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INFORMATION ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HIRING OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

For those of you interested in working for the Federal Government, here is some information you may find useful.

 According to the Federal Office of Personnel Management, “disability” is defined as a permanent, severe, physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or a history of such impairment.  Disabilities may include psychiatric disorders, muscular or neurological limitations, and invisible disabilities such as lupus, fibromyalgia, AIDS, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, and asthma.  Individuals with disabilities can be eligible for appointment through special hiring authorities for the hiring of people with disabilities outlined by the Federal Government’s Selective Placement programs as outlined by 5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u) (2006).

 

It seems everyone knows that you can find federal job postings at usajobs.gov.  You can also find job postings at studentjobs.gov.  Individuals with disabilities can apply directly to the agency of interest or contact the agency’s Selective Placement Coordinator (SPPC), Special Emphasis Manager (SEP), or equivalent position to be considered for jobs.  SPPCs/SEPs are usually located in the Human Resources or Equal Employment Opportunity office of each Federal agency.  One of the main responsibilities of the SPPC/SEP is to help persons with disabilities get information about current job opportunities and how these jobs are filled.  (A directory of Selective Placement Program Coordinators can be found here: http://apps.opm.gov/sppc_directory/)  Applicants wishing to be considered under the aforementioned special authorities should indicate “5 CFR 213.3102(u)” on their resumes for both application methods.

 Eligibility for consideration under Schedule A is determined by proof of disability documentation and certification of job readiness.  The certification of job readiness is a determination that the applicant with disabilities is likely to succeed in the performance of the duties of the position he or she is seeking.  Both the proof of disability documentation and certification of job readiness can come from the same source, often a licensed medical professional, licensed state or private Vocational Rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal or State agency that issues or provides disability benefits.  (PLEASE NOTE: Individual agencies have the discretion to decide from which entities they will accept certification of job readiness.)  In some cases, individuals who can provide proof of disability but not certification of job readiness can be placed in a temporary appointment in order to determine the applicant’s job readiness in lieu of certification. 

For more information regarding Federal employment of individuals with disabilities, please visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website devoted to this topic, http://www.opm.gov/disability.