The federal government’s hiring process is very different from the private sector’s hiring process. Specifically, when applying for federal jobs, veterans are often eligible to take advantage of hiring preferences and secure employment more quickly. You must meet the following legal eligibility requirements:
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An honorable or general discharge is necessary;
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Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible unless they are disabled; and
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Guard and reserve personnel on active duty for training purposes do not qualify.
HHS fills its vacancies in two ways, noncompetitively and competitively. For positions that are available through noncompetitive hiring, HHS uses Special Hiring Authorities to place eligible veterans on a fast track. Job announcements on USAJobs.gov specify whether a position is competitive or noncompetitive under the “Who May Apply” section.
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Eligible veterans may be appointed to federal positions without competing with the general public, and HHS can hire you without posting a vacancy announcement. Veterans who are eligible for Special Hiring Authorities may be noncompetitively hired if they meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position.
Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
The Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) authority allows HHS to hire eligible veterans noncompetitively through the GS-11 grade level. You can then be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment after two years of successful performance. If you are hired to fill a temporary/term position under VRA, you will not be converted after two years of service. Veterans’ Preference applies when using this authority.
30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
The 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran authority allows any veteran with a 30 percent or more service-connected disability to be hired noncompetitively to any position for which they meet the qualification requirements. This is a time-limited appointment of more than 60 days, during which time you may be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment based on successful performance. There are no grade level limitations for job opportunities under this authority.
Schedule A
Schedule A authority allows HHS to noncompetitively hire eligible disabled veterans and persons with disabilities who have severe physical, psychological, or intellectual disabilities. You can be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment based on successful performance, and there are no grade restrictions for job opportunities under this authority.
Competitive Hiring
Noncompetitive Hiring
Positions must be announced to a pool of job seekers in USAJOBS.
Positions do not require public announcement.
The applicant does not have to meet the same eligibility requirements as a noncompetitive job posting.
The applicant must meet the requirements for noncompetitive status and be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
The applicant is rated based on qualifications.
The applicant will not be subject to the usual requirement to determine the most qualified candidate and rating of qualification.
All veterans have the option to apply.
Veterans must provide proof of eligibility for Veterans' Preference or special appointments in order to be considered for noncompetitive placement. These documents may include: