U.S. E

1

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INTRODUCTION

Are you a career counselor? Do you work in 

disability student services? Are you a vocational 

counselor or vocational rehabilitation professional? 

Are you an employment navigator? Do you work in 

any capacity to assist individuals with disabilities 

obtain meaningful employment? If so, this guide 

is for you! The federal government wants you to 

know how to help your clients get in our doors!

This guide will educate all types of service providers 

about a special hiring authority – Schedule A – 

which is used in the federal government to quickly 

bring individuals with disabilities on board. This 

guide will show you, step by step, how to work with 

your local federal agencies to successfully place 

your clients with disabilities using Schedule A. 

So what is Schedule A?

Schedule A is a special hiring authority designed 

to help federal agencies meet their affirmative 

action obligations regarding individuals with 

disabilities. Schedule A is different than the 

traditional, and often time consuming process 

used to hire people into federal service. Schedule 

A makes it easier and faster to hire, and is just 

for people with disabilities. 

Why do you need to know 

about Schedule A? 

You need to know about Schedule A because 

federal opportunities await your clients! The 

federal government has a wide variety of available 

jobs and is actively seeking qualified applicants 

with disabilities to fill those jobs. 
RECRUITMENT/H

ABILITYJobs and JobA

disabilities to post the

to browse job opportu

includes information a

For more information, 

CareerOneStop – The 

Department of Labor, p

seekers. The site also 

locations relevant to em

Visit www.careeronesto

eSIGHT.org – eSIGHT 

disability employment 

offer at www.esight.org

GettingHired.com – Th

and other services to pe

them. Further informa

WRP – The Workforce R

program that connects 

motivated postseconda

who are eager to prove 

permanent jobs. Stud

freshmen to graduate s

is available through the 

are not signed up to b

be! Further informatio

For Veterans with Disa

agencies that exist to a

employment. The fol

handy:

v	The U.S. Departm

Training Service ww

v	Hire Heroes www.h

v	Wounded Warriors 

RESOURCES

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NOT PRINT AND 

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FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING
THE ABCs

A If you have a client who is interested in 

working for the federal government, the first 

task (for you and/or your client) is to identify 

open positions that fit the person’s knowledge, 

skills, and experience.

Most federal vacancies are advertised on the USAJOBS 

Web site found at www.usajobs.gov. This is the federal 

government’s official site for job information and 

includes over 16,000 job postings. Through this site, 

anyone can search for openings in a particular field, 

city, or agency, or all three. Individuals can also signup for e-mail alerts, notifying them about job openings 

by type of job, agency, and/or geographic area. Those 

without access to the Internet or who need additional 

assistance can call 202-606-2525. There is also an 

Automated Telephone System that can be reached at 

703-724-1850 (Voice) or 978-461-8404 (TTY).

Be mindful that not all agencies use USAJOBS 

to announce job vacancies. So, it is important to 

check specific agency Web sites for additional 

information on employment opportunities if 

you and your client have a particular agency in 

mind. A listing of agency sites can be found at 

www.usa.gov. 

B Once a job vacancy has been identified, the 

next step is to prepare the job application. 

For most of your clients, this typically will mean 

creating a resume. For assistance with creating a 

resume, please use the Resources page at the end 

of this guide. There is also a resume builder on the 

USAJOBS site. 
FREQUENTLY ASK

The guide for individuals with d

them read it while you read this 

Schedule A works within the 

Moreover, if you and your clien

A than the agency you reach o

guides to educate the agency of

to speed. Then you can get him

Q. If I encounter an agency 

Schedule A, how can I e

client?

A. What employers care about m

have an effect on the bottom 

the typically lengthy hiring pr

Schedule A allows federal age

without posting or publicizing a 

lists. 

Additionally, as a service prov

with and able to talk about all 

to hire individuals with disabi

hiring individuals with disabilit

can help a federal agency mee

Act of 1973 and the U.S. EE

the hiring and advancement o

Congress has called for the fede

According to the EEOC, the fede

with regard to people with d

www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/lead/w

In addition to meeting legal o

because people with disabil

show employees with disab

bring high levels of produc

with disabilities also tend to 

rates of retention. You can find 

www.earnworks.com/docs/DePa

Higher employee retention rate

time, as well as replacement a

available at www.earnworks.com

THIS PART DOES 

NOT PRINT AND 

GETS TRIMMED 

OFF AT THE 

FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING
THE ABCs

In addition to the “proof of disability,” the Schedule A 

regulation also requires that your client be certified as 

job ready. So what does it mean to be job ready? 

Although the Schedule A regulation uses the term 

“Certification of Job Readiness,” this certification does 

not need to be a formal certificate, in the traditional 

sense. 

Job readiness can be certified in a number of ways:

v An agency can (and should) review your client’s 

resume and references to determine whether s/he 

is “ready” for the position s/he is applying for, to 

certify job readiness;

v Job readiness can be determined by any of the 

entities listed above that can provide proof of 

disability (including potentially you!). In addition 

to the entities available for providing proof of 

disability, other entities can help you and your 

client with the certification of job readiness. 

The following entities can certify job readiness: 

a licensed career counselor, a public or private 

vocational rehabilitation counselor, a Veterans 

Administration (VA) counselor, or Social Security 

or other disability benefits staff. To locate a 

vocational rehabilitation counselor in your area, go 

to www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/typequery.exe?902 for 

a complete listing. If your client is a veteran, a 

listing of VA centers and hospitals can be found at 

the www.va.gov Web site. If you are a veteran with 

a disability rating of 30% or more, you may also 

be eligible to apply under special veterans’ hiring 

programs; and

v In lieu of a job readiness certificate, an agency 

can also bring a Schedule A applicant on-board as 

a temporary employee, in order to determine job 

readiness on-the-job. Once an agency is satisfied 

that the new employee (your client) meets the 

needs of the job, the position can be converted 

from temporary to permanent.
FREQUENTLY ASK

Q. What is Schedule A?

A. The federal government has 

disabilities. Schedule A is 

disabilities to get, keep, and 

to their skills and abilities. 

an agency can avoid using 

competitive hiring process. 

appointment if s/he has a se

Q. How does one prove elig

A. In order to receive a Schedu

v	be qualified for the job 

necessary knowledge, sk

duties;

v demonstrate “proof of d

v be job ready.

Proof of disability can be sa

the applicant (your client) h

letter from a doctor, a lice

rehabilitation professional, 

disability benefits. The lett

medical history or need for 

better.

Like proof of disability, job 

number of ways. The first an

client’s resume and referenc

for the position s/he is apply

way to satisfy the job readi

who drafts the proof of disa

Saying something as simple 

environment,” is sufficient. 

that there is tremendous flex

decide for themselves who is 

THIS PART DOES 

NOT PRINT AND 

GETS TRIMMED 

OFF AT THE 

FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING
THE ABCs OF SCHEDULE A

that it is not always accurate. Additionally, not all agencies 

have a DPM or SPC, so you (or your client) may need to speak 

with an HR professional within the agency instead. When 

contacting a federal HR professional concerning possible 

employment opportunities, explain you are referring to 

Schedule A for persons with disabilities. Several regulations 

are generically referred to as “Schedule A.” Schedule A 

regulations cover more than just persons with disabilities. 

Moreover, if your client is a veteran, you both may want to 

contact a VA counselor for additional information and options. 

No matter what, be prepared to put some time and effort into 

finding the correct person or persons that can help you and 

your client.

Job seekers may think it appropriate to have a parent or 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor contact federal agencies 

on their behalf. Managers are likely to be unimpressed 

with this approach. Thus, job seekers should not do this 

unless it is absolutely necessary as an accommodation. If 

this accommodation is not truly necessary, then your client 

should take control of his/her career search him/herself. 

Once you reach an agency official who can assist you, 

ask him/her for guidance on the best way to proceed with 

applying for the identified vacancy using the Schedule A 

hiring authority.

Please note that not all agencies utilize Schedule A specifically. 

Some may have other hiring flexibilities similar to Schedule 

A in place to increase the representation of persons with 

disabilities, so inquire with the agency if this becomes an 

issue. The agency official can work with you and your client 

to make sure the resume/application is processed correctly. 

Your clients also can apply for federal jobs online, directly 

through the USAJOBS Web site, or the specific federal agency’s 
THE ABCs OF SCHEDULE A

that it is not always accurate. Additionally, not all agencies 

have a DPM or SPC, so you (or your client) may need to speak 

with an HR professional within the agency instead. When 

contacting a federal HR professional concerning possible 

employment opportunities, explain you are referring to 

Schedule A for persons with disabilities. Several regulations 

are generically referred to as “Schedule A.” Schedule A 

regulations cover more than just persons with disabilities. 

Moreover, if your client is a veteran, you both may want to 

contact a VA counselor for additional information and options. 

No matter what, be prepared to put some time and effort into 

finding the correct person or persons that can help you and 

your client.

Job seekers may think it appropriate to have a parent or 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor contact federal agencies 

on their behalf. Managers are likely to be unimpressed 

with this approach. Thus, job seekers should not do this 

unless it is absolutely necessary as an accommodation. If 

this accommodation is not truly necessary, then your client 

should take control of his/her career search him/herself. 

Once you reach an agency official who can assist you, 

ask him/her for guidance on the best way to proceed with 

applying for the identified vacancy using the Schedule A 

hiring authority.

Please note that not all agencies utilize Schedule A specifically. 

Some may have other hiring flexibilities similar to Schedule 

A in place to increase the representation of persons with 

disabilities, so inquire with the agency if this becomes an 

issue. The agency official can work with you and your client 

to make sure the resume/application is processed correctly. 

Your clients also can apply for federal jobs online, directly 

through the USAJOBS Web site, or the specific federal agency’s 
FREQUENTLY ASK

Q. What is Schedule A?

A. The federal government has 

disabilities. Schedule A is 

disabilities to get, keep, and 

to their skills and abilities. 

an agency can avoid using 

competitive hiring process. 

appointment if s/he has a se

Q. How does one prove elig

A. In order to receive a Schedu

v	be qualified for the jo

necessary knowledge, sk

duties;

v demonstrate “proof of d

v be job ready.

Proof of disability can be s

the applicant (your client) h

letter from a doctor, a lic

rehabilitation professional, 

disability benefits. The let

medical history or need fo

better.

Like proof of disability, jo

number of ways. The first an

client’s resume and referenc

for the position s/he is apply

way to satisfy the job read

who drafts the proof of disa

Saying something as simple 

environment,” is sufficient

that there is tremendous fle

decide for themselves who i

THIS PART DOES 

NOT PRINT AND 

GETS TRIMMED 

OFF AT THE 

FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING
THE ABCs

In addition to the “proof of disability,” the Schedule A 

regulation also requires that your client be certified as 

job ready. So what does it mean to be job ready? 

Although the Schedule A regulation uses the term 

“Certification of Job Readiness,” this certification does 

not need to be a formal certificate, in the traditional 

sense. 

Job readiness can be certified in a number of ways:

v An agency can (and should) review your client’s 

resume and references to determine whether s/he 

is “ready” for the position s/he is applying for, to 

certify job readiness;

v Job readiness can be determined by any of the 

entities listed above that can provide proof of 

disability (including potentially you!). In addition 

to the entities available for providing proof of 

disability, other entities can help you and your 

client with the certification of job readiness. 

The following entities can certify job readiness: 

a licensed career counselor, a public or private 

vocational rehabilitation counselor, a Veterans 

Administration (VA) counselor, or Social Security 

or other disability benefits staff. To locate a 

vocational rehabilitation counselor in your area, go 

to www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/typequery.exe?902 for 

a complete listing. If your client is a veteran, a 

listing of VA centers and hospitals can be found at 

the www.va.gov Web site. If you are a veteran with 

a disability rating of 30% or more, you may also 

be eligible to apply under special veterans’ hiring 

programs; and

v In lieu of a job readiness certificate, an agency 

can also bring a Schedule A applicant on-board as 

a temporary employee, in order to determine job 

readiness on-the-job. Once an agency is satisfied 

that the new employee (your client) meets the 

needs of the job, the position can be converted 

from temporary to permanent.
FREQUENTLY AS

The guide for individuals with 

them read it while you read th

Schedule A works within the 

Moreover, if you and your clie

A than the agency you reach 

guides to educate the agency o

to speed. Then you can get him

Q. If I encounter an agency 

Schedule A, how can I e

client?

A. What employers care about m

have an effect on the bottom 

the typically lengthy hiring p

Schedule A allows federal ag

without posting or publicizing 

lists. 

Additionally, as a service prov

with and able to talk about all 

to hire individuals with disab

hiring individuals with disabil

can help a federal agency me

Act of 1973 and the U.S. E

the hiring and advancement o

Congress has called for the fed

According to the EEOC, the fed

with regard to people with d

www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/lead/w

In addition to meeting legal 

because people with disabi

show employees with disab

bring high levels of produ

with disabilities also tend to 

rates of retention. You can find 

www.earnworks.com/docs/DeP

Higher employee retention rat

time, as well as replacement a

available at www.earnworks.co

THIS PART DOES 

NOT PRINT AND 

GETS TRIMMED 

OFF AT THE 

FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING
THE ABCs

If you have a client who is interested in 

working for the federal government, the first 

task (for you and/or your client) is to identify 

open positions that fit the person’s knowledge, 

skills, and experience.

Most federal vacancies are advertised on the USAJOBS 

Web site found at www.usajobs.gov. This is the federal 

government’s official site for job information and 

includes over 16,000 job postings. Through this site, 

anyone can search for openings in a particular field, 

city, or agency, or all three. Individuals can also signup for e-mail alerts, notifying them about job openings 

by type of job, agency, and/or geographic area. Those 

without access to the Internet or who need additional 

assistance can call 202-606-2525. There is also an 

Automated Telephone System that can be reached at 

703-724-1850 (Voice) or 978-461-8404 (TTY).

Be mindful that not all agencies use USAJOBS 

to announce job vacancies. So, it is important to 

check specific agency Web sites for additional 

information on employment opportunities if 

you and your client have a particular agency in 

mind. A listing of agency sites can be found at 

www.usa.gov. 

Once a job vacancy has been identified, the 

next step is to prepare the job application. 

For most of your clients, this typically will mean 

creating a resume. For assistance with creating a 

resume, please use the Resources page at the end 

of this guide. There is also a resume builder on the 

USAJOBS site. 

A

B

Q. Ho

in

A. Fir

cli

req

(c) 

Se

to 

Ge

cri

pro

to 

pro

be

yo

ab

mo

So 

Q. W

A. Se

em

an

Se

the 

of 

to 

iss
RESOURCES

THIS PART DOES 

NOT PRINT AND 

GETS TRIMMED 

OFF AT THE 

FOLDING AND 

TRIM STAGE OF 

PRINTING

RECRUITMENT/HIRING

ABILITYJobs and JobAccess – T

disabilities to post their resumes 

to browse job opportunities poste

includes information about the A

For more information, see www.jo

CareerOneStop – The CareerOneS

Department of Labor, provides a va

seekers. The site also offers info

locations relevant to employment, 

Visit www.careeronestop.org for m

eSIGHT.org – eSIGHT is a cross-d

disability employment issues. Ex

offer at www.esight.org. 

GettingHired.com – This free natio

and other services to people with d

them. Further information is avai

WRP – The Workforce Recruitmen

program that connects federal sec

motivated postsecondary students 

who are eager to prove their abilitie

permanent jobs. Students repres

freshmen to graduate students and 

is available through the WRP Web 

are not signed up to be a stop on 

be! Further information can be fo

For Veterans with Disabilities – T

agencies that exist to assist vetera

employment. The following is a 

handy:

v	The U.S. Department of Lab

Training Service www.dol.gov/v

v	Hire Heroes www.hireheroesus

v	Wounded Warriors Project www
INTRODUCTION

Are you a career counselor? Do you work in 

disability student services? Are you a vocational 

counselor or vocational rehabilitation professional? 

Are you an employment navigator? Do you work in 

any capacity to assist individuals with disabilities 

obtain meaningful employment? If so, this guide 

is for you! The federal government wants you to 

know how to help your clients get in our doors!

This guide will educate all types of service providers 

about a special hiring authority – Schedule A – 

which is used in the federal government to quickly 

bring individuals with disabilities on board. This 

guide will show you, step by step, how to work with 

your local federal agencies to successfully place 

your clients with disabilities using Schedule A. 

So what is Schedule A?

Schedule A is a special hiring authority designed 

to help federal agencies meet their affirmative 

action obligations regarding individuals with 

disabilities. Schedule A is different than the 

traditional, and often time consuming process 

used to hire people into federal service. Schedule 

A makes it easier and faster to hire, and is just 

for people with disabilities. 

Why do you need to know 

about Schedule A? 

You need to know about Schedule A because 

federal opportunities await your clients! The 

federal government has a wide variety of available 

jobs and is actively seeking qualified applicants 

with disabilities to fill those jobs. 

Advocacy Groups – 

serve as excellent 

disabilities. The fo

v	American Asso

v	American Coun

v	Council of Stat

www.rehabnetw

v	Deaf and Hard 

v	National Counc

Federal Resources 

meet the needs of 

following is a non-

v	The Office of P

www.opm.gov/d

v The U.S. Depa

Policy www.do

v The federal g

disabilities, the

workforce profe

ACCOMMODAT

CAP – There is a wo

of Defense. The C

provides assistive 

throughout the fed

can tap this resou

disability. CAP will 

train the employee 

have to do is ask! 

the DPM or SPC, 

Additional informa

JAN – The Job A

comprehensive res

terrific and easy-to-

to increase the em

individualized work

on job accommoda

with disabilities. F
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U.S. Equal Employment O

1-800-669-4000 / TTY 

www.eeo