This presentation was delivered at Conduit 2016, the STC PMC annual conference.

1. Communicators in the US Government
DAVID L. CARUSO
@DCCD
#STCPMC16 @dccd

2. Why Federal
Service?
HT TP://WWW.PAULRIDENOUR.COM/DC.HTM
D i s c l a i m e r : T h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n i s f o r
i n f o r m a t i o n a l p u r p o s e s o n l y . A l l c o n t e n t a n d
o p i n i o n s e x p r e s s e d i n t h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n a r e
t h o s e o f t h e p r e s e n t e r a n d a r e n o t m e a n t t o
r e p r e s e n t S T C , N I O S H , C D C , H H S , O P M o r t h e
e n t i r e t y o f t h e U S f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t . T h e
p r e s e n t e r h a s n o i n s i d e k n o w l e d g e o f a n y o f
t h e j o b p o s t i n g s d i s c u s s e d .

3. Public Service
Preparation and response for
outbreaks, disasters
Helping people get services and
information
Informing people about actions
and activities of their Government
Inviting public comment and
participation
#STCPMC16 @dccd

4. Benefits
Training/Professional Growth
Student Loan Repayment
Job Security
Location, Location, Location –
Moving expenses are sometimes
authorized!
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5. The Jobs and where to find them
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6. Create an account
#STCPMC16 @dccd

7. Upload a resume (for each job)

8. Be sure to include:
Full description of work performed, use language
from duties and occupational questionnaire
Highest level/most important/most complex of
work
Month and year of start and end to each work
experience entry
Skills, awards, training, certifications, publications
etc.

9. Search and Alerts
#STCPMC16 @dccd

10. Position Types
Pathways Internship, must be US Citizen, 16+, Enrolled at an accredited
educational institution
Fellow FTE Equivalent, term limited appointment, can be extended
FTE “Full-Time Equivalent,” Permanent Federal Employee (pending
probationary period)
#STCPMC16 @dccd

11. Series/Grade
Series Four digit designation to your position’s series within the OPM
general services (GS) classification system
• Writing and Editing Series GS-1082
• Technical Writing and Editing Series GS-1083
Grade There are 15 grades within the GS.
• Bachelor’s degree holders start at a GS-5
• Master’s degree holders start at GS-9
• PhD holders start at GS-12
Within each grade are 10 steps which are advanced by performance
and longevity.
Consult local salary tables to determine wages for each grade.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

12. Salary Table Example
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13. My Experience
Office Space, 1999. Twentieth Century Fox.
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14. Umm, yeah…if you could
just…
Office Space, 1999. Twentieth Century Fox.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

15. Examples of
USA Jobs
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16. Dept. of Homeland Security
Writer/Editor GS-12/13
#STCPMC16 @dccd

17. Duties
Develop core speech content for top
executives/senior leadership within
the DHS National Protection and
Programs Directorate.
Develop, plan, and coordinate
speeches across multiple
directorates throughout DHS.
Write speeches and talking points of
varying lengths as well as edit
speeches and talking points
developed by others.
Assist in developing media and
stakeholder outreach materials.
Speech writer
Content manager
Editor
Producer
#STCPMC16 @dccd

18. The Occupational
Questionnaire
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list A through
E following that most accurately describes your current level of experience and
capability.
A. I have no experience in performing this work behavior.
B. I have limited experience in performing this work behavior. I have had exposure
to this work behavior but would require additional guidance, instruction, or
experience to perform it at a proficient level.
C. I have experience performing this work behavior across routine or predictable
situations with minimal supervision or guidance.
D. I have performed this work behavior independently across a wide range of
situations. I have assisted others in carrying out this work behavior. I seek
guidance in carrying out this work behavior only in unusually complex situations.
E. I am considered an expert in carrying out this work behavior. I advise and instruct
others in carrying out this work behavior on a regular basis. I am consulted by my
colleagues and/or superiors to carry out this work behavior in unusually complex
situations.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

19. The Occupational
Questionnaire
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list A through
E following that most accurately describes your current level of experience and
capability.
A. I have no experience in performing this work behavior.
B. I have limited experience in performing this work behavior. I have had exposure
to this work behavior but would require additional guidance, instruction, or
experience to perform it at a proficient level.
C. I have experience performing this work behavior across routine or predictable
situations with minimal supervision or guidance.
D. I have performed this work behavior independently across a wide range of
situations. I have assisted others in carrying out this work behavior. I seek
guidance in carrying out this work behavior only in unusually complex situations.
E. I am considered an expert in carrying out this work behavior. I advise and instruct
others in carrying out this work behavior on a regular basis. I am consulted by my
colleagues and/or superiors to carry out this work behavior in unusually complex
situations.
#STCPMC16 @dccd
No Points
Some
Points
More
Points

20. Sample questions
Write and publish materials that are complex and/or controversial and
that require a high degree of tact and diplomacy in presentation
method.
Draft talking points or speeches that are intended to be delivered to
new sources or the general public.
Gather and analyze information by interviewing subject matter experts
in a specific field of study.
Draft incident communications, develop long-term communications
plans or monitor media coverage of the incident.
Maintain awareness of the kinds of organizations to which speeches
would be made and the nature of the audiences.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

21. ICE – Public Affairs 12/13
#STCPMC16 @dccd

22. Duties
Developing and disseminating written
communication in the form of news articles and
releases, fact sheets, responses to media or the
public, articles, pamphlets, newsletters and
speeches
Serving as a liaison between ICE leadership and
the media by ensuring timely and accurate
information dissemination
Providing guidance, assistance and consultation
to field offices concerning agency procedures for
responding to requests from the media, general
public, specialized groups, and community and
government entities
Managing public and community relations by
handling queries about agency activities that
could affect the community
Multiple communication output types for this
agency
Are you good at establishing trust with your SMEs
and audience?
Internal communication
Public service, full inbox
#STCPMC16 @dccd

23. NOAA – Technical Writer 9/12
#STCPMC16 @dccd

24. Duties
Serves as a Technical Writer for Fisheries
Regulations in the Sustainable Fisheries Division,
Policy Branch, of the NMFS Southeast Regional
Office.
Drafts temporary, proposed, and final regulations,
as necessary, to implement fishery management
actions for the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and
Caribbean regions, as assigned.
…ensures that regulations are drafted consistent
with applicable format, policy, and legal guidance;
coordinates the review of assigned regulations
from initial drafting through publication in the
Federal Register, including coordination of,
evaluation of, and response to reviewers
comments as appropriate; incorporates
regulatory revisions into the Region's
consolidated regulations.
Clearly tells you what the job is and where it is
within the organization
Initiate new content or build from a template
Consistency, tone
Version control
Process and workflow
#STCPMC16 @dccd

25. The Occupational
Questionnaire
A. I have not had education, training or experience
in performing this task.
B. I have had education or training in performing the
task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on
this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or
senior employee to ensure compliance with
proper procedures.
D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a
job. I have performed it independently and
normally without review by a supervisor or senior
employee.
E. I am considered an expert in performing this task.
I have supervised performance of this task or am
normally the person who is consulted by other
workers to assist them in doing this task because
of my expertise.
1. Ensures that regulations, reports, or
other documents are drafted
consistent with applicable format,
policy, and legal guidance.
2. Devises or make recommendations
regarding regulatory measures or
other issues to higher level staff.
3. Applies knowledge and competence
in technical writing as it is applied to
drafting regulations, reports, or
other documents on natural
resource management.
4. Assimilates diverse information to
provide written explanation of
regulations, reports, or other
documents on natural resource
management.
#STCPMC16 @dccd
No Points
Some
Points

26. Export-Import Bank of the United States
Public Affairs Specialist
(Digital Engagement Specialist) GS-11
#STCPMC16 @dccd

27. Duties
Directly support the digital engagement manager in
the planning, management and tracking of all digital
activities, such as posting to social media platforms,
content and video development, and website
development and maintenance.
Responsible for developing a range of content
including social media posts (Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube), blogs, video, and banner ads.
Establishes and maintains relationships with agency
business units to create, cross-promote, and
leverage social media content.
Work with Ex-Im Sales and Marketing to coordinate
cross departmental social media calendar and
activities, and provide oversight of non-
Communications department social media activities
across the Bank.
Develops social media strategy and campaigns for
Ex-Im Bank with consideration for agency’s varied
stakeholders, goals and mission, as well as business
needs for marketing, sales, and customer
support. Update and maintain strategy to keep up
with evolving industry standards and best practices.
Indicates where you are in the org chart, you are
working in support of someone else who will be
setting the top level strategy
Social media is a primary responsibility
Strong internal communication skills are a must!
Planning and organization skills
Some strategy/planning is involved – this sounds
like it is a growth opportunity
#STCPMC16 @dccd

28. The Occupational
Questionnaire
Select the one statement that most
accurately reflects your training and
experience with respect to your technical
digital media skills.
A. I have no training or experience related
to this activity.
B. I lead social media projects using
website technologies, including
computer graphic techniques,
engagement platforms, and analytics
tools.
C. I update and maintain web content
based on requests from others.
D. I use digital images, video, and
electronically-produced graphics to
create original social media content.
Select the one statement that most
accurately reflects your training and
experience developing online strategy and
messaging.
A. I have had no training or experience
related to this activity.
B. I collaborate with others to create
multimedia content for the web and
social media networks and platforms.
C. I assist others in determining the best
methods to convey multimedia content
via social media and the web.
D. I determine the best strategies to
communicate with stakeholders and
develop multimedia content for the
web and social media networks and
platforms.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

29. The Occupational
Questionnaire
Select the one statement that most
accurately reflects your training and
experience with respect to your technical
digital media skills.
A. I have no training or experience related
to this activity.
B. I lead social media projects using
website technologies, including
computer graphic techniques,
engagement platforms, and analytics
tools.
C. I update and maintain web content
based on requests from others.
D. I use digital images, video, and
electronically-produced graphics to
create original social media content.
Select the one statement that most
accurately reflects your training and
experience developing online strategy and
messaging.
A. I have had no training or experience
related to this activity.
B. I collaborate with others to create
multimedia content for the web and
social media networks and platforms.
C. I assist others in determining the best
methods to convey multimedia content
via social media and the web.
D. I determine the best strategies to
communicate with stakeholders and
develop multimedia content for the
web and social media networks and
platforms.
#STCPMC16 @dccd
No Points
Some
Points
No Points
Some
Points

30. Economic Development Administration
Internal Communication Program Specialist
#STCPMC16 @dccd

31. Duties
Develop and advance an internal communications
program increasing visibility and conversation on
issues and information of interest to EDA
employees…
Independently develop high-quality
communications products by attending working-
level meetings, interviewing individuals and
conducting focus groups to extract information.
Develop policies and means of dissemination of
information to EDA employees to enhance
understanding…
Build and maintain relationships with other EDA
offices to identify communication opportunities,
innovations and information on people,
programs, projects and initiatives.
This is something they want but do not have right
now.
Self-starter, working solo
Know how to reach people…
…and build relationships.
#STCPMC16 @dccd

32. The Occupational
Questionnaire
Please identify your experience related to
internal communications within your
organization. Check all that apply.
Developing a communications plan.
Interviewing colleagues across offices.
Creating focus groups.
Editing and redeveloping a
communications plan.
Refining communications plan(s) as
more opportunities become available.
None of the above
Please identify the position(s) on your
resume, in which you have performed the
task(s).
Identify any past experience with the
following items: (Check all that apply).
Creating and maintaining an online
bulletin.
Publishing and designing multimedia
material.
Creating and maintaining other material
on the Internet as well as Intranet.
None of the above.
Please identify the position(s) on your
resume, in which you have performed
the task(s).
#STCPMC16 @dccd

33. #STCPMC16 @dccd
Pathways example
DUTIES
Reviewing technical information and assists in
generating story ideas for potential use in news
articles and agency publications.
Assisting in the development of briefing materials
using video and audio production software.
Providing support by using word processing, graphic-
design, and desktop-publishing tools to prepare,
revise, update, and print a variety of reports, charts,
messages and other documents.
Using software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, and Access to prepare reports, summaries,
briefings, and other documents and correspondence,
and to analyze and effectively present various types
of data.
Verifing that grammar, spelling, and punctuation are
correct, and that materials are produced and
prepared in proper/appropriate formats.
Assisting with other agency initiatives as required.
PATHWAYS INTERN - STUDENT TRAINEE
(PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

34. How to use this information
Pre-answer questions within your
resume experience section
Describe your ability to
“determine the best strategy…” or
how you are “considered a expert
in social media communication
planning.”
Choose references that also
demonstrate these skills
Use terms and text from the
position description and questions
verbatim
#STCPMC16 @dccd

35. Don’t take my word for it
GovLoop – A social network for all
levels of GOV employees
NAGC – National Association of
Government Communicators
◦ Communications School
#HCSM (Health Communications &
Social Media) – LinkedIn group
USAjobs Finding and Applying
video
#STCPMC16 @dccd

36. Questions
David L. Caruso
healthcommunicator@gmail.com
@dccd