Correctional Program Specialist (Firearms Instructor)

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

In the total specialty area of firearms training, responsible for thorough coverage of subject matter areas in a constantly changing discipline. Plans, designs, develops, organizes, schedules and coordinates training courses of a technical nature in assigned areas, including: weapons handling, firearms policies, shotgun stress, judgement pistol shooting courses, decision/reaction courses, firearms violations, instructor training school, theory and techniques of marksmanship, and others.

When feasible, assures that task analyses are made, that each mode to be taught contains specific related objectives, and that the transfer of objectives into the specific technical skills, concepts and facts to be taught are thoroughly carried out. Responsible for assisting other Federal agencies conducting firearms programs.

Must have a thorough familiarity of the weapons and policies of these agencies to assist in the overall operation of the classes.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Education: GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Graduate Education: Major study - correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, sociology, or other fields related to the position.

GS-12: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this level. OR Experience: GS-11 and GS-12: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. Specialized experience is directly related experience that included substantial involvement with a correctional program and provided a thorough knowledge of correctional techniques, or experience in meeting and dealing with people that demonstrated the ability to work effectively with inmates and associates in a correctional environment.

Experience must have also demonstrated the ability to perform supervisory or administrative duties successfully. This includes (1) understanding the problems of custody, treatment, training, and release of inmates of penal or correctional institutions, (2) a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of an institution's internal policies, programs, regulations, and procedures, and (3) training subordinates, coordinating and directing activities and functions, evaluating performance of operations and the effectiveness of programs, and maintaining high standards or work objectives.

This experience must have been gained in an administrative position, or in other positions that included the successful direction, or assistance in the direction of, an entire correctional program or a major phase of such a program. Some examples of this qualifying experience are: GS-11: Experience assisting with instructional materials including lesson plans and audio visual aids and knowledge of how to operate common audio visual equipment such as flipcharts to make presentations and slide, movie and overhead projectors.

Experience assisting with the coordination of training activities and a knowledge of basic training techniques, skills and mythologies. Experience developing a basic familiarity with weapons in a non-professional employment setting and knowledge of proper and safe use of firearms. GS-12: Experience in planning, designing, developing, organizing, scheduling, and coordinating firearms training, which may have included weapons handling, firearms policies, shotgun stress, judgment pistol shooting courses, decision/ reaction courses, theory and techniques of marksmanship, and others.

Experience in modifying or updating local firearms training based on classroom evaluations or changes in procedures, policies or course materials/aids. Experience observing students, identifying needs and making necessary modifications to lessons or methods of instruction which will enhance the students' performance. OR Combination of Education and Experience: GS-11 only: A combination of education and experience.

This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above. AND Selective Placement Factor: GS-11 and GS-12: Applicants applying for this position, MUST also possess the following Selective Placement Factor. In the event you do not possess the Selective Factors, you will be found ineligible for the position.

Applicant must be a current Firearms Instructor with training provided through a Federal Law Enforcement Agency. NOTE: All applicants must submit proof of their current certification as a Firearms Instructor. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities.

Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable).

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here . Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.

S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications .