Instructional System Specialist

Summary

The Instructional Design and Development Branch (IDDB) assists with identifying the source of the problem, recommends strategies for closing knowledge and performance gaps, and builds a full range of creative solutions ranging from infographics and job aids to microlearning and instructor-led courses.

Duties

This Instructional System Specialist position is located at Training and Development- Training Operations Division, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Provides advice and recommendations to management regarding the processes used to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate both traditional and innovative education and training solutions. Creates performance improvement interventions to include interactive media and courseware using rapid development tools. Develops innovative interventions to solve performance problems using instructional processes and researches and develops new programs for distribution via web based, classroom, and other formats. Conducts analysis of training requests to verify identified training needs, recommends possible training solutions, and develops effective and innovative training interventions to performance problems. Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on various training development projects where specific technical knowledge is necessary. Contacts are internal and external to TSA. Provide advice and guidance on the application of policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned. Please note: The major duties described above reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay band (H band) performs the same duties but will receive more guidance and training, and the project or work assignments may be less complex.

Qualifications

In addition to the Basic Education Requirements, to qualify for the SV-H Band (equivalent to GS-12), you must have one year of specialized experience at the SV-G band or GS-11 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying adult learning principles, regulations, and practices to analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate a training program; And Assisting in the implementation and revision of course design and development by using rapid development software. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. 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. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Education

Education requirements: Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas: Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material. Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness. Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments. Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training. Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software. For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.