courses of action

COURSES OF ACTION

PATHWAYS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

THREE DIFFERENT COURSES OF ACTION

Created By: Alexandra Landstrom

COA #1: Tiered

> 1 yr < 2 yrs

> 2 yrs < 3 yrs

> 3 yrs < 4 yrs

Specialization in one program area

Limited rotation in program areas as able

Conversion at GS- 9 level

Full exposure to all program areas

Specialization in 1-2 program areas

Conversion at GS-11 level

Rotation schedule based on conversion requirements at each grade level, length of academic program, and any necessary specialized experience.

Average length of participation (27 months)

Minimal exposure to some program areas


< 1 year

Full exposure to all program areas

Leadership Rotation

Specialization in multiple program areas

Project Ownership

Conversion at GS-11 level

> 4 yrs

Minimal or limited exposure to all program areas

May need 1 year of specialization, if not ed. qual


Cons:•Potential conversion placement will need to be determined 6 to 12 months prior to interns completing academic program • Does not provide a comprehensive learning experience for interns hired close to degree completion• Rotations deemphasized- 1 year program specialization requirement could impact balanced program development

.

Pros:•Ensures participants will meet program specific experience in at least 1 program area for the GS-9/11 levels•Interns with a longer time frame will receive more training, achieve higher graded conversions, and gain thorough HR development•Easy to implement•May be viewed more favorably by other employees

COA #1: Tiered

11 23 35 47 590

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4

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8

10

12ROI Illustration

# of Programs with Specialized Exp.

Max # of Pro-grams Rotated Through

GS Level at Conversion

Length of Time in Program (months)

COA #1: Tiered

Participants receive professional development while completing their degrees.

COA #2: Academic

Associate/ Bachelor/ Master/

Doctorate Degree

Training

Plan

Project

Ownership

Program

Rotations

Leadership

Experience

Organizational

Need

Conversion qualifications are based solely upon education level achieved

Rotation schedule is at the discretion of management.

Average length of participation: 27 months

Pros:• Consistent conversion process• Ease of management• Eliminates any experience concerns upon conversion• Most flexibility in rotations

Cons:• No conversion option for students receiving Associates /Technical degree• Negates developmental experience • Non-compliance with Title 5 U.S.C. 3308 & OPM requirements on crediting experience• Poor utilization of agency investment• May result in lower retention rates due to possible change to a lower grade• Risks possible EEO or ER/LR related complaints• Limits the GS-11 level to interns achieving a doctorate level degree

COA #2: Academic

11 23 35 47 590

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4

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8

10

12ROI- Bachelor Degree


Highest Possible GS Level Achieved



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4

6

8

10

12ROI- Doctorate Degree





COA #2: Academic

11 23 35 47 590

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4

6

8

10

12ROI- Overall/Average





11 23 35 47 590

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4

6

8

10

12ROI- Master Degree





Model based upon a classroom-style schedule of learning. Schedule may be manipulated to fit organizational needs, part-time tours, and length of time intern is in program.

Multiple program areas must be incorporated with each rotation and all rotations must last at least 1 year (until all program areas have been rotated through).

Year 1• Staffing Mon-Fri 8am-11am

• HRP Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm

• Classification Mon-Fri 2pm-3pm

Year 2• ER/LR

Mon-Fri 8am-11am

• Benefits Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm

• Liaisons Mon-Fri 2pm-3pm

Year 3• OPL

Mon-Fri 8am-11am

• PE Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm

• Worklife Mon-Fri 2pm-3pm

Year 4• Matt/Chiefs January-April

• Jennifer/Chiefs May-August

• Leon/Chiefs September-December

COA #3: Blocked

Average length of participation

(27 mo)

Schedule may use an alternative format that assigns each program specific days of the week.

Cons:• Programs may have difficulty with transition to different type of schedule• Equitable division of program time/assignments will need to be consistently adhered to• Maintenance of schedule may be more complicated for leadership • Possible bottlenecking could cause confusion.

Pros:• Meets 1 year of program specialization in multiple program areas concurrently • Allows interns with minimal expected time in the program to still obtain program specific experience in multiple areas• Flexible scheduling options work with organizational needs• Trainers may be more receptive to this schedule (allows ample time for trainers to complete their own work, instead of their time being monopolized for 3-6 months)• Follows block scheduling templates used by academic institutions, which students are acclimated to already

COA #3: Blocked

12 24 36 48 600

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4

6

8

10

12ROI Illustration

# of Programs with Specialized Exp.

Max # of Programs Rotated Through



COA #3: Blocked

Application of Qualification Standards

3. Specialized Experience Requirements

g. Concurrent experience -Concurrent, straight-time experience in a second position can be credited towards meeting specialized experience requirements only if it contributes significantly to the applicant's possession of the specific KSA's required for the position to be filled.

(http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e9)

Decision Matrix

Quality Tiered Score Standardized Score Blocked Score

(5) Succession Planning 2 10 1 5 3 15

(4) Develops Across All Areas 2 8 3 12 1 4

(3) Feasibility 2 6 1 3 3 9

(2) Exportability 2 4 2 4 2 4

(1) Versatility 2 2 1 1 3 3

TOTAL (higher is better) 30 25 35

Recommendation- COA #3: Blocked

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