Appears In
At the Office of Information and Technology, our workforce includes thousands of leaders, specialists and analysts who are Veterans—individuals who understand and are deeply committed to our goal of creating an exceptional experience for our Veterans and their families.
During Veterans Month 2021, we are highlighting opportunities for Veterans who have considered transitioning to a career in the federal government — including special authorities that allow VA to fast-track their hiring.
Direct Hire Authority
The Office of Personnel Management gives federal agencies Direct Hire Authority to fill vacancies during a critical hiring need or shortage of candidates. Direct Hire Authority expedites hiring by eliminating competitive rating and ranking, Veterans’ preference, and “rule of three” procedures.
Schedule A
Veterans who have at least a 30 percent disability rating automatically qualify for Schedule A. This is an excepted service authority that agencies use to hire candidates — including Veterans — who have a psychiatric, intellectual, or physical disability. To qualify for a Schedule A appointment, applicants must present proof of a disability from a licensed medical professional, any federal or state agency, or any agency in the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues disability benefits. Qualified Schedule A candidates do not need to compete for a position. If there is an open announcement, qualified candidates are moved to the front of the line.
Schedule D Pathways Program
The Pathways Internship Program allows current students and recent graduates to gain valuable training and career experience through federal service. Recent graduates must apply within the previous two years of degree or certificate completion to be eligible. Veterans precluded from applying due to their military service have up to six years after degree or certification completion to apply. Recent graduates with Masters or professional degrees may also apply to the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
Veterans’ Preference
At VA, our commitment to our Veterans extends beyond the Veterans we serve through our medical centers and benefits offices. We’re committed to helping Veterans build rewarding careers by valuing the skills they bring to the table and the unique perspectives and experiences that allow them to continue a life of service. Disabled Veterans or Veterans who’ve served on active duty during certain time periods or military campaigns are given preference over other candidates for competitive appointments. To receive preference, Veterans must have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable or general discharge. To learn more about additional requirements for Veterans’ preference, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s Feds Hire Vets Frequently Asked Questions.
The Veterans Employment Service Office aims to attract, recruit, and hire Veterans while offering career preparation and transition services and implementing government initiatives that prioritize Veteran employment:
- The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act
- The Veterans Recruitment Appointment
- The Disabled Veterans Enrolled in VA Training Program
- Vocational Readiness and Employment
- Veterans’ Preference
To learn more about the careers available with the Office of Information and Technology, keep an eye out for upcoming career fairs and links to positions on our LinkedIn and Twitter pages, as well as our job listings on USAJOBS.
