Public Affairs Specialist

Summary The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment. Learn more about this agency Duties This position is located in the Public Information Office (PIO), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief of Police, United States Capitol Police (USCP). The PIO coordinates all media coverage of the Department; disseminates information to the media and the public through the uscp.gov site, press releases, correspondence, and other materials; and coordinates communications between USCP and the media in response to events that attract media attention. The PIO also serves as the Editor for the Department's employee magazine and is responsible for other internal communications initiatives throughout the Department. Serves as a Public Affairs Specialist and maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged and otherwise restricted data, information, communications, and correspondence. Coordinates with appropriate staff members to ensure that communications and relations with the media and other stakeholders are synchronized and consistent in meeting the needs of the organization. Responds orally and/or in writing to information requests from the news media, Congressional offices, and specialized and/or general members of the public and ensures that USCP Departmental programs, priorities, and commitments are accurately articulated and/or relayed. Collaborates with the Communications Director to plan, develop, update, and execute a strategic communications campaign.Provides high-level support to the Communications Director to ensure the planning and execution of a comprehensive, effective communications program necessary to execute the timely, accurate, and legally authorized dissemination of Department and law enforcement sensitive information to the public, national and international media, USCP representatives, Congressional staff, industry groups, community groups, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agency staff.Directs special events, ceremonies, tours, and other activities intended to develop interest, garner support, and enhance USCP programs and services. Manages content and audience engagement of the agency's social media platforms. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. citizen. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Must complete a one-year probationary period. This position has a hybrid work schedule. The incumbent will spend most days working onsite and teleworking on other days during the work week. Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below.For the CP-10 level you must have at least one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CP-9/GS-11 level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as experience which includes 1) exercising sound judgment in determining the level of detail in response to questions and inquiries and the intended recipients; 2) organizing news conferences, as needed, and creating talking points for high visibility and highly sensitive/complex issues; 3) communicating information and articulating policies, priorities and commitments in a clear, concise manner; and 4) formulating plans and department, agency, or organizational policy initiatives.Additional QualificationsThree (3) years of public affairs experience in a Law Enforcement or Journalism organization. All eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.(Information on Qualification & Education is located at the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/) Education There is no education substitution for experience in this series and/or grade. Additional information Additional Conditions of Employment with the USCP: As per the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) and the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019, criminal history information will only be collected following a qualifications review and after a tentative offer of employment has been made. A criminal history does not automatically exclude an applicant from employment with the USCP. Criminal History Check -- Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal history check of the past 10 years if offered employment. A criminal history check will be performed on applicants who accept an offer of employment. Credit Check -- Must successfully pass a credit check. Applicants must not be in default or delinquent on any Federal guaranteed student loans. Applicants must demonstrate a competent financial history. Financial delinquency including collection accounts, liens, repossessions, or garnishments may be a basis for disqualification. Selective Service Registration -- Male applicants must provide verification of registration with the Selective Service System or must verify exemption from the Selective Service System registration because of age or military status. Female applicants are exempt from Selective Service System registration. https://www.sss.gov/verify/ Fingerprint Check -- Applicants' fingerprints will be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a check of their criminal history record. Background Investigation -- Must successfully complete all components of the USCP full field background investigation. There are few automatic grounds for rejection in the USCP background investigation process. Issues of misconduct, such as illegal drug use, arrests, or convictions, may not be automatically disqualifying. However, deliberate misstatements, omissions, or intentionally withholding required information at any phase of the hiring process will result in a candidate's disqualification regardless of the nature or reason for the misstatement or omission. The primary reason candidates fail a background investigation is due to deliberately withholding or omitting material facts. Providing false and/or misleading information may be grounds for removal from the application and selection process. Expand Hide  additional information 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. 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.