Jobseekers with Disabilities Applicant Information

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services and is an equal opportunity employer that promotes diversity and inclusion within our workforce. At NIH the contributions of a diverse workforce advance the health and increases longevity for everyone. For questions, contact the NIH Selective Placement Program Coordinator, Corporate Recruitment at corporaterecruitment@od.nih.gov.

Applying for Federal Employment

How can jobseekers with disabilities apply for a federal job?

Jobseekers with a disability can elect to submit applications via the Schedule A Hiring Authority.  The Schedule A Hiring Authority allows applicants with a disability to apply through either a noncompetitive or competitive hiring process.

  • The noncompetitive hiring process means an applicant can apply for certain jobs whether or not a job announcement exists but must meet the eligibility status of the job and the minimum qualifications.
  • The competitive hiring process means directly applying to a specific NIH job posting as advertised at: Search Jobs at NIH or applying to other federal agency job posting at: USAJOBS.
  • Job seekers are encouraged to upload their resume onto the USAJobs.gov system and make it searchable. This enhances the opportunity to be considered for positions across the Federal agencies.

Schedule A Eligibility

How can jobseekers with disabilities obtain Schedule A eligibility status?

  • To be considered eligible for Schedule A hiring authority, an individual needs to meet the criteria of disability as defined by OPM Job Seekers with Disabilities and
  • Has documentation confirming the disability (from a licensed medical professional, vocational rehabilitation counselor or state or federal agencies that provide disability benefits).

Schedule A Documentation

What documentation is required for the Schedule A Authority?

  • A Schedule A Letter must be included in your application submission, if you are a person with a disability and would like to be considered under the Schedule A Authority.  Please refer to the following Sample Schedule A Letters at: OPM Sample Schedule A Letter for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals.
  • HHS policy requires that we verify the authenticity of a Schedule A letter if it is provided from a medical professional. Therefore, if you are selected, a Human Resources Specialist will need to contact the individual who provided you with your Schedule A letter and obtain written verification of its authenticity before we are permitted to extend an official offer of employment to you.

Review resources:

Reasonable Accommodation

What is reasonable accommodation?

  • A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to successfully perform the duties of the position.  Reasonable accommodations can apply to the duties of the job and/or where and how job tasks are performed.  Examples of reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, screen readers, accessible work stations, and more.
  • Requests for reasonable accommodations to assist in the job application or interview processes are to be directed to the Human Resource staff listed on the job announcement at least three business days before the closing date of this announcement.  
  • NIH promotes equal employment opportunity which includes providing timely and effective reasonable accommodations and equal access to technology and information that individuals with disabilities need to perform the essential functions of their jobs. For questions or concerns on reasonable accommodations, please contact the NIH Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at edi.ra@mail.nih.gov.

Resources

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