Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

Schedule A Hiring Authority for Individuals with Disabilities

Purpose

Excepted service appointing authorities are critical tools for increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the Federal Government. Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(u), is one of these authorities used to appoint persons with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Such individuals may qualify for conversion to permanent status after two years of satisfactory service.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for employment through the Schedule A non-competitive process, documentation of the disability is required. Such documentation is used to verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.

How to Apply to CMS

• Visit USA Jobs to review CMS’ open vacancies, and apply online to any positions of interest. 
• Ensure that you notate your Schedule A eligibility on your USA Jobs profile and all applications.
• Make your resume searchable on USA Jobs so agencies who are sourcing for candidates can find you.
• Use the “Open to the Public” as well as the “Individuals with Disabilities” hiring paths on USA Jobs to search for positions.
• Read each announcement thoroughly to determine if there is a separate process for Schedule A consideration.

If you feel you may be eligible for a one of the Veteran Hiring Authorities, please send the appropriate information to CMSRecruitment@cms.hhs.gov.