FLETC Emphasizes Non-Competitive, Reemployed Annuitant Hiring Opportunities
During the Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) Professional Development Day, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) highlighted key hiring opportunities used to improve recruitment into the agency. FLETC Supervisory Human Resources Specialist and Workforce Management Branch Chief Rebekah Tucker provided a presentation geared toward early and mid-career women about the different methods FLETC uses to recruit and train qualified candidates.
Branch Chief Tucker outlined the three key methods for recruiting options FLETC uses–delegated examining, merit promotion, and non-competitive appointments. Tucker went on to outline the benefits of putting your information in a Voluntary Applicant File (VAF).
VAF announcements are lists of eligible employees for various positions put on USAjobs on a quarterly basis. Employees with a non-competitive hiring authority, among other qualifications, may place themselves on these lists and reapply to be on the list quarterly.
These VAF announcements are often the first place a manager will go to fill a position because the candidates do not require a full competitive process. Tucker explained that managers request the list because it is the fastest way to get hired. VAF announcements can include many kinds of positions, including term appointments, permanent appointments, and intermittent appointments.
Employees can review the additional eligibility requirements for VAF announcements here: Voluntary Applicant File (VAF) | Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (fletc.gov)
Branch Chief Tucker also emphasized the options available for those who are subject to mandatory retirement but still want to contribute to the law enforcement mission. FLETC has been granted a Congressionally approved authority to hire law enforcement professionals who have retired either voluntarily or under mandatory requirements and not off-set their pay. Tucker explained that employees may come to FLETC as reemployed annuitants either in a term appointment or time-limited appointment.
Tucker clarified that when an employee gets rehired, they must stay off the rolls for the same amount of time as the annual leave payout to avoid getting indebted upon their return.
Tucker also noted that FLETC has the authority to issue dual compensation waivers for all FLETC trainers in time-limited appointments. At the same time, FLETC’s authority to offer a waiver only applies to those federal employees who retired under Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
Finally, Branch Chief Tucker discussed tips for applying. Tucker noted that FLETC requests applicants limit their resume to five pages. This serves to ensure applicants are succinct and demonstrate familiarity with the basic competencies required. Tucker noted that many positions offer preview questions on USAjobs. She encouraged applicants to review these questions to ensure their resume reflects the skills, experience, and competencies required for the position.
Applicants should hear within four to six weeks if the application submitted meets the basic requirements for the job. Within two to three months, applicants should hear back about the status of their application. Tucker noted that applicants can apply for reemployed annuitant positions prior to retirement.