Congressional Relations Specialist

Summary The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Office of the Counselor to the Director (COU) is seeking a Congressional Relations Specialist to join the Congressional Services Section. The Congressional Services Section manages CRS's intake, assignment, and tracking of requests from the United States Congress for research, information, and analysis. Duties The selectee for this position will assist Members of Congress and their office and committee staff with daily requests for analysis, research, and information and will be responsible for the first line of routine troubleshooting for congressional clients using CRS's website. The selectee will conduct in-depth reference interviews with congressional clients, enter and track client requests in CRS's client relationship management system, utilize and assist in maintaining the currency of a wide range of online and print tools and other authoritative information used in request assignment, and assist with a range of congressional outreach activities. The selectee will be expected to develop and maintain effective internal and external client relationships and to provide a positive image of CRS through use of client services practices. Responsible for intake, assignment, and tracking of daily requests from Members of Congress and their office and committee staff for research, information, and analysis. This includes monitoring CRS's call management system and other technologies to assist in providing adequate coverage of incoming requests. Conducts in-depth reference interviews with congressional clients, evaluating and analyzing the facts bearing on clients' requests to determine the most accurate and effective formulation of each request. Enters and tracks requests in CRS's client relationship management system and utilizes a wide range of electronic tools and information to ensure correct assignment of requests to CRS analysts and information professionals for response. Assists with orientations for congressional staff and training sessions for CRS staff on CRS's website and electronic tools, and conducts routine troubleshooting for clients using the website and these tools. Assists with the construction of advanced searches and creation of targeted marketing emails and collaborates with intra- and interdivisional stakeholders to maintain authoritative congressional data. Develops and maintains effective internal and external client relationships and provides a positive image of CRS through use of client services practices. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing nonpartisan, authoritative, timely, policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on legal and public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees. The position description number for this position is 315417. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flextime work schedule. The tour of duty for this position is full-time. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement. Requirements Conditions of employment Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment. Qualifications Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to conduct reference interviews** Knowledge of the organization and processes of the U.S. Congress** Ability to apply knowledge of public policy issues** Ability to perform client services and outreach activities** Ability to communicate in writing Ability to utilize information technology and online systems Ability to interact collaboratively with others Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing Education There are no education requirements for this posting. Additional information Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.  Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application.  Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.   The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. Are you a veteran?  Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim.  Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214.  Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form.  If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.   Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.