What is the Indian Preference Policy?
Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472). Verification Form BIA-4432 must be submitted with the application if claiming Indian preference. Consideration will be give to non-Indian applicants (status or reinstatement eligibles) in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligibles.
I am a teacher looking for a job, what is the process and what must I do to apply?
The Bureau of Indian Education 185 schools in 23 states and located on or near 63 reservations. Vacancy announcements may be found in several places. You can follow the "Jobs" link at the top of each page in this web, or you can find information on all government jobs through the Office of Personnel Management's website at www.opm.gov. In addition, applicants may apply directly to the school for vacancies at that location.
I am interested in a Federal job with the Bureau of Indian Education, how do I apply?
To search for a Federal job, go to website www.usajobs.opm.gov and click on agency. Select the Bureau of Indian Affairs listed under the Department of the Interior and select the state where you would like to be employed. Click on submit and view the jobs available from that state. You may build your resume and submit your application on line or follow the instruction on the job announcement.
What type of format can I use to apply for a Federal government job?
You may apply for most jobs with a resume or the OF 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other written format consistent with OPM OF510. Although the Federal government does not require a standard application form for most jobs, we do need certain information to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet legal requirements for Federal employment. If your resume or application does not provide all the information requested in the job vacancy announcement, you may lose consideration for a job. Help speed the selection process by keeping your resume or application brief and by sending only the requested material.
I need more information on how to apply for a job on the website USAJOBS, what should I do?
Once you are at the website www.usajobs.opm.gov select Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on main menu. There you will find information on how to apply, employment initiatives, employment issues, compensation, veteran's preference and student opportunities.
What incentives and bonuses are available to Office of Indian Education Programs employees?
There are several Federal incentive and bonus programs available to recruit and retain employees. They are: Federal Student Loan Repayment Programs; Recruitment Bonus; Relocation Bonus, Retention Bonus and a Referral Bonus. Applicants must check with the hiring agency to see if the agency offers these programs and if the applicant qualifies.
What is a recruitment bonus, and who is eligible for one?
A recruitment bonus is a lump-sum payment of up to 25% of basic pay that an agency may pay to an employee newly appointed to a position that would otherwise be difficult to fill. In return, the employee must sign an agreement to fulfill a period of service with the Agency. Agencies may pay recruitment bonuses to eligible individuals who are appointed to general schedule (GS), prevailing rate (WG), senior-level and scientific or professional, Senior Executive Service (SES) and Executive Schedule positions.
Who may receive a relocation bonus?
Agencies may pay relocation bonuses to eligible employees who are appointed to general schedule, prevailing rate, senior-level and scientific or professional, senior executive service and executive schedule positions.
What are retention allowances and who may be paid one?
Retention allowances are continuing (i.e., bi-weekly) payments of up to 25% of basic pay that an agency may pay to help retain an employee. Agencies may pay retention allowances to an eligible employee holding a general schedule, prevailing rate, senior level and scientific or professional, senior executive service and executive schedule position.
What is the Student Loan Repayment Program, and what is the minimum period of service an agency may require an employee to fulfill in order to receive student loan repayment benefits?
Any employee (as defined in 5 USC § 2105) who is highly qualified is eligible to receive a student loan repayment, except those employees who currently occupy or will occupy a position excepted from the competitive service because of its confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating character. Under the provisions of 5 CFR § 537.104 agencies may offer loan repayment benefits to:
Temporary employees who are serving on appointments leading to conversion to term permanent appointments;
Term employees with at least three years left on their appointments;
Permanent employees (including part-time employees); and
Employees serving on excepted appointments with conversion to term, career, or career conditional appointments (including, but not limited to, career intern or Presidential Management Intern appointments).
A service requirement must be set for a period of time not less than 3 years. Agencies may require service agreements of more than 3 years.
What is the purpose of New Employee Orientation and what is the Supervisory/Managerial responsibility for the new employee orientation?
The main objective is to provide information that will help new employees understand the history of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, an overview of employee programs and benefits, the mission, vision and strategic plan for the BIE, the function and responsibilities of their position and organization, and the conditions of Federal Employment. Supervisors and managers have the ultimate responsibility for orienting new employees. The success of new employees may depend on how well supervisors and managers carry out this responsibility. New employees must be provided sufficient time for participation in and completion of orientation activities and programs. Supervisors and managers must assign a sponsor, complete a checklist, and provide feedback on how well the orientation program prepares their employees for their new jobs.
