Correctional Program Officer (Senior Deputy Assistant Director)

About the role

This position is located in the Reentry Services Division, Washington, DC. Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, the incumbent serves as the Senior Deputy Assistant Director providing administrative oversight and direction over programs within the division.

What you will do

• As the Senior Deputy Assistant Director for the Reentry Services Division, the incumbent provides executive leadership and direction for the Bureau's National Reentry Affairs initiatives.
• This includes setting strategic priorities, developing and evaluating national program strategies, recommending staffing and resource allocations, and overseeing nationwide outreach and engagement efforts.
• The incumbent leads collaboration with Department of Justice components, U.S. Probation and the Federal Courts, and a broad range of federal, state, and local agencies to advance the Bureau's reentry mission.
• The incumbent prepares high-level position papers, evaluates research, and provides authoritative advice to the Assistant Director on strategies to facilitate successful community reintegration of individuals under Bureau custody and to contribute to reduced incarceration costs through improved population management.
• The incumbent serves as the Division's principal leader for planning, implementing, and monitoring programs in newly activated Bureau institutions, ensuring alignment with national policy and established standards.
• The incumbent provides executive guidance for program modifications and improvements and serves as Acting Assistant Director in the Assistant Director's absence.
• The incumbent offers senior-level counsel to the Assistant Director and the Director of the Bureau on assigned program areas, both operational and in development, and assesses the implications of these programs for the Bureau's overall mission, operations, and organizational performance.
• The incumbent assists in developing and issuing Bureau-wide policy and operational guidance related to assigned functions and programs.
• The role includes providing expert advice and technical assistance to regional leadership and, through them, to institution executive staff.
• The incumbent is responsible for coordinating assigned program operations and conducts field visits to evaluate program execution, monitor performance, and support resolution of significant issues involving national policy interpretation and implementation.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.
• You will be required to travel occasionally for training and operational purposes.
• You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result before you can be appointed into this position.
• After appointment, you will be subject to random testing for illegal drug use.

Education

This position does not have any education requirements.

How you will be evaluated

Applicants will be evaluated based upon how they have addressed the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume. The ECQs describe the skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service, and are in addition to the specific MTQ listed above.

To assess the executive experience of each candidate, applicants applying for their initial career appointment in the SES must demonstrate, with specific examples, how their experience is relevant to the five ECQS.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): ECQ 1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY: Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE: Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4 - LEADING PEOPLE: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. ECQ 5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to state goals from superiors.

Additional information on the Executive Core Qualifications can be found at Executive Core Qualifications Please refer to OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Service Qualifications for more detailed information. ***

Documents you must provide

• All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience.
• Your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date.
• Provide certification of OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs).
• You MUST submit a copy of your latest yearly performance appraisal/evaluation.
• Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) Form which reflects the most recent position, title, series and grade; competitive service appointment; tenure group; status or SES reinstatement eligibility.
• All applicants must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) within the two (2) page resume.
• Failure to provide these documents will result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.

What to expect next

Once your complete application package is received, it will be evaluated to determine your qualifications and overall ranking. The highest-rated candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and may be invited to participate in a structured interview.

Your experience and competencies must be clearly demonstrated in your resume, Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). Incomplete or insufficient documentation may result in removal from the highly qualified group and non-referral.

A Senior Executive Service rating and ranking panel will assess your application based on the breadth and quality of your professional accomplishments and experience. Applicants determined to be highly qualified may undergo a structured interview and a reference check.

If selected, you must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board, unless you are a current SES member or have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program. Certification must be obtained prior to appointment. We strongly encourage you to review the ECQs and MTQ included in this announcement before beginning your application.

The Bureau expects to make a selection within approximately 80 days following the closing date of this announcement. You will receive email notifications at key points throughout the application process. To ensure you automatically receive these updates, verify that your USAJOBS profile is configured to accept email notifications.

Otherwise, you must log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. Notifications will be provided at up to four stages: Upon receipt of your application After minimum qualification determinations After issuance of the certificate of eligibles After a final selection has been made

Additional information

You must submit all required materials by the closing date of this announcement.

If any required documents are missing, your application will be evaluated solely on the information received, which may result in reduced consideration or an ineligible determination. Application materials will not be returned. Upon appointment, you will be required to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) and must update this report annually thereafter.

Veterans' Preference does not apply to Senior Executive Service positions. The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for any selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee under Title 5 must be certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to appointment. Individuals entering the SES for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.

Applicants who have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and received ECQ certification must provide a copy of their certification as part of their application package.

Candidates must still meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) for the position, however, you do not need to address the ECQs if you meet any of the following criteria: You are currently serving under a career SES appointment You are eligible for reinstatement into the SES You have completed an OPM-approved CDP and received Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification.

Proof of QRB certification must be provided. The selected candidate may undergo additional evaluation through a structured interview conducted by the OPM QRB. OPM must review and approve the executive qualifications of all new career SES appointees prior to appointment.

Current Federal Law Enforcement Employees:To be eligible for secondary law enforcement retirement coverage, you must have completed the mandatory training courses "Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase I and Phase II." If these courses have not been completed, you are not eligible for secondary law enforcement retirement coverage, but you may still be considered for a non-law enforcement position.

If you are not currently employed by the Bureau of Prisons, you must submit training records demonstrating completion of Phase I and Phase II to your hiring Human Resources office prior to appointment. Individuals under FERS or CSRS who have not completed three years of primary law enforcement coverage will not receive law enforcement retirement coverage in this position.

To regain coverage, individuals must return to a position with primary law enforcement retirement coverage.