Summary This position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Diversion Control Division (DC), Strategic Policy & Research Staff (DCS), Arlington, VA The DC mission is to prevent, detect, and investigate the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate channels while ensuring an adequate and uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet legitimate medical, commercial, and scientific needs. Responsibilities As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. As a Drug Control Policy and Strategy Advisoryour typical work assignments may include: Serving as DEA expert and primary source of information on public/mental health administration (federal, state, and/or local); clinical practice; recovery support; peer support; case management or coordination; or mental health/behavioral health policy. Developing strategies and plans for improving the overall quality of the DEA diversion and enforcement programs guidance, policies, and regulations. Planning and conducting complex analysis of marked difficulty, responsibility, and significance which support the Diversion Control Program operational priorities. Conducting independent research and studies regarding drug abuse, misuse, and treatment to identify trends and opportunities for new or changes to policy. Consulting on strategic policy regarding Diversion legislative, regulatory, and enforcement activities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet the Basic Requirement and Specialized Experience requirements as noted below. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. The basic requirement for this position requires completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position (YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS). The basic requirement can also be met by a combination of education and experience that demonstrates that you possess the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field (a major field of study is the amount specified by the college or university attended. If this number cannot be obtained, 24 semester hours will be considered as equivalent to a major field of study). In lieu of education, the basic requirement can be met by four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates that you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14. Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience for this position includes: GS-15: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) serving as an expert on public/mental health administration or mental health/behavioral health policy; 2) conducting complex scientific investigations regarding the use and abuse of controlled pharmaceutical substance, chemicals, and/or synthetic compounds; 3) developing policy or guidance regarding the proper control of licit and illicit substances; 4) assessing the effectiveness of programs and consistency with goals, objectives and policies; and 5) providing expert witness testimony at trial and/or sentencing hearings. Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas: Oral Communication Planning and Evaluating Research Strategic Thinking Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement (as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F). Education This position requires specific coursework and/or a degree to meet the basic education requirement. You must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Your transcript(s) must clearly demonstrate the course(s) listed in the qualification requirement section. If the transcript(s) does not clearly demonstrate this you must submit a copy of the course description and/or other documentation demonstrating that the courses are equivalent. If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DEA requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation (Critical-Sensitive/Top Secret, Special-Sensitive/Top Secret, or Non-critical Sensitive/Secret). This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. DEA committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. EEO POLICY STATEMENT Veterans' Preference: Certain veterans are eligible to apply as a status candidate under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). View Feds Hire vets for more information on veterans' preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.