U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Federal agencies fill jobs two ways, competitively and noncompetitively. Persons with disabilities may apply for jobs filled either way. People who are selected for jobs must meet the qualification requirements for the jobs and be able to perform the essential duties of the jobs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Jobs Filled Competitively

Jobs that are filled competitively are advertised through USAJOBS. Each job advertisement contains instructions on how to apply for that job. Approximately 16,000 jobs are available each day.

USAJOBS contains two ways to complete an application: The Federal Job Search and Application Form, OF-612, and the Online Resume Builder. In addition to this basic application, most advertisements require applicants to submit additional statements about their qualifications for the job.

USAJOBS by email helps applicants find the position that they wish to apply for. Applicants can register to receive an email every day that matches the type of job they are looking for. The email notification lasts for 120 days. Applicants can renew their email registration before it expires.

Jobs Filled Noncompetitively

People who are disabled and have a certification letter from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs may apply for noncompetitive appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. Applicants with certification letters may apply directly to agencies’ Selective Placement Coordinators or equivalent to be considered for jobs. Applicants should send an application plus the certification to the Selective Placement Coordinator or equivalent.

Appointment Authorities

The Federal Government has special appointing authorities for persons with disabilities. To be eligible for these noncompetitive, Schedule A, appointments, a person must meet the definition for being disabled. The person must have a severe physical, cognitive, or emotional disability; have a history of having such disability; or be perceived as having such disability. The person must obtain a certification letter from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for appointment under these special authorities.

Disabled veterans may also be considered under special hiring programs for disabled veterans with disability ratings from the Department of Veterans Affairs of 30% or more.

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