Senior Operations Research Analyst (ORA) - Direct Hire Authority_

Summary Help us fight fraud! SSA's Office of Program Integrity is searching for a senior technical advisor with expertise in performing complex data analyses and research using a variety of analytical techniques such as statistical modeling, machine learning, AI, and/or geospatial analysis. Responsibilities This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available. Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement. Applicants may not receive notifications of referral status until the full 6-month eligibility period has elapsed. Applications may be gathered from additional recruitment sources. These will be added to the pool created by this announcement. Serves as principal advisor to the Associate Commissioner and other senior management officials on all matters related to the ongoing operations of research studies of SSA programs and model development to [CONT] improve the efficiency of SSA's anti-fraud program. Provides long range planning to ensure the integration of the division's objectives with the agency's initiatives. Oversees the development and application of statistical profiling techniques for anti-fraud initiatives to improve targeting of resources and/or quality of operations. Leads research into the application of research techniques, such as AI modeling and profiling, to improve the anti-fraud program within SSA. Designs models and methodologies well suited to the analysis of generally stated problems, ascertaining and defining validity of problems and developing appropriate criteria for evaluation [CONT] in order to achieve improved program operations and management systems. Develops and presents analyses of controversial matters and performs confidential and sensitive research assignments. Assists in the formulation, evaluation, and implementation of plans for achieving immediate and long-range strategic planning goals and objectives related to preventing, detecting, and mitigating fraud. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications HOW TO QUALIFY: Eligible applicants must meet the following qualification requirements. This position has a Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) Basic Requirements of the IOR: A: Degree: In Operations Research OR At least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found here: OPM Statistics Series 1515 In addition to the minimum requirements listed above, applicants must meet the specialized experience statement for this series at the GS-15 grade level: To Qualify for the GS-15 Grade Level: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at or equivalent to the Federal GS-14 level (or above) that is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience must include providing technical expertise and direction to a team responsible for studies involving large datasets and statistical or machine learning analytical techniques. Experience must also include: using incomplete or complex data for statistical analyses; applying knowledge of R, Python, SAS, or SQL programming; and preparing research reports, technical papers, guidelines, or instructions for technical and non-technical audiences for use in decision making. Duties of this nature should be typical of your everyday work. If you perform this kind of work, your resume must provide details of the actual duties you perform that demonstrate the requirements above. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe. Education Providing Proof of Education For information on providing proof of education, visit pm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1500/operations-research-series-1515/ To satisfy the educational requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position. Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Note: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school you attended has determined to represent one year of study. If this information cannot be obtained from your school, we will consider 18 semester/27 quarter hours to be equal to one year of full-time study. Additional Information STEM position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Three" do not apply. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office. This is a non-bargaining unit position. This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency and office policy. Duty Location and residency/commuting requirement: Woodlawn, MD; This is not a fully virtual/remote position - selectee(s) will be required to reside within a two hour maximum commuting distance from the SSA Headquarters campus located in Woodlawn, MD and report onsite at least 3 days per week. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.