The Federal Government offers unique hiring paths to help hire individuals that represent our diversity 

society. Learn more about some of these hiring paths and your eligibility. 

Special Hiring Authorities 

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES (SCHEDULE A)

“Schedule A” is a special hiring authority that gives federal 

agencies an optional, and potentially quicker way to hire 

individuals with disabilities. Applying under Schedule A is an 

exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. 

ELIGIBILITY

You can apply for jobs under Schedule A if you are a person 

with an intellectual disability, a several physical disability or a 

psychiatric disability. 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

To be eligible, you must provide a “proof of disability” 

letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe 

physical disability or psychiatric disability. The letter must be 

from a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational 

rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency 

that issues or provides disability benefits. 

OTHER RESOURCES

Selective Placement Program Coordinators help agencies 

recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities. They 

can guide you through the application process and answer 

questions. Learn more here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-dataoversight/disability-employment/

PEACE CORPS/AMERICORPS VISTA ALUMNI

If you have volunteered with the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps 

VISTA, you may have non-competitive eligibility or federal 

employment. 

ELIGIBILITY

You’re eligible if you have at least two years of service with the 

Peace Corps or one year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA. 

Your non-competitive eligibility lasts for one year after your 

complete your Peace Corps or AmeriCorps service, but federal 

agencies may extend the period for up to three years if you 

meet certain criteria. 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Description of service from Peace Corps or AmeriCorps 

VISTA. It must state the end date of service and that you have 

non-competitive eligibility to be appointed into the federal 

government. 

PEACE CORPS EMPLOYEES

A non-competitive appointment of a Peace Corps employee 

who has completed the required length of service to a 

competitive service position.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be a current or former Peace Corps employee who 

has at least 36 months of continuous service, without a break 

in service of three or more days You must be appointed to 

government service within three years after separating from 

Peace Corps employment.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

You must provide an official letter from Peace Corps stating 

that you have completed 36 months of continuous service 

without a break in service of three or more days; and an SF-50 

(Notice of Personnel Action), or equivalent, that documents 

employment with Peace Corps.

CERTAIN MILITARY SPOUSES

A non-competitive appointment of certain military spouses to a 

competitive service position.

ELIGIBILITY

• Active Duty Spouse: Spouse of a member of the 

armed forces on active duty.

• Spouse of a 100% Disabled Veteran: Spouse of a military 

member who was retired under Chapter 61 of title 10 

U.S.C. with a 100% disability rating from the military; or 

was released from active duty with a disability rating of 

100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs or a military 

branch.

• Widow/Widower: Un-remarried widow/widower of a 

service member deceased while on active duty (does not 

have to combat-related).

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Marriage certificate and your spouse’s military documentation 

that shows you meet one of the above criteria.

OTHER HIRING AUTHORITIES

For information about other hiring authorities, visit: https://

www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiringpaths/

FOLLOW US:

https://www.nasa.gov/careers 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasa

@NASAPeople

COME EXPLORE WITH US!

To view our job vacancies and to apply, visit:

https://nasai.usajobs.gov