten points are added to the
passing examination score or rating of a veteran who served at any time
and has a compensable service-connected disability rating of 30 percent
or more.
Preference and Federal Rating and Ranking
Continued
• 10 Point Disability Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the passing
examination score or rating of a veteran who served at any time and has a
present service-connected disability or is receiving compensation,
disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the
Department of Veterans Affairs but does not qualify as a CP or CPS; OR
a veteran who received a Purple Heart
Preference and Federal Rating and Ranking
Continued
•10 Point Derived Preference (XP): Ten points are added to the
passing examination score or rating of spouses, widows,
widowers, or mothers of veterans. Both a mother and a
spouse (including widow or widower) may be entitled to
preference on the basis of the same veteran’s service if they
both meet the requirements. Neither, may receive
preference if the veteran is living and is qualified for Federal
employment.
SPECIAL NOTE
When agencies use a numerical rating and ranking system to determine the best
qualified applicants for a position, an additional 5 or 10 points are added to the
numerical score of qualified preference eligible veterans
When an agency does not use a numerical rating system, preference eligibles ,who
have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more (CPS, CP) are
placed at the top of the highest category on the referral list (except for scientific or
professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher). XP and TP preference eligibles are
placed above non-preference eligibles within their assigned category.
You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment
eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge
from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to
submit a Standard Form (SF-15 [152 KB]) "Application for 10-point Veterans'
Preference."
30%+ Disabled
 Veteran with a compensable serviceconnected disability of 30% or more
 Position vacancy need not be announced
 Meet minimum qualifications, including
written test, if applicable
 No grade level limitation
 Appointed for 60 days or more, can be
converted to permanent at anytime
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Special hiring authorities/programs for
Veterans
Non-competitive appointment, (i.e., no competition, no
rating and ranking, but must meet minimum
qualifications)
 Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
 30%+ Disabled Veterans
 Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Competitive
 Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA)
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--VRA--
 Eligibility:
 Disabled (indefinite eligibility)
 Served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition (indefinite
eligibility)
 Awarded Armed Forces Service Medal (indefinite eligibility)
 Separated within the last 3 years
 Position vacancy need not be announced
 Meet minimum qualifications; no rating and ranking
 GS 11 and below
 Training program required for those with less than 15 years education
 Appointment for 2 years; converted to permanent with satisfactory
performance
 Veterans’ preference rules apply if 2+ vets applied for same job
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Services Get Clients Hired"
--Voc Rehab-Enrolled for training or work experience program
Upon completion of training program
agency may appoint noncompetitively
Position related to what the vet trained for
No vacancy announcement required
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Services Get Clients Hired"
--VEOA- Eligibility:
– A preference eligible, or
– have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service, and
– Honorably discharged
 Position vacancy announced under internal merit promotion
 Vacancy not limited to agency’s workforce
 Rated best qualified to be referred and selected
 Veterans preference rules do not apply
 Career/career-conditional appointment
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
VEOA (Continued)
Are Military Retirees Eligible?
Per the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, to receive
preference, a veteran must have been discharged or released from active
duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (i.e., with an
honorable or general discharge). The veteran must also be eligible under
one of the preference categories.
Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are
not eligible for preference in appointment unless they are disabled
veterans.
Passing over a veteran
The same rules apply for competitive and excepted service
 If a veteran is a 30%+ disabled (CPS):
– Agency must notify
 the veteran
 OPM
– Veteran has 15 days to respond to OPM
– OPM approves/disapproves pass over
 If a veteran is NOT a 30%+ disabled:
– Agency approves
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Important tidbits
 10-point vets may file an application at anytime
 180-day restriction of military retirees in DOD can be waived by SecDef, or
during national emergency
– CURRENT SITUATION: “…For the duration of the national emergency, Department of the
Army appointing authorities may appoint retired members of the armed forces without
processing a 180-day waiver…..) (SecDef Ltr September 27, 2001)
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
What to do if veterans rights are violated
If Veterans' Preference rights are violated:
– File a complaint with the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment
and Training Service (VETS) .
– After VETS, can appeal to MSPB
 If discriminated against because of disability:
– File a complaint with EEOC
 Or, contact OPM
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
TIP
To maximize chances of landing a Federal job
Make sure vet is considered under ALL hiring
methods/authorities/programs for which
eligible
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Military Spouse Employment Rights
and Preference
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Military Spouse Preference And Employment
Opportunities
There are various opportunities available to Military Spouses.
• DoD Military Spouse Preference Program (Status and Non-Status
Candidates)
• Non-competitive Appointment for Military Spouses
• 2010 Military Spouse Intern Program
• Derived Veterans Preference
Military Spouse Preference (MSP)
• Derived from Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 1784, Employment Opportunities
for Military Spouses
• Applies to spouses of active duty military members of the Army Forces,
including Coast Guard, who relocate to accompany their sponsor on a
permanent change of station move.
MSP APPLIES IF:
• The spouse was married to the military sponsor prior to the reporting date
to the new assignment
• The relocation was based on PCS move and not for separation or
retirement
• The vacancy is within the commuting area of the sponsor’s permanent
new duty station
• The spouse is among the “best qualified” group and is within reach for
selection.
Military Spouse Employment Preference
 Military spouses who are current or former Federal employees are referred
for vacancies within the U.S., its territories, and possessions, through the
DoD PPP Program (S).
 Eligibility requirements:
 Current Federal career or career conditional employee
 Veterans Readjustment Authority (VRA) employee or Schedule appointed for persons
with disabilities
 Reinstatement eligible
 Returning from Overseas
Under PPP, eligibility continues from 30 days prior to the sponsor’s reporting date throughout he
tour until the spouse accepts or declines a continuing (lasting one year or longer) appropriated or
non-appropriated fund position with any Federal agency in the local commuting area.
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Spouses Not Eligible For Consideration Through PPP
 Eligible for MP hiring preference when applying for DoD positions in the
U.S. or in foreign areas through the Office of Personnel Management or a
DoD Delegated Examining Office (DEU) competitive examination.
 Hiring preference only applies to the specific announcement under which
the spouse is applying and only if that list is used to fill the position.
 Spouses applying for positions in foreign areas (not through OPM or DEU)
receive MSP hiring preference consideration under procedures established
by the local activity.
 These spouses may file applications for employment with the overseas Human Resources
Office 30 days before their anticipated arrival; however, they may not receive preference
until actually arriving at the overseas location.
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Documents Required
All spouses must submit the following:
• Application or Resume
• Statement Requesting Preference
• Copy of Military Sponsor’s PCS Orders
Spouses who are current or former permanent Federal employees or who are
returning from overseas employment must also submit:
• Copy of Standard Form 50 (SF 50) documenting current or previous
appointments, and
• Copy of last performance appraisal
Application Procedures
CIVIL SERVICE (APPROPRIATED FUND)
CIVIL SERVICE (NON-APPROPRIATED FUND)
Filled through the Human Resources Office on military
installations. Spouse preference is available for positions in
grades GS-15 and below or equivalent wage grade positions.
Certain positions, such as DoD school teachers and
intelligence related activities may be excluded.
Filled by the NAF human resources office on your military
installation. MSP applies to NAF positions at grades NF-3 and
below (or equivalent grade levels). NAF positions include jobs
at military exchanges, recreation facilities, restaurants, and
other NAF activities.
Create an application within the applicable resume building
web-site, i.e., http://www.cpol.army.mil.
Have an appointability or eligibility in the civil service system.

Current or previous work experience in the Federal
government (AF or NAF) or military service
File an application with the Installation NAF Human Resources
Office, unless a web-site alternative is available.
Attach a copy of your sponsor's PCS orders.
Hiring office may want a written statement requesting MSP.
You must apply for Program "S", the Priority Placement
Program for military spouses. This is the only way you can
exercise your military spouse preference for an AF position
within CONUS. You can apply for the "S" Program through the
local civilian human resources office.
Noncompetitive Appointment For Certain
Military Spouses
 Executive Order 13473, September 11, 2009
 Federal agencies may hire “qualified” military spouses without going
through the competitive process
 Not limited to specific positions or grade levels
 Use of this authority is discretionary with agencies and hiring managers
 No hiring preference is afforded and no entitlement is present
 Internal vacancy announcement will stipulate discretion for authority
 Applicant must apply and request consideration under this authority
 To be considered, must apply through a merit promotion
announcement (no need to register with DOD HRO)
 Permanent, term, or temporary
 Only one permanent appointment/
 No limit on term or temporary appointments
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Which Military Spouses Are Eligible For
Noncompetitive Appointment
PCS – Relocating with sponsor to new duty station, limited to
geographic area of orders, copy of PCS orders, proof of marriage,
eligibility exists for two years
Disability of Service Member – Spouse of retired military
member with 100% disability or retired or released service
members with 100% disability rating from the VA or applicable
branch of service.
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
Which Military Spouses Are Eligible For
Noncompetitive Appointment (cont.)
Death of Service member – Service member killed on activity
duty, surviving spouse must be un-remarried, no geographic
restrictions, proof of service member’s death and proof of
marriage.
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
HOW TO USE THE NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT
PROGRAM WHEN APPLYING FOR A FEDERAL JOB ON
USAJOBS
Step 1
Eligibility section of USAJOBS search page.
Check off YES to the last question.
A person with non-competitive appointment
eligibility?
No___ Yes
Step 2
Find your documentation that you will need to
prove eligibility and upload into USAJOBS,
applicationmanager.gov or other online
application system
For example, to confirm eligibility the hiring agency must verify the individual
has a valid marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage
(such as any official documentation verifying a recognized common law
marriage). In addition, the service member's spouse must be authorized on
the military orders assigning the service member to a certain post.
Step 3
Add to your resume – make your Appointment
eligibility stand out
Anna S. Ward
1347 Elliott Way / Annapolis, MD 21225
Cellular: 410-444-4444 / Residence: 410-444-4444
Email: asward@aol.com
Eligible: Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses,
5 CFR Parts 315 and 316
Veterans Preference: None or 10-points derived preference (if eligible)
Step 4
Find Federal jobs on USAJOBS that will consider
your Noncompetitive appointment
Find any job listed on USAJOBS for any grade level, and any
type of position. It is up to the agency and the human
resources office to review the documentation for the
Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military spouses.
Provide the documentation and maybe it will help you stand
out above other candidates. The following Q&A came from this
excellent DOD website:
http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/qaspouse/index.aspx
Step 5
Find Federal jobs through Family Support
Offices/ employment Readiness Offices and
TAP classes
Federal agency human resources recruiters can advise
the family support Offices, Employment Readiness
Offices and TAP classes about positions for spouses.
A NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT IS IN YOUR
HANDS!
The Noncompetitive Appointment for Certain Military Spouses could be a
hiring consideration program that could help you begin and manage a stable,
quality and career position with the US Federal Government. There are no
guarantees. It is simply a marketing opportunity to utilize your status as a
military spouse to improve your military family lifestyle and your own career.
Your dedication to your military spouse and family is valued and respected.
Your career is important. The Federal government provides the best positions
/ careers in the nation and hopefully you can land one of them through this
program and your own advocacy while a member of a military family.
Derived Veterans’ Preference (XP)
(Variation Of Veterans Preference)




Spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work
because of a service-connected disability
Mother of a veteran who died or permanently disabled
while on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition
Unmarried widow or widower of a veteran who died while
on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition
Adds 10 points to earned score under competitive
examination
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
2010 Military Spouse Intern Program
• 200 National Defense Authorization Act (Section 564) authorized pilot
program to secure internships for military spouses with Federal agencies
• DoD will reimburse Federal agencies for first year salary, benefits, and
training costs if an eligible military spouse is appointed to a permanent
position offering training and career progression.
• Ideally, the positions will be potable to accommodate the constant
geographic relocation of a spouse
Eligibility
All spouses of ACTIVE duty service members except:
• Spouse who is legally separated from service member when the person
begins the internship
• Spouse who is also a member of the Armed Forces on active duty
• Spouse who is retired member of the Armed Forces
LETS SEE WHAT WE CAN FIND
See if you can find a announcement that
provides for an opportunity for
noncompetitive appointment for certain
military spouses.
Discuss how you would advise a client in this
regard.
More Information?
The military spouse website provides additional information and helpful
resources for hiring managers, agencies, and military spouses to understand
the process and address questions.
Link for more information:
http://www.cpms.osd.mil/MilSpouseInternship.aspx
SUMMARY:
Why is the Consultation Process Important?
 One-on-one opportunity for dialogue between the client and our
company.
 Client opportunity to explain their education, experience, and concerns.
 Explore the wealth of information contained OPM web-site
 Review salary/wages mechanism
 Review classification families and standards as they relate to the client's
experience, education, and goals.
 Review qualification standards as they relate to the client's experience,
education, and goals
 Explore USAJobs and its processes and specific vacancy announcements as
they relate to the client's experience, education, and goals
 Explain and discuss available client services.
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
FEDERAL CAREER COUNSELLING JOB
CONSULTATION WORKSHOP
HANDS ON PRACTICE CONDUCTING A CONSULTATION
PAIR UP IN GROUPS OF TWO
UTILIZE KNOWLEDGE GAINED THUS FAR TO GUIDE YOUR
CLIENT TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL END
GROUP WRAP UP PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
"Writing and Consulting...Our Services Get Clients Hired"
FEDERAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW
 Complex but simplified
 Climate changes with administration agenda
 President Obama’s Hiring Reform Initiative
 Specific types of appointments
 Veteran Preference
 Spouse Hiring Preferences and Appointments
 Merit system principles
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"
ARMED FOR SUCCESS
Good Luck to all of you and thanks so much for
attending
Attention to Detail and Persistence are
Imperative To Success
"Writing and Consulting...Our
Services Get Clients Hired"