Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
Program Specialist jobs in District of Columbia concentrate in federal government agencies, nonprofit policy organizations, and healthcare administration, with demand at every level from coordinator to senior program officer. Most hiring activity centers on Washington DC itself, where anchoring employers such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the American Red Cross, and Booz Allen Hamilton maintain large program management workforces. The most in-demand specialties in this market are federal grants management, public health program oversight, and workforce development administration. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Summary
The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent Federal agency that provides the President and Congress with high-quality analysis and technical support on international trade, tariff and competitiveness issues; investigates and makes determinations in proceedings involving imports claimed to injure a domestic industry or violate U.S. intellectual property rights; and maintains the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Duties
This position is located in the Office of the Secretary, Hearings and Information Division.
As a Program Support Specialist, your assignments will include: organizing and maintaining official records for the organization; reviewing, processing, and distributing incoming correspondence, requests, and other official Commission mail; processing Commission notices; creating and maintaining office memoranda and correspondence tracking systems; processing surety bonds submitted in section 337 investigations; and tracking, ordering, and maintaining office supplies; Ensures compliance with all requirements for gaining access to and handling confidential business/business proprietary information; prepares responses to requests for confidential treatment, as well as responses to requests for information; and submits pertinent investigative documents to EDIS (Electronic Document Information System) for incorporation in the official record. Provides assistance in handling the logistical arrangements for hearings and meetings, including drafting pertinent documents and support in conducting Commission hearings, conferences, and votes; and provides administrative support to the FOIA program as well as all other programs in the Hearings and Information Division.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- You will be required to successfully complete a background investigation.
- You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period
- Males born after 12/03/59 must be registered for Selective Service
Qualifications
You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
To qualify at the GS-09 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:
- assisting with arrangements for hearings and meetings and drafting pertinent documents necessary to conduct Commission hearings and votes
- preparing a variety of written material including reports, records, briefing materials, and statistical and narrative material,
- providing customer service to visitors to the Commission and handling sensitive documents that contain NSI
GS-9 level, you may qualify using one of the following options:
- master's or equivalent graduate degree
- 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
- LL.B. or J.D., if related
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
GS-9: To substitute education for specialized experience, you must possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related; or you may combine specialized experience and graduate level education which totals at least 100 percent. (school transcript required by closing date)
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one-year probationary period (competitive service) or a two-year trial period (excepted service) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees: The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Programs are available to federal employees that qualify. Those eligible for these programs are granted special priority selection rights. To be considered, you must be deemed well-qualified by receiving a score of 85 or higher. If you are a federal employee claiming CTAP/ICTAP, you must provide the documents listed under the Required Documents section to verify your eligibility. Also, you must indicate in your application that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible. For additional information regarding CTAP/ICTAP, please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit http://www.sss.gov/.
Severely disabled persons program information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/
Cover page to fax paper application - OPM Form 1203fx: http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/forms/opm1203fx.pdf
Assessment Question: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13090390
Vacancy ID number: DE-27-005-SP
Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis. Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The self-assessment questions are related to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to respond to the KSA's.
BASIS OF RATING: Your resume will be evaluated by a Subject Matter Expert Panel (SME). Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying.
If you are selected for an interview, you can expect a structured panel interview process, which will include between 2 and 4 members.
Your experience is also evaluated using an assessment questionnaire, which is available at the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13090390
Required Documents
1. Resume:Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. We will review your resume and supporting documents, to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
2. Occupational questionnaire: A completed job-specific occupational questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
3. Veterans' Preference:If claiming veterans' preference, you must indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume.
A. For 5-point veterans' preference, you must provide:
a copy of your DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge which shows the type of discharge and dates of active duty (Member 4 copy preferred).
B. If you are currently on active duty, to receive 5-point preference you must provide an official statement of service from your command/unit which states:
- your branch of service;
- period(s) of service;
- campaign medals or expeditionary medals earned;
- expected discharge type and date; and
- date you will be separated or be on approved terminal leave
If you supply a statement of service at this stage, your preference/eligibility will be verified by a DD 214 prior to your appointment with our agency.
C. To receive 10-point veterans' preference, you must provide: -any documentation required by this form to support your claim.
If we cannot verify your 10-point preference status, you will receive 5-point preference if you meet the requirements. You can obtain an SF-15 through this link: http://www.opm.gov/forms/standard-forms/.
To access to your DD 214 online, please visit: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/.
4. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles.
You must submit the following documents:
- a copy of your agency notice;
- a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
- a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
6. Cover Letter. This is optional.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/30/2026 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
The Vacancy ID is 13090390
Agency contact information
500 E St SW
Washington, DC 20436
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
- Upon receipt of your application
- Upon minimum qualifications determination
- After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
- Once a selection has been made
Overview
- 0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program
- Suitability/Fitness
See All 31 Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
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Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, or a related field required
- Two or more years of experience managing or coordinating federal or government programs
- Demonstrated experience with grants administration, compliance monitoring, or contract oversight
- Strong written communication skills for policy briefs, reports, and stakeholder correspondence
- Proficiency with federal project management or data tracking tools such as SharePoint or Salesforce
- Ability to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance if required by the agency
Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in District of Columbia?
Most program specialist roles in DC require a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, public health, or a related field, with federal positions often requiring additional years of specialized experience. DC does not impose a state-issued license specific to the program specialist title, but federal agency roles may require clearances or agency-specific certifications. Candidates who complete the Presidential Management Fellows program or secure internships with DC-based federal agencies or nonprofits gain a strong competitive edge in this market.
Which companies hire program specialists in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring program specialists in District of Columbia right now include Booz Allen Hamilton, IONA Senior Services, and Dept of Employment Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. DC's concentration of federal agencies, international NGOs, and government contracting firms means program specialist demand here is driven heavily by policy-focused and mission-driven organizations.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most program specialist jobs?
The cities with the most program specialist openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington DC itself accounts for the overwhelming share of listings because the federal government, major nonprofits, and headquarters of large consulting firms are physically located there, while nearby areas in the metro reflect agency satellite offices and government contractors operating close to Capitol Hill.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, and more than many fields, since program specialists often handle administrative coordination, reporting, and communication work that translates well to remote settings. About 53% of program specialist openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of much of this work. Grants management, compliance monitoring, and policy coordination roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while roles requiring in-person stakeholder or government liaison work remain largely on-site.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in DC is through federal internship pipelines such as the Pathways Programs, which place students and recent graduates directly into federal agencies like HHS, DOJ, and DOE in program support roles. Large DC nonprofits and government contractors such as ICF and Chemonics regularly hire program associates or program coordinators as entry-level stepping stones. A background in research assistance, grant writing, or administrative coordination from an adjacent role gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for these positions.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across federal agencies, nonprofits, and government contractors in the DC area. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and interests, and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 31 Program Specialist Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist Jobs