Federal Staffing and Placement Course

Module 1: Evolution of the Merit System

• Explore the historical development of the merit system in federal employment, from the Spoils System to the Civil Service Act of 1883.
• Understand the major reforms and acts that shaped the merit system, including the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978.
• Discuss merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices as a foundation for current federal HR operations.

Module 2: Researching Legal and Regulatory Requirements

• Learn how to research and navigate legal and regulatory references that govern federal staffing practices.
• Understand the relationships between Title 5, United States Code (5 USC), Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR), and other guidance.
• Explore Civil Service Rules, Public Notice requirements, and delegation agreement requirements in the federal hiring process.

Module 3: Working for the Federal Government—Competitive Service

• Describe the various appointing authorities leading to competitive appointments in the federal government.
• Explain the role of OPM and Delegated Examining Units (DEUs) in the competitive hiring process.
• Apply guidelines to determine the completion of probationary periods, conversion to career tenure, and reinstatement eligibility.

Module 4: Working for the Federal Government—Excepted Service and Special Authorities

• Learn about excepted service appointments and special authorities, such as Schedule A and Schedule B appointments.
• Understand the qualifications and requirements for working under excepted service and special authorities.

Module 5: Temporary/Term Employment

• Explore the different types of temporary and term appointments in the federal government.
• Understand the rules and limitations governing temporary and term employment and the conversion process to permanent positions.

Module 6: Merit Promotion and In-Service Placement Actions

• Learn about merit promotion and in-service placement actions within federal agencies.
• Understand the procedures for promoting employees and placing them in different roles within the same agency.

Module 7: Qualifications

• Understand how qualifications are assessed in the federal hiring process, including the General Schedule Qualification Standards and job analysis techniques.
• Learn how to evaluate candidates' knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies for specific federal positions.

Module 8: Job Analysis

• Learn how to conduct job analysis and develop rating schedules for federal positions.
• Understand the role of job analysis in aligning job descriptions with qualifications and ensuring fairness in hiring processes.

Module 9: Recruiting the Right Person for the Right Job

• Learn strategies for recruiting qualified candidates for federal positions, focusing on sourcing, targeting, and attracting the right talent.
• Explore the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and equal opportunity in federal hiring.

Module 10: Downsizing the Federal Workforce

• Understand the procedures and policies for downsizing the federal workforce, including reduction-in-force (RIF) and other workforce management strategies.
• Learn about the challenges and legal considerations involved in workforce downsizing and the impact on federal employees.