What are the student employment programs
in the Civil Division?
Students are employed under
one of two separate programs, the Student Temporary Employment Program
(STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP).
A student hired under the STEP must be a high school, GED, undergraduate or graduate student who is currently pursuing a degree or diploma program at least half-time. A STEP employee's work duties do not have to be related to his or her academic degree program or career goals. A student hired under the SCEP program (also known as the "Co-Op Program") must currently be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree program on at least a half-time basis. A SCEP employee's work duties and responsibilities must be directly related to his/her academic degree program and career goals.
Can I take a semester off and still
remain a student employee?
STEP employees must be a
student of at least half-time status to be a student employee with the
Civil Division. However, student employees can continue to work over the
summer break if they are enrolled at least half-time for the subsequent
Fall term.
SCEP employees may take a break of one term (e.g., semester, trimester, quarter) and continue to work in the Division. SCEP employees are required to notify their managers if they have elected not to enroll for the current and/or impending term.
At the beginning of each
semester, all students are required to submit proof (such as a registration
schedule) that they are enrolled in school to their supervisors and Personnel.
Am I eligible for benefits as a student
employee?
Yes, all student employees
are eligible to earn paid sick leave. Students whose appointments are for
longer than 90 days also earn paid annual leave.
SCEP employees are also eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Program (TSP), the federal retirement system, and for coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and life-insurance programs.
STEP employees with at least
one year of federal service are also eligible to enroll in the FEHB, but
will be responsible for paying 100% of the health benefits premiums. STEP
employees are generally not eligible for retirement, life-insurance or
enrollment in the TSP.
How much can I work?
You are allowed to work
up to forty hours per week (full-time) as a student, as long as your hours
are approved by your supervisor.
How do I apply for a paid student position?
Submit a resume, transcript
(official or unofficial) and brief cover letter to Civil.Vacancies@usdoj.gov
or fax your materials to (202)514-7968. You may also mail your application
materials to:
Paid Student Positions
Civil Division-USDOJ
Personnel Management Branch
P.O. Box 14660
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-4660