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INTERPRETER (SIGN LANGUAGE)
Summary
Applications will be accepted from all qualified candidates.
This is an Excepted Service position and does not confer eligibility to be converted to the Competitive Service. If you are a current Federal Career/Career-Conditional employee, you will be placed on an Excepted service appointment.
Position is located in Indianapolis, IN
This job is open to
The public
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from all qualified candidates.
Duties
- For vacancies filled at less than the full performance level of the position, duties will be developmental in nature.
- Serves as a Sign Language Interpreter within the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) Indianapolis Center (IN). Responsible for providing a full range of interpreting/transliterating services for DFAS-IN deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) employees.
- In a team environment, coordinates all incoming customer interpreting service requests through emails and phone calls. Schedules blocks of time according to customer requirements and team availability using MS Outlook calendars.
- Provides training to supervisors and staff on Deaf Culture and interpreter services. Looks for process improvement opportunities to better serve customers.
- Interprets/transliterates any conversation, meeting, training session, interview, or other requested event. Also, may provide oral interpreting to employees who do not use sign language.
- Utilizes skill in a variety of signed languages (i.e., American Sign Language (ASL), Contact Sign, and Conceptually Accurate Signed English, CASE).
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U.S Citizen or National
- This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
- Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
- Suitable for Federal employment
- New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.
- Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act.
- Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
- Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
Qualifications
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - the appropriate foreign language from an English-speaking college or university, English from a college or university in the other country, or translating or interpreting where English and the foreign language were prerequisites.
Or
Experience: in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language.
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is required: (GS-07 if applying for the GS-09; GS-09 if applying for the GS-11).
GS-09 Specialized experience is defined as: experience working collaboratively with fluent interpreters in a professional capacity, delivering comprehensive sign language and translation services for meetings, conferences, and presentations utilizing American Sign Language (ASL), Contact Sign, and Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE).
GS-11 Specialized experience is defined as: experience using the following signed languages to interpret/transliterate conversations, meetings, training sessions, interviews or other less formal meetings: American Sign Language (ASL), Contact Sign and Conceptually Accurate Signed English (CASE); provides oral interpreting services to deaf individuals who do not use sign language. Translate a variety of legal or fiscal material requiring specialized terminology and performs advanced research or confers with authors of the subject matter to become familiar with topics to be discussed.
Education
If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).
GS-9 Substitution of Education for Experience: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education, Master's or equivalent graduate degree, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
GS-11 Substitution of Education for Experience: Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed higher-level graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.
Additional information
- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
- Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
- We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
- As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we'll evaluate whether your continued employment advances the public interest. The evaluation will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment advances agency or governmental goals; and whether your continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service. At the end of the trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
- This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Travel requirement is Seldom (1-24%).
- This position is covered by a bargaining unit.
- Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here)
- The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
- All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 90, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.
You will be evaluated on how well your qualifications, as demonstrated in your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses on the application, meet the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.
Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).
Required Documents
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume: A two-page maximum resume is required. Applicant guidance on the two-page resume requirement may be found at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/ or at http://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
2. Military Spouse Preference: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders or travel orders, marriage certificate/license and the Self-Certification form are required to claim Military Spouse Preference.
3. Other Supporting Documents.
The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status.
1. Transcripts or Proof of Education: You must submit documentation to verify that you possess a law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. For additional information on acceptable documents click here: Transcripts and Certifications.
2. SF-50: Current or former federal employees to include current agency employees must submit a Notification of Personnel Action reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis, tenure and appointment type.
3. Veterans Documentation: Click to review these authorities and documents verifying eligibility for a VEOA, VRA and/or 30% or more disabled veterans hiring authorities.
4. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Other Special Hiring Authorities: Click here to review these authorities and the documentation you are required to submit.
8. Cover Letter: You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
9. ICTAP Eligibles: A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST)
03/16/2026, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
8899 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Overview
- 1040 Language Specialist
- National security
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