Job Title:Social Science Reseach Analyst
Agency:Social Security Administration
Hiring Organization:Office of Retirement and Disability Policy/Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics
Job Announcement Number:SH1180208
SALARY RANGE:   $75,621.00 to $116,901.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD:   Friday, August 1, 2014 to Tuesday, August 5, 2014
SERIES & GRADE:   GS-0101-12/13
POSITION INFORMATION:   Full Time - Permanent
DUTY LOCATIONS:   1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington DC, DC View Map
WHO MAY APPLY:   United States Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE:   Not Applicable
SUPERVISORY STATUS:   No
JOB SUMMARY:
Do you have a desire to:

help SSA manage its Social Security programs?
analyze and solve problems?
help and advise millions of retired and disabled individuals?
work on a team to make a difference in people's lives and your own?
Join SSA, one of the top 10 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!

The employee conducts in-depth public policy analysis and manages projects and studies in support of major policy proposals and options.

NOTE: Your resume must specifically address the evaluation criteria for the position. This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official. If your application materials do not demonstrate the competencies and experience needed for this position, your application will be ineligible for consideration.

This position is located in Washington DC.

Important: One (1) position will be filled between the GS-12 and GS-13 level.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
Not Required
RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
No
KEY REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Citizenship Required.
Selective Service Registration, if applicable.
Background and/or Security Investigation Required.
Selectees are required to serve a 1 year probationary period.
Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the closing date.
DUTIES:
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Provides in-depth analysis on policy issues and produces concise policy papers to customers that include Agency executives, the Social Security Advisory Board and external policymakers.
Prepares position papers and reports and presents analyses of issues for higher-level officials.
Performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of complex and sensitive policy issues and problems in a timely manner.
Solicits input from other internal components and external experts when necessary.
Presents information and findings in analytical papers or provides input into reports and papers.
Synthesizes complex and detailed research findings and other background information on policy issues and evaluates the overall impact of such issues on the immediate, foreseeable and long-range interest of the Agency.
Serves as a representative on intercomponent task forces and workgroups, internally and externally.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
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To qualify for this position at any grade level, applicants must possess one of the following:

A degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position. NOTE: Transcripts are required to substantiate education; OR
A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
In addition to the requirements listed above, applicants must qualify for the posted grade level(s).

To qualify for the GS-12, applicants must also possess one of the following:

A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a behavioral or social science. NOTE: Transcripts are required to substantiate education; OR
52 weeks of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or above. Specialized experience for this grade level is characterized by participation, with minimal supervision, in research and analysis of recent topics in a behavioral or social science. Also includes performing quantitative and qualitative analysis of policy issues using appropriate research methodology; OR
A combination of graduate level coursework and specialized experience (as described above) which equals 100% of the total requirements for this grade level. NOTE: Transcripts are required to substantiate education.
To qualify for the GS-13, applicants must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled which has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this grade level is characterized by conducting economic and social survey research, leading broad studies, and making recommendations regarding research proposals, plans and policy. Also includes performing quantitative and qualitative analysis of policy issues using appropriate research methodology.

In addition to qualifying for the position and posted grade levels, applicants for the GS-12 must meet the following Selective Placement Factor: Skill in analyzing behavioral and psychological concepts related to individual judgment and decision-making, including the effects of choice architecture and hyperbolic discounting. To demonstrate this skill, applicants must have 2 out of the following 3 experience indicators:

In addition to qualifying for the position and posted grade levels, applicants for the GS-13 must meet both of the following Selective Placement Factors:

1. Skill in analyzing behavioral and psychological concepts related to individual judgment and decision-making, including the effects of choice architecture and hyperbolic discounting.To demonstrate this skill, applicants must have 2 out of the following 3 experience indicators:

Experience analyzing the effects of choice architecture and hyperbolic discounting on individual judgment and decision-making.
Experience applying concepts from the field of behavioral psychology to examine the decision-making process.
Experience effectively relating your own judgment and decision-making research methods to the previous work of others.
2. Ability to translate detailed research findings into practical recommendations for modifying policies and procedures. To demonstrate this skill, applicants must have 2 out of the following 3 experience indicators:

Experience summarizing complex social science research for decision-makers.
Experience identifying the practical implications of social science research and applying these findings to help clients achieve particular goals.
Experience reviewing policies and procedures and making recommendations for modifications based on your knowledge of social science research topics.
NOTE: Your resume must specifically address the experiences needed for each selective placement factor. This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official.