Providing for the Appointment of Alumni of AmeriCorps to the Competitive Service
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
AmeriCorps alumni who’ve completed at least 1,700 hours of service can now be hired for federal jobs without competing in the usual hiring process. This change helps the government tap into a skilled, service-minded workforce faster and easier, starting right after this order in January 2025. It’s a win-win: AmeriCorps members get more job opportunities, and the government gains talented employees without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Noncompetitive Federal Hiring for AmeriCorps Alumni
If you are an AmeriCorps alum who satisfactorily completed at least 1,700 hours of service, the head of any executive department or agency may appoint you to a competitive service position without the usual competitive hiring process. The AmeriCorps Chief Executive Officer (or designee) will issue certificates verifying completion, and the Office of Personnel Management may issue implementing regulations, but eligible individuals are allowed noncompetitive hiring with or without additional OPM rules.
Time Window for Noncompetitive Appointment
Any appointment under this order must be effected within 1 year after the appointee’s most recent qualifying term of service. That 1-year period may be extended to no more than 3 years for persons engaged in additional AmeriCorps service, military service, pursuit of higher education, other activities the appointing authority deems appropriate, or to permit adjudication of a background investigation.
Standard Disqualifying Rules Still Apply
Any law, Executive Order, or regulation that would disqualify an applicant for appointment in the competitive service also disqualifies an applicant appointed under this order. The order explicitly lists examples including noncitizenship, anti-nepotism restrictions, failure to register for Selective Service when required, OPM occupational qualifying standards, and OPM suitability factors.
Certification Requirement by AmeriCorps CEO
AmeriCorps’ CEO (or designee) must issue certificates to people who satisfactorily completed a qualifying term or terms totaling at least 1,700 hours under the cited AmeriCorps program authorities. The CEO may rely on confirmations from the entity that supervised the service, and AmeriCorps may correct incorrect certifications after reviewing the facts.
Existing VISTA Noncompetitive Status Preserved
The order does not alter or otherwise affect the existing Non-Competitive Eligibility status for AmeriCorps VISTA participants who successfully complete their service as described in section 415(d) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.
Implementation Subject to Law and Funding
The order must be implemented consistent with applicable law and is subject to the availability of appropriations, meaning agencies must follow legal limits and may be constrained by available funding when using this noncompetitive hiring authority.
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