Personnel Psychologist

Full Job Description

Joining the Secret Service, Office of Human Resources, Human Resources Research and Assessment Division will allow you to participate in research, development, implementation, and maintenance of effective competency-based assessments for selection, promotion, and career development to support the establishment and maintenance of a quality workforce.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major or equivalent in psychology.

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $85,447.00) if you possess one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level performing duties such as: Assisting with research projects related to human resource management, such as participating in data collection, conducting basic data analyses, or preparing draft reports under supervision.

Applying established methods and techniques in personnel psychology, including supporting the development or evaluation of assessment tools for selection, promotion, or workforce development purposes.

Preparing written materials, such as technical summaries or draft reports, to communicate research findings or recommendations to team members or supervisors. OR Ph.D.

or equivalent doctoral degree, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

OR 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

OR A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12.

Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.

You qualify for the GS-12 level (starting salary $102,415.00) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as: Applying testing and measurement theories, principles, and practices to meet organizational needs (for example, assessment development, survey construction).

Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses using statistical software packages (such as SPSS, SAS, or R) to analyze empirical data or summarize findings for review by senior psychologists.

Supporting the development of special-purpose tests or related human capital instruments, including recommending test administration procedures or assisting with test security protocols.

Preparing written materials, such as technical reports or summaries, to communicate research findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

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.

Major Duties:

The selectee will serve as a Personnel Psychologist in the Office of Human Resources, Human Resources Research and Assessment Division.

Typical work assignments include: Leading the development and implementation of employment tests, surveys, and related instruments for application to specific and general examining or other human capital needs.

Developing HR assessments, or survey tools and related instruments for application to specific and general examining needs or workforce development; responsible for developing special purpose tests, such as promotional assessments, and providing instruction on the proper administration and evaluation of these assessments.

Operating as the senior psychologist level in the development of tests, surveys, and related instruments and their application for human capital needs, including the production of data and technical reporting.

Serving in an advisory role on all aspects of Personnel Psychology, organizational development, and policy, with responsibility assisting with coordinating assessment and evaluation policy development for HRR and the USSS; attending and facilitating meetings within the Secret Service.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service mission by strengthening its ability to recruit, develop, and retain a highly specialized and dedicated workforce to fulfill mission critical requirements.

This Personnel Psychologist position starts at a salary of $85,447.00, GS -11, step 1, with promotion potential to, $187,093.00, GS-14 step 10.