Q: I am a GS-09 seeking a promotion go a GS-11 position. How can I be sure that I will get a promotion? I already fill in for GS-11 employees when they are out sick or use leave. I believe I already have some of the experience and qualifications needed for a promotion. A: Gaining the experience you have by filling in for higher-graded employees is an excellent source of experience, and hopefully an indicator that you will be promoted in the future. However, there is no way to be sure that you will get a promotion. There must first…
Browsing: promotion
Q: I am a military reservist and also a full-time civilian federal employee. I am hoping to advance in my civil service career, and hope to be promoted. However, my manager has made several comments that I might be deployed in the near future. There has been no indication that I will be deployed, and I worry that my status as a reservist is being used to inhibit my career progression. How can I be sure that I am treated fairly? A: As a subordinate, it is difficult to ensure that you are treated fairly – how you are treated is largely…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I got my first grade level promotion in October 2011, and the next promotion was due in October 2012. I checked with HR and they mentioned that they did not receive any paperwork from my supervisor. In October, I had my performance evaluation and it was fully satisfactory. When I asked my supervisor about my grade increase, she mentioned that it’s not automatic. Is this true? A: A career ladder…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I received a temporary promotion last year. After 120 days, I was returned to my previous salary. As I am still acting in the supervisory position, am I eligible for another temporary promotion on a year after the original temporary promotion? A: You are eligible for a longer temporary promotion, but only if you compete for it. Bill Bransford is managing partner of Shaw Bransford & Roth PC. Disclaimer: Ask…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: At what point would a position description update or change require the position to be re-advertised? A: A position description can be rewritten to reflect an accretion of duties without a change in the position’s incumbent so long as it was not a planned management action. If it is a planned management action and the job is to be upgraded, it would have to be advertised. Bill Bransford is managing…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: After a desk audit is completed, what are the next steps for a promotion? A desk audit was performed on my position. It was rated a GS-11 instead of the current GS-09 that I am occupying. My management is telling me there isn’t anything they can do. They stated that they do not have a policy in place to promote me to GS-11. My management wants me to sign a…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I am currently employed by a federal agency. I signed a document affirming that this was a temporary position not to exceed three years in duration, with the agency retaining the option to extend two one-year extensions. The agency could rescind the position and I would be transferred back to my prior position at a lower level. I have been employed in this position since late 2008. In January 2012…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I am a current permanent federal employee under FERS, and I am also a disabled veteran. I have applied for a higher position within my current department. Am I still eligible to receive a 10 point veterans preference for the new position? A: Veterans preference applies to initial appointment and reductions-in-force. It does not apply to internal promotions. Veterans preference may apply to a prevent a non-veteran from being hired…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: I am a GS-9 and I was denied a promotion to a GS-11. However, how much of the GS-11 position description do I need to be performing to demonstrate I am working at the next level? A: To receive a career ladder promotion, you must demonstrate the ability to perform at the next higher level. If you are believe you are the victim of illegal discrimination, you of course may…
Ask the Lawyer received the following question (paraphrased for easier reading and clarity) from a reader on a legal matter that might be of interest to the entire audience. Q: Prior to the conversion to NSPS, I was a GS-12 and during my time as an NSPS employee I was grade YC-02. However, when I was converted back to GS I was returned to my prior GS-12 grade but my pay had reached GS-14, step 4. What grades am I eligible to apply for? A: The answer to this question depends on what the vacancy announcement requires and the level…