Program Analyst (EBT Coordinator)

Summary The Mountain Plains Region Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program Analyst serves as the expert responsible for analysis, review/approval, and oversight activities for EBT document submissions by States and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs). These activities cover extremely broad and difficult cases, and have substantial budget impact in many areas. You will represent FNS with agencies and operations outside of the agency. Responsibilities Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Reviews, analyzes, comments on, and takes/recommends appropriate FNS action on EBT project documentation. Reviews, analyzes, comments on, and takes or recommends appropriate FNS action on the functional and technical aspects of EBT IT system development and sustainment, including system requirements documents. Provides technical assistance to users at the agency, State, and ITO level in the form of training, assistance in the preparation of program specifications, or on-going advice and analysis regarding EBT systems. Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. In order to qualify for this position you must have at least fifty-two (52) weeks of experience at the GS-12 level that reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities below. The experience in your resume must show the following knowledge, skills and abilities at the GS-12 level: Assists states and ITOs with the EBT process and ensure EBT project documentation conforms to federal requirements in the Advance Planning Document (APD) Process. Evaluates the viability of project proposals, monitors project budgets and project execution, identifies and manages risk, evaluates system testing results for regulatory compliance, and renders go/no-go recommendations. Conducts and/or reviews comprehensive EBT project plans where boundaries of studies are extremely broad and difficult and must meet regulatory requirements using FNS program systems and administration requirements. Utilizes the federal procurement process and appropriations law to ensure EBT projects using federal funds conform to federal budget and procurement requirements. Applies tact and diplomacy in difficult situations to negotiate effectively with states, ITOs, and other federal stakeholders on major concerns and/or deficiencies in EBT systems plans. Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no education substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. USDA is offering a variety of strategic workplace flexibilities which allow us to recruit and retain the best talent that reflects the diversity of our country, improve employee morale, and make USDA an employer of choice. In support of this commitment, telework-eligible positions may be eligible to telework up to four days of telework per week, based upon the duties of specific positions. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by Departmental policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.