In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions. BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes 1) Applying knowledge of social services delivery systems as well as a wide range of concepts, principles, theories, and practices relating to one or more of the social or behavioral science fields; 2) Exercising skill in conducting interviews to establish the nature and extent of concerns/issues, provide assistance in developing goals and plans, and determine appropriate referral services/options when frequently there is difficulty in determining clients' needs or wants or in convincing them to accept that problems exist; 3) Exercise skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interactions with individuals/families, leadership of organizations, and with program representatives and officials; 4) Applying the ability to assess and measure organizations' trends, concerns, and needs; assist in identifying and prioritizing goals; and provide guidance and direction for the development and implementation of effective plans and tools to address such issues; and 5) Communicate effectively, orally and in writing. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of social services delivery systems as well as a wide range of concepts, principles, theories, and practices relating to one or more of the social behavorial science fields. Skill in conducting interviews to establish the nature and extent of concerns/issues, provide assistance in developing goals and plans, and determine appropriate referral services/options when frequently there is difficulty in determining clients' needs or wants or in convincing them to accept that problem exist. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interactions with individuals/families, leadership of organizations, and with program representatives and officials. Ability to assess and measure organizations' trends, concerns, and needs; assist in identifying and prioritizing goals; and provide guidance and direction for the development and implementation of effective plans and tools to address such issues. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.