About Michael Goodrich Expertise I can answer general questions related to the type of federal agencies would be best to work for. Also can guide individuals to the right places to find information about federal jobs and avoid "scams" that are advertised.
Experience I have been employed by the federal government for over 12 years. I've held positions in the clerical field, entry level professional and currently technical field. I've been employed by three different federal agencies and have gone through a RIF (Reduction-In-Force) with one of those agencies.
Education/Credentials BA - History
BA - Political Science
Awards and Honors Numerous awards while employed with federal agencies.
Question I graduated last year with a degree in counseling.I will finsih my masters program this summer. Currently, I am working as a high school guidance counselor. This job has been a wonderful experience, but I know I don't want to finish my career in a school based setting. I was wondering what types of Federal jobs would I be qualified to apply for? Although, I would like to continue working in a counseling capacity I am open to other opportunities. My only concern with a job change would be financial. I would like to make at least $30,000. I am currently living in Virginia, but I am willing to relocate to Md. or Pa.
Answer Hello Benson,
With a Masters degree....you should qualify for a position at a GS-9 level, which is approximately around $35,000 a year. Go to www3.opm.gov/oca/01tables/GSannual/index.htm
to get a look a the pay scale. Adjustments are made for cost of living in certain areas.
Coming from the field of counseling, there are a few agencies that usually have a need for folks with your background. These will usually be those in the medical area. Agencies such as the U.S. Veterans Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Another area you may want to look at is the Federal Bureau of Prisons. There are some who would never think about them, but I do know that they have a quite a bit of federal facilites in the Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania area. Positions with the BOP for someone with your experience/education would be Correctional Specialist, Drug Treatment Specialist, or Correctional Counselor. These positions go up to GS-11 and GS-12 with salaries reacing into the mid $60,000's. Pay is higher with the BOP because you are working with inmates, and you are also eligible for the 20 year law enforcement retirement. In my current position, I have worked with the folks at the BOP and have a great relationship with them. I hear it is a good place to work and they take care of their employees.
One other place to look is with the US Probation and Pre-Trial Services. Go to www.uscourts.gov and select the employment opportunties section.
Something of interest to you may be something currently advertised by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) in Johnstown, PA. It is as a Intelligence Research Specialist. Go to www.usajobs.opm.gov/wfjic/jobs/IO2480.HTM
If you like a challenging job, this would be a wonderful one to look into. I've worked with these folks in the past and attended various training with them. They don't look for a particular type candidate for these jobs. They look for someone with good research skills and such. I almost took a position with them, but I didn't want to relocate to the East Coast.
Also, looking for a Intelligence Research Specialist position with DEA, FBI or US Customs is another option.
Start looking for jobs at www.usajobs.opm.gov
This is the main location for most job listings for Federal Government.
Take a look around and if you see something that interests you, even if you don't think your education would qualify you, check it out. You may be surprised.
Good luck and please keep me posted. Also, feel free to ask additional questions.
