Disability Employment
Questions and answers
OPM provides information about the application process at www.opm.gov/disability/appempl_3-11.asp. There are several other application options available to applicants with disabilities. For example:
- Competitive Appointments. Many applicants with disabilities find employment through standard competitive procedures in the same manner as individuals without disabilities. (www.usajobs.gov)
- Student Employment Programs. This program helps Federal employers find the right people to fill current and future hiring needs. It also gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience. This program has two major components – the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). (www.usajobs.gov/students.asp)
- Federal Career Intern Program. This program is designed to help agencies recruit and attract exceptional individuals into a variety of occupations. It was created under Executive Order 13162, and is intended for positions at grade levels GS-5, 7, and 9. In general, individuals are appointed to a 2-year internship. Upon successful completion of the internships, the interns may be eligible for permanent placement within an agency. (www.opm.gov/careerintern/)
- Veterans Appointments. There are a number of authorities available to assist veterans who are seeking, or wish to change, Federal employment including, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30% or More Disabled Veterans Program, and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) appointments. See OPM's VetGuide at http://www.opm.gov/veterans/vetguide.pdf [208 KB]