Overview
Duties
The Senior Agency AI Data Expert reports directly to the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and works closely with the DC and Assistant DC, OARO, Chief Information Officer (CIO), the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in the Office of the Chief Information Office (OCIO), and the Chief Transformation Officer (CTrO) to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in AI adoption and utilization within the agency and adherence to agency AI technology and governance principles.
Additionally, within OARO, this position provides strategic direction and guides the team responsible for developing algorithms for predictive modeling, decision support, and bias mitigation to ensure equity in AI use cases. The Senior Agency AI Data Expert is also responsible for staying abreast of all AI-federal requirements and for ensuring full compliance in use of AI for predictive models, decision support, and other data tools.
Additionally, the Senior Agency AI Data Expert will:
Analyze agency needs and requirements to identify areas where AI can be applied, such as information analysis, predictive modeling, and decision support to advance agency goals.
Within OARO, lead the establishment and coordination of a team of AI specialists to provide advanced AI data analysis, modeling, and to support the CIO, CAIO, and CTO in their governance when implementing and optimizing AI use cases to support agency components.
As the agency Senior AI Data Expert, collaborate with the CTO, CDO, CAIO, and CIO to evaluate options for, and to create, implement, and maintain a centralized repository for storing AI use cases and related information to accelerate expanded use of AI, eliminate redundancy, increase efficiency, and reduce program costs.
Collaborate with the Office of Program Integrity to evaluate options to detect, mitigate, and prevent fraud using AI technology, and working with the CTO, CAIO, CIO, and CISO, implement solutions to protect our customers and preserve the integrity of agency programs.
Create foundational information models with authoritative sources of information that have been evaluated for accuracy and bias and found compliant to assist the CIO, CTO, and CAIO to provide agency components decision support, predictive models, and other tools that improve program effectiveness and efficiency.
As the agency Senior AI Data Expert, and in collaboration with the CDO and other teams across the agency, identify data sources of value and gather, analysis, compile, and validate data to evolve AI use cases.
Working with the CTO and teams performing AI incubations and pilots, provide expert-level knowledge to define success metrics, and evaluate the potential and effectiveness of AI models and algorithms for agency adoption and use.
Mitigate bias and ensure appropriate governance in AI-related cases in alignment with the agency’s AI governance framework.
In collaboration with the CAIO, identify best practices across federal agencies and private industry on equitable and effective AI use cases for decision support, predictive modeling, and bias mitigation, and work with the Office of the CIO to determine applicability within the agency.
Partner with agency executives on budgeting and planning to assess resource requirements to support AI adoption and use.
Train others on the potential and use of AI to enhance procedures, policies, and business functions-providing tools, technical guidance, and support.
Stay up to date with industry trends, research, and best practices in AI use and share with others across the agency to continually advance AI use in the agency.
About Social Security Administration
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
U.S. Citizenship required
Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
Relocation expenses will not be paid
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
Selections for Senior Level (SL) positions are subject to concurrence by SSA's Executive Resources Board and approval by the agency head.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, candidates must possess specialized experience at a senior level (GS-15 level or equivalent) which demonstrates ability to perform the duties of the position, including progressively responsible experience directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) below, which includes substantial experience in the use of AI technologies, algorithms, and models. Typically, experience of this nature will be gained in a related field; in a position held for at least one year at the GS-15, comparable pay band or level above in the federal government; or comparable position with a state or local government, or private sector organization.
Applicants are required to address each of the mandatory technical qualifications (TQ) statements. Your responses must demonstrate possession of these qualifications, and be supported by your resume. Please provide thorough examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and level of contacts. You will not be considered for this position if you fail to submit qualification statements specifically addressing each mandatory TQ requirement. Failure to meet any of the mandatory TQs will eliminate you from further consideration.
Each narrative must not exceed 2 pages per TQ and must be addressed separately.
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs):TQ1 - In-depth knowledge of AI technologies, algorithms, models, governance principals, and bias mitigation techniques with proven problem-solving abilities in addressing complex operational challenges with AI solutions.
TQ2 - Demonstrated ability to formulate strategic plans for, and leading teams in, identification of opportunities for AI use to solve problems, develop solutions, and implement AI technology solutions.
TQ3 - Demonstrated experience making decisions and providing expert advice to top executives on AI use, governance, and bias mitigation to meet agency/organization-wide operational business needs.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Note: There is a total of one (1) vacancy to be filled in either Woodlawn, MD or Washington, DC. Selectee may report to either duty station.
*This position is a Senior Level (SL) position in the federal government. Senior Level employees are in non-executive positions whose duties are broad and complex enough to be classified above GS-15 level. Senior level positions involve highly specialized and complex work.*
This position is covered under the post-employment restrictions of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (PL 95-521). This law also requires the selectee to file an Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (Standard Form 278) within 30 days of appointment.
Veteran's preference applies to this SL position.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of accomplishments and experience as they relate to the Technical Qualifications. This information will be obtained from the application and narrative statements. The narrative statements provide the applicant with an opportunity to relate his/her background to the specific requirements of the position. Failure to provide specific information in each of the narrative statements will result in an applicant receiving a lower rating or disqualification. A minimum qualifications screening will be conducted by the Office of Human Resources. Eligible applicants will then be evaluated by a screening panel composed of a diverse mix of senior executives/professioinals selected for organizational and/or functional backgrounds relevant to this position. The panel discusses each application and reaches consensus as to the Highly Qualified, Well Qualified and Minimally Qualified candidates.
Only the individuals in the Highly Qualified category will be referred to the Recommending Official for interview. Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12500448
Candidates eligible for veterans' preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will automatically be placed in the Highly Qualified Category.
Required Documents
Applications must include:
(1) Resume (Maximum 10 pages) - Applicants may use any resume format of choice. At a minimum, your application must contain:
-- Job information (Announcement number and title of job for which you are applying)
-- Personal Information (Full name, mailing address, work and home phone numbers, country of citizenship, reinstatement eligibility (if applicable, attach SF-50 as proof of your status), highest Federal civilian grade held
-- Education (College name, city and state, major, type and year of degree)
-- Work Experience (Job title (including series and grade if Federal employment), duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending date (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.)
-- Other qualifications (Job-related training courses (title and year), skills, certifications and licenses, honors, awards and special accomplishments)
When uploading to your USAJOBS account, select "Resume" as the document type. Do not use/list a Social Security Number on this document.
(2) Mandatory Technical Qualifications Statements (Maximum of 2 pages per TQ) - When uploading to your USAJOBS account, select "Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)" as the document type. You must number each TQ and upload as one singular document. Please see the Qualifications section for further instruction in developing your TQ narratives. All applicants are required to submit TQs.
(3) Current Federal Employees - Please submit a copy of a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that indicates Federal status, grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), tenure, and type of service. Please remove your social security number and date of birth.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference.
INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified category as described in the vacancy announcement. Candidates must also provide:
proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and
proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
For more information visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters.
For more information visit the Vet Guide.
How to Apply
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statements
Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or in your resume may be subject to verification. By completing the electronic application process, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/27/2024. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Daniel Sharfstein at daniel.sharfstein@ssa.gov or (410) 965-9899.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Extraneous documents provided with your application package will not be considered.
Agency contact information
Daniel Sharfstein
Email: daniel.sharfstein@ssa.gov
Address: DCARO Front Office
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
