Hiring Persons With Disabilities

On July 26, 2010, President Obama signed Executive Order 13548 tasking the federal government, the largest employer in the United States, to become a model employer of individuals with disabilities.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is dedicated to fulfilling its role in meeting this government-wide effort to increase the employment of persons with disabilities.

How Do I Apply?

First, review the various CBP career opportunities by viewing all announcements posted on USAJOBS.  After reviewing the job opportunity announcements, you will have a better idea of what CBP positions you are interested in and qualify for.

Next, you have the option of applying to a specific job opportunity announcement, i.e., competing with other applicants, and identifying yourself as Schedule A eligible. 

Additionally, you may submit your resume package directly to CBP’s selective placement program mailbox at cbpsppc@cbp.dhs.gov.  We encourage you to apply through both the competitive and noncompetitive process, as it may improve your opportunity for consideration.

Your package should include:

1. Title, Series, Grade of Position(s) of Interest
2. Announcement Number(s)
3. Desired Geographic Location(s)
4. Letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) that reflects your service-connected disability percentage. (Veterans only)
5. DD-214 (Member Copy 4) which reflects your discharge status (Veterans only)
6. Résumé
7. Transcripts (if applicable)
8. Proof of disability (Schedule A applicants only) (should be on professional letterhead stationery):  a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly 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) and any Federal, State or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
9. If you have prior federal service, please submit the last Standard Form (SF50) Personnel Action received.

Due to the sensitivity of personally identifiable information, e.g., social security numbers, etc., please ensure that such information is redacted within your documentation.  Also, to receive consideration under the CBP Selective Placement Program, you must FIRST identify positions of interest to receive further consideration.

To learn more about the Federal application process and noncompetitive hiring authorities, including Schedule A, see the Office of Personnel Management’s Disability Employment page.

Other Terms You Should Know 

Reasonable Accommodation – An accommodation is an adjustment or alteration that enables a qualified person with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties and enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment. There are three categories of reasonable accommodations:

1. modifications or adjustments to a job application process to permit an individual with a disability to be considered for a job;
2. modifications or adjustments to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job; and
3. modifications or adjustments that enable employees with disabilities to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment.

Schedule A - Agencies may use this authority, at their discretion, to appoint individuals at any grade level and for any job (time-limited or permanent) for which they qualify.  After two years of satisfactory service, an agency may convert the individual, without competition, to the competitive service.  There is no limit to the number of times an individual can apply under this authority.  Applicants may submit an application and proof of disability directly to a selective placement program coordinator (SPPC), or they may apply to open job opportunity announcements.

Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) – Serves as the agency’s frontline contact to applicants with disabilities who are interested in employment via an excepted hiring authority such as Schedule A.  SPPCs advocate the use of Schedule A by providing managers with applications of individuals who qualify for available positions within the agency and can assist in eliminating the typical competitive hiring process.

To contact staff at our Office of Human Resources or Privacy and Diversity Office, you may send a message to cbpsppc@cbp.dhs.gov.