Schedule A Hiring Authority

 

Job seekers with severe physical and/or mental disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may be eligible to apply for non-competitive appointment under the Schedule A authority.  If this does not apply to you, please return to www.CivilianMedicalJobs.com for information about other employment opportunities.

  1. What is the Schedule A Authority?
    The Schedule A authority may be used to hire a person with mental retardation or a severe physical or psychiatric disability to fill a position for which the person is qualified and able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  The Schedule A authority may be used to hire an individual on a permanent or temporary appointment.  An agency may hire an individual on a temporary appointment when the individual has proof of disability and it is necessary to observe the individual on the job to determine if he/she is able or ready to perform the job duties.  An individual hired on a temporary basis may be converted to a permanent appointment whenever the agency determines that the individual is able to successfully perform the job duties.
  1. Am I eligible for appointment under Schedule A?
    Eligibility for appointment under Schedule A consists of two parts:
    1. Proof of Disability: If you wish to be considered for appointment under the Schedule A authority, you must provide proof that you are an individual with mental retardation, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability.  This proof must be provided to the hiring agency before you can be hired.  The proof may be documented in one of the following ways:
      • By a counselor at either a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
         
      • By a statement or letter on a physician’s or medical professional’s letterhead from a licensed physician or medical professional certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine; OR
         
      • By a statement, records, or letters from a Federal Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits, such as the Social Security Administration.
  2. How do I apply for appointment under the Schedule A authority?
    Click here to apply for Schedule A appointments at Defense Health Agency
    This announcement does not guarantee vacancies in specific jobs, grades, or locations.  To maximize your employment opportunities, we strongly encourage you to apply for specific DHA vacancies as they are posted on the Defense Health Agency website.
     
  3. Where can I get more information about Federal employment of people with disabilities?
    For more information, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s webpage on Job Seekers With Disabilities.