IT Specialist (Project Coordinator)

Social Security Administration; Woodlawn (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Security Administration is seeking IT Specialists under the Direct Hire Authority to fill positions as new civil service appointments. Roles focus on cybersecurity duties and project coordination within federal IT environments.

Applications are reviewed for a pool; selections occur as vacancies arise and may extend up to six months post-announcement closing. Qualified candidates should demonstrate advanced competencies in detail, service, information management, communication, and

Qualifications

• Attention to Detail (Advanced) — thorough and conscientious.
• Customer Service (Advanced) — assesses needs, provides information, resolves issues.
• Decision Making (Intermediate) — makes informed decisions.
• Information Management (Advanced) — organizes and maintains information systems.
• Interpersonal Skills (Advanced) — courteous, empathetic, effective relationships.
• Oral Communication (Intermediate) — conveys information clearly.
• Problem Solving (Advanced) — identifies problems and evaluates solutions.
• Teamwork (Advanced) — cooperates to achieve goals.
• Technical Competence (Advanced) — applies technical knowledge to duties.
• Specialized experience with two proficiencies at required levels; GS-13/14 criteria.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Decision Making

Information Management

Interpersonal Skills

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Technical Competence

Job description

Summary

IT Specialist positions are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

Duties

This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted will be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where cybersecurity duties occupy the majority of the work performed.

Qualifications

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered. Applicants must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Attention to Detail (Level 4, Advanced) - Thorough and conscientious in attending to detail.
• Customer Service (Level 4, Advanced) - Works with clients and customers to assess needs, provide information, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
• Decision Making (Level 3, Intermediate) - Makes sound, well‑informed decisions, perceives impacts, and commits to action.
• Information Management (Level 4, Advanced) - Identifies needs and gathers information, organizes and maintains information systems.
• Interpersonal Skills (Level 4, Advanced) - Exhibits courtesy, empathy, and effective relationships with others.
• Oral Communication (Level 3, Intermediate) - Effectively conveys information and listens to others.
• Problem Solving (Level 4, Advanced) - Identifies problems, evaluates alternatives, and makes recommendations.
• Teamwork (Level 4, Advanced) - Facilitates cooperation and achieves goals with others.
• Technical Competence (Level 4, Advanced) - Applies technical knowledge to perform duties and advise others.

Specialized Experience:

• Applicants must possess specialized experience directly related to the position’s work. Experience should demonstrate at least two of the following proficiencies at the appropriate level.
• GS-13 Level (requires GS-12 experience):
  • Coordinating project teams, organizing and tracking tasks.
  • Prioritizing work assignments to meet deadlines.
  • Communicating technical information to technical and non‑technical team members.
  • Preparing and delivering status updates to stakeholders.
• GS-14 Level (requires GS-13 experience):
  • Leading cross‑functional teams in complex IT projects.
  • Applying project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
  • Facilitating communication between technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
  • Developing and delivering presentations and reports to senior management.

Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found in the Competency‑Based Qualification Standard for the Information Technology Management Series, 2210.

Additional Information

E‑E‑O statement: This is a federal workforce and an equal opportunity employer. This position is not a political appointment. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or be exempt.

Probationary Period: As a condition of employment, a 1‑year probationary period will apply during which fitness for continued employment will be evaluated. Upon completion, employment may be terminated unless certification is received that continued employment advances the public interest.

Notice: This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office. Additional selections may be made up to six months from the closing date.

Informational Note: Creating a my Social Security (mySSA) account is a convenient way to access personal Social Security information online. While not required, you may wish to learn more by visiting www.ssa.gov/myaccount.