Careers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you do not have current or past federal experience, these job openings are for the general public. Are you a current or former federal employee? Here are the jobs you may be eligible for. Note that we also post Save The Date Announcements so that you can be prepared when a job announcement goes live.

I applied to a position, but have not received a response. How can I find out the status of my application?

To verify the status of your application after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login . All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Should I disclose my disability when applying for a job?

We recommend that you notate your Schedule A eligibility on your USA Jobs profile and all applications, though you should not disclose the nature of your disability when applying.

What should I include in my resume?

Visit this USAJOBS resource to learn what should be included in your resume

What is a series or grade?

Visit this USAJOBS resource to learn about Job Series and Grade.

Pathways for Students

Which student program is best for me?

The Pathways Programs include three separate tiers, the Internship program, the Recent Graduates Program, and the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. CMS also uses the Student Volunteer Program to fill non-paid internship positions.

The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from college undergraduate to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service.

The Recent Graduates Program affords participants developmental experiences at CMS intended to promote possible careers to individuals who have recently graduated within the previous two years from qualifying educational institutions. This one-year program is designed to provide an opportunity to those individuals who lack experience to participate in Federal government jobs, enabling them to develop on the job as they establish their career. Successful candidates are placed in a developmental program with the potential to lead to permanent employment at CMS.

The Presidential Management Fellows Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry-level for advanced degree candidates. Created more than four decades ago, the program attracts and selects from among the best candidates and is designed to develop a cadre of potential Federal Government leaders. There is a two-step hurdle to apply to PMF announcements. For more information on how to apply to become a PMF Finalist, visit www.pmf.gov

The Student Volunteer Program provides for a supervised, structured educational program that integrates classroom learning with productive work experience in a field related to the student’s academic majors or career goals. This non-paid internship program allows students to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of theories taught in the classroom. For more information, email StudentVolunteers@cms.hhs.gov.

What positions are available if you don’t have experience in healthcare?

We have several career paths that don't require healthcare experience ranging from IT, communications, human resources, administration and much more. You can find more information here: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Career-Information/CareersatCMS

What is the eligibility definition of recent grad?

The Federal Pathways Program indicates that Recent Grads are those who have graduated with an undergraduate, graduate, or advanced degree in the past 2 years. Certain veterans may have up to 6 years post- graduation to apply to an announcement if they have had military service obligations that pushed them out of the 2 year application period.

Do I have to wait until I graduate before I apply for a position?

You may begin to apply to Recent Graduate positions during the semester you plan to graduate. Refer to the specific job announcement for eligibility timelines.

Is there tuition assistance or scholarships available if I am selected for employment?

CMS does not offer any tuition assistance or scholarships. However, there are opportunities to qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program under the Department of Education.

Are the CMS Summer internships full-time or part-time?

Summer internships can be either full-time or part-time.

Is there an option to work an unpaid internship?

The Student Volunteer Program provides for a supervised, structured educational program that integrates classroom learning with productive work experience in a field related to the student’s academic majors or career goals. This non-paid internship program allows students to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of theories taught in the classroom. Students may send an email with a resume (including anticipated graduation date) and unofficial transcript to StudentVolunteers@cms.hhs.gov. The subject line of the email should read "CMS Student Volunteer Program", and the body of the email should include the preferred geographic location.

Does CMS provide compensation for travel and housing?

No, CMS does not provide compensation for travel and housing.

Eligibility

I am attending school on a VISA. Am I eligible for employment at CMS?

You must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply for CMS positions.

Do children of Veterans receive veterans’ preference?

No, children of veterans do not receive veterans' preference. Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans applies to:

30% or more Disabled Veteran Appointment Authority
Military Spouses
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA)
Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) More information can be found here.

Can I apply to a position with an educational requirement even though I have not graduated yet?

Typically you must meet all application requirements by the time the application window closes. However, refer directly to the job announcement for specific requirements.

What is the difference between bargaining vs non-bargaining units?

Bargaining unit information can be found here.

About CMS

Does CMS have locations outside of Baltimore?

Absolutely! CMS is headquartered in Woodlawn, MD, but we have locations across the country. We have regional offices in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, DC, and Bethesda, Maryland. For specific addresses of these locations, visit https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Career-Information/CareersatCMS/LocationsFacilities

If I am hired, what will I be paid?

Pay scales can be found here: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/general-schedule/

Are there any remote positions?

Right now, CMS is operating in maximum telework status. However, as of now, we must operate under the notion that newly hired employees will be expected to eventually report in the office. We hope to have more information in the near future about the future of remote work at CMS.

What industries are represented at CMS? What components/offices does CMS have?

Visit here to view a description of the many industries represented at CMS ranging from health policy economics. Visit here to see a listing of components/offices.

Hiring Process

How long does the hiring process at CMS take?

The hiring process timeline can vary based on multiple variables (# of people applied, background checks, etc.) The average time from once the job announcement closes to being hired is about 1-2 months.

If I am selected for a position, will I have to undergo a security clearance?

Some positions are subject to a background and suitability investigation.

I read that I should not include PII in a cover letter. What is considered PII?

PII is personally identifiable information such as your birthday, social security number, photo, etc.

Page Last Modified:

09/06/2023 05:05 PM

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