What is Schedule A?
The Schedule A hiring authority for people with disabilities is an exception to the traditional hiring process.
Schedule A is a noncompetitive hiring authority that allows federal agencies to forgo the typical application process and hire individuals with disabilities directly into the workforce. People hired under Schedule A receive an excepted service appointment to a position that is otherwise in the competitive service. For more information on excepted service appointments, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) website.
Who is eligible for Schedule A?
Individuals with certain disabilities, especially targeted disabilities, are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under the Schedule A hiring authority. More information on targeted disabilities can be found on OPM's Schedule A Hiring Authority page.
Individuals may apply using the Schedule A hiring authority if they have an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability (with or without the need of reasonable accommodations). It is required for candidates to provide proof of disability documentation from their doctor; a licensed medical professional; a licensed rehabilitation professional; or any federal, state, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory agency that issues or provides disability benefits. Additional guidance and documentation templates are available on the OPM website.
How do I apply using Schedule A?
Applicants interested in positions at the FTC should apply through USAJOBS.gov. Applicants should upload Schedule A supporting documentation as an attachment to the application.
Applicants should also submit resumes and Schedule A letters to the FTC Special Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) at the Disability Program Manager mailbox, DPM@ftc.gov. An email referral by the SPPC will not place you on the certificate of eligible candidates, and does not guarantee that you will be considered for a job at the FTC. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications/specialized experience requirements for any vacancy announcement under Schedule A. Resumes must clearly indicate experience that meets the requirements and qualifications of the position.
For more information about Schedule A hiring at the FTC, reach out to the FTC Special Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) at DPM@ftc.gov.