You may or may not have heard about how “Schedule A” can help people with disabilities obtain employment, bypassing the usual application process. Sounds good, right? This week’s blog will explain what “Schedule A” is and how it can help people with disabilities to streamline the application process for US Federal Jobs.
What is Schedule A?
- Schedule A hiring authority is for people with disabilities and is an exception to the traditional hiring process.
- Schedule A is a non-competitive hiring authority that allows federal agencies to forgo the typical application process and hire individuals with disabilities directly into the workforce.
- People hired under Schedule A hiring authority receive an excepted service appointment to a position that is otherwise a competitive service.
Who is Eligible for Schedule A?
- People may apply for a position using Schedule A if they have “an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability (with or without reasonable accommodations)”.
- To meet this requirement, candidates must provide proof of disability from a doctor, licensed medical or rehabilitation professional, or any Federal state, District of Columbia or US Territory agency that issues or provides disability benefits. For most of you reading this, it would be that you are receiving disability benefits (SSDI, or SSI). (Fraudulent claiming to have an eligible disability or forging proof of disability for Schedule A hiring purposes is against the law.)
- All targeted disabilities are eligible for non-competitive appointments under the Schedule A hiring authority. Targeted disabilities are listed here:
Why should you use Schedule A?
- Using Schedule A, a hiring manager can directly hire an individual who meets the qualifications of a position. It streamlines the hiring process by giving hiring managers access to a highly skilled, prescreened and available candidate pool while reducing the amount of time to fill vacancies.
Next Steps:
- Find an opening by identifying the type of position for which you would likely apply and determine if there is an open position within the USPTO . The federal government’s official site for job postings and information: https://uspto.usajobs.gov/
- Twitter: @USPTOjobs https://twitter.com/USPTO jobs
- You can also contact USPTO at: disabilityhiring@uspto.gov
- Email: disabilityhiring@uspto.gov for addition information about hiring opportunities.
- Prepare your application and resume that clearly describes your abilities and qualifications that relate to the position. Here are some tools to help you do just that!
- Resume builder https://help.usajobs.gov/index,php/ Find help/ Resume Builder
- You can also upload your existing resume onto USAJOBS or contact the SPPC for the agency you wish to apply to and follow their instructions to submit your application materials.
- Obtain disability documentation:
- To apply using Schedule A, you must submit documentation to verify you have a severe physical disability, an intellectual disability, or a psychiatric disability. This form is commonly referred to as Proof of Disability Documentation http://www.opm.gov/faqs?QA.aspx?fid=de14aff4-4f77-4e17-afaa-fa109430fc&pid=79f6a77-248f-47bc-80e6-ce9bd4060ya2
- This document must specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does not need to detail your specific disability, medical history, or need for accommodation. You should have this information ready before you apply for a job under Schedule A.
- You can request this information from:
- Your doctor
- A licensed medical professional
- A licensed rehabilitation professional
- Any federal, state, District of Columbia or US Territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
- You can view a sample letter here: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/getting-a-job/samplesschedulealetters.pdf
- To apply using Schedule A, you must submit documentation to verify you have a severe physical disability, an intellectual disability, or a psychiatric disability. This form is commonly referred to as Proof of Disability Documentation http://www.opm.gov/faqs?QA.aspx?fid=de14aff4-4f77-4e17-afaa-fa109430fc&pid=79f6a77-248f-47bc-80e6-ce9bd4060ya2
- Apply
- Option 1: Apply through USAJOBS (https://upstp.usajobs.gov)
- Option 2: Apply directly using the Schedule A process:
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- Contact the SPPC at disabilityhiring@uspto.gov (mail to: disabilityhiring@uspto.gov)
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- Follow up
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- Generally, you will be contacted about the status of your application.
- If the agency is interested in you as a candidate for the open position, someone from the agency will contact you to set up an interview.
- If you require accommodation for an interview at USPTO you may request one.
- If you are selected for a position, you will be offered the position after you accept an offer of employment. If you believe you will need accommodation to perform your job duties, ask at that time. Allow plenty of time for getting your accommodations in place to ensure you will have what you need on your first day.
- For more information regarding Schedule A and a “frequently answered questions section, see the ABC’s of Schedule A (http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/abc_applicants with disabilities.cfm)
“Till next time! Becky
Source: USPTO Schedule A: for applicants
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