HHS Emerging Leaders Program
"An opportunity for personal growth and development"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is the Department of Health and Human Services Headquarters?
200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. We are conveniently located near Federal Center SW metro station on the orange and blue lines - just a short distance from the U.S. Capitol, and the Mall.
What majors are being hired?
All majors will be accepted. Selections will be based on need per career path. The career paths are Administrative, Information Technology, Social Science, Scientific and Public Health.
 When can I expect to hear if I've been hired?
All selections for the program will be made prior to the beginning of May. Everyone that applied to the program will be contacted by the end of April.
How do I apply?
You must attend one of the many career fairs that we will be participating in throughout the country. Click on the Recruitment Calendar above, for additional information.
When does the Program begin?
July 26, 2004 at 200 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC.
Who actually hires me for the program?
Although you will participate in a centralized program at the Department level, you will be hired by one of the following Operating Divisions: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Indian Health Service, Food and Drug Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Administration on Aging, Administration for Children and Families or the Office of the Secretary.
Are positions located outside of Washington, DC?
In addition to Washington, DC, positions are located in Baltimore, MD and Atlanta, GA.
What is a GS-9?
Essentially, the Federal government's pay table is based on 15 grades with 10 steps within each grade. The GS-9 grades represent approximately the mid-way point on the pay tables. Visit the website at http://www.opm.gov/oca/04tables/indexGS.asp for further description.
What training activities are included in the Program?
The first year of the program will introduce Emerging Leaders to a modified version of the Executive Core Qualifications used by the Senior Executive Service. These qualifications are Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions/Communications.
There are also instruction blocks devoted to individual and work life issues, interpersonal/communal issues, project management/managerial, leadership/visionary and business orientation/entrepreneurial issues. The program includes 6-8 weeks of training activity.
 Will I have a mentor?
HHS believes strongly in the mentoring relationship. The Emerging Leader's Program Coordinator will work with program participants to identify one of our professional staff members to serve as a mentor. The mentor plays a key role in the Emerging Leader's career development, providing guidance, advice and support. Also, the mentor serves as a resource for rotational opportunities. Perhaps the most important role of the mentor is the linkage he/she provides to the wider network of Department management.
What rotations can I expect?
Each Emerging Leader will participate in 3-5 rotational assignments. Assignments will range from 60-90 days each. Rotations are career path based and will be available throughout the Department.
Is the Emerging Leaders Program a permanent appointment within the Federal Government?
No, the Emerging Leaders Program is a 2-year excepted service appointment. Once the Emerging Leader successfully completes the program, HHS may non-competitively convert the participant to a competitive appointment and promote up to the GS-12 level without further competition.
Will interviews be held?
Yes, applicants who rank at the top of our screening process will be invited to the HHS headquarters for an interview. Interviews will be held in late March.
Will there be a program orientation?
A 7-10 day orientation is planned to include an introduction to the Department and all of its Operating and Staff Divisions, an introduction to how the federal government works, an understanding of participants strengths and areas for improvement, an understanding of the unique aspects of public service, e.g., ethics, accountability, values, decision-making, etc.
Will I be eligible for promotions?
Yes, Emerging Leaders are eligible for annual promotions to the GS-11 or 12 levels, based on satisfactory performance.
The Federal government is an equal opportunity employer.
Last revised: December 22, 2003
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