HHS is actively recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities. We offer a variety of exciting jobs, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
People with disabilities can be appointed to federal jobs non-competitively through a process called Schedule A. People with disabilities may also apply for jobs through the traditional or competitive hiring process.
Schedule A Hiring Authority
Schedule A is a special hiring authority for persons with disabilities. While being eligible for a Schedule A appointment streamlines the hiring process, it does not guarantee you a federal job.
You may be required to complete a two year probationary period, depending on the type of appointment. During probation, employees hired under the Schedule A are held to the same performance standards as all other employees.
Proving Eligibility
You are eligible for Schedule A if you are a person with a severe physical disability, a psychiatric disability, or an intellectual disability. To prove your eligibility, you must:
- Be qualified for the job for which you are applying — that is, have the required competencies and relevant experience to perform the job.
- Provide a disability letter from your doctor or a licensed medical professional that proves your eligibility for Schedule A appointment (i.e., a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits). Many doctors and most of the organizations listed above know how to format a Schedule A letter.
Interview Process
HHS makes reasonable accommodations for applicants to provide full access to the application and interview process. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) also prohibits any employer from asking questions about a disability until after the employer makes a conditional job offer; however, an employer can invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify as a person with a disability. Applicants who identify themselves as ‘Schedule A’ when applying to federal positions are self- identifying themselves as an individual with a disability. During an interview, an applicant may also choose to address job related questions with how his or her disability may or may not affect performance of critical duties, roles, and responsibilities of the job.
Open Opportunities
Visit HHS Careers or USAJOBS to find current job opportunities. Many HHS Operating and Staff Divisions also have their own career page that can be found via HHS.gov.
Find a Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC)
HHS has Selective Placement Program Coordinators (SPPC), who can help to recruit, hire, and accommodate people with disabilities. You can search the SPPC Directory by state and/or federal agency to find SPPCs.
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable accommodation is available. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Questions?
Visit USAJOBS/Schedule A for more information about the federal employment process, including how to apply under the Schedule A authority. You may also contact a Selective Placement Program Coordinator, or the Human Resources Office listed on the job announcement.