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In order to be considered
for an appointment for a Federal job under the Schedule A excepted service hiring
authority, a job applicant must provide a certification of disability to the
Federal agency where his or her application is being considered. The certification
is issued by a counselor at the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or the
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service of the Department of Veterans
Affairs. The certification must verify that the applicant has a severe disability
and is therefore eligible under a Schedule A appointment authority, and that
he or she is able to perform the essential duties of the position. The certification
must also describe any needed reasonable accommodation.
If necessary, the certification
can be accomplished in two steps. The first step is a letter certifying that
the individual is disabled and eligible for appointment under a particular Schedule
A appointment authority. This type of certification is sufficient for an applicant
to be considered for any job.
The second step takes
place after a disabled individual has been tentatively selected for the position.
The second letter must state that the counselor has evaluated the job tasks
and determined the applicant is able to perform the essential duties of the
position. The letter also must state what reasonable accommodation, if any,
are sought.
Any certificate of disability must be maintained
in a separate, confidential folder, rather than in the person's official personnel
folder (OPF). This material is not to be included or placed into the individual's
OPF or Employee Medical Folder.
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