Executive Order 11103states that returned Peace CorpsandAmeriCorps VISTAvolunteers are granted noncompetitive eligibility for 12 months upon successful completion of service terms.Federal agencies can, therefore,hire Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTAvolunteersmore quickly and with less competition. This is a great way to transfer the experiences you gained as a volunteer into federal service.
Noncompetitive Eligibility for Peace CorpsandAmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers
After successfully completing yourPeace CorpsorAmeriCorps VISTAservice, you will have up to one year to use your noncompetitive eligibility. Federal agenciesmay extend your eligibilityifyougo on to servein the military, studyat an institution of higher learning orparticipatein another activitythat,in the agency’s view, warrants an extension. Agencies can only hire using NCE if the applicant qualifies for the authority and is minimally qualified for the position they are applying to.
Country directorsmayinclude an NCE certification in the final paragraph of thePeace Corpsdescription of service for allvolunteers who are eligible to receive the benefit.When applying to positions, you are able to explain to hiring managers and HR specialists the noncompetitive eligibility status that you have by including a copy ofthis letter.
Do note that regardless of how longyouserved, youare not eligible for noncompetitive appointment ifyouresigned fromthePeace Corps.
For AmeriCorps VISTA members, those who complete less than one year of service (including training time) will not receive the NCE. AmeriCorps state and national members,and AmeriCorps NCCC members,are not eligible for this benefit.To locate your NCE status, log into your My AmeriCorps account to obtain your AmeriCorps VISTA Verification of Service letter.As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, if hired, you can use your national service year(s) towards calculating benefits such as vacation and retirement.
Where to find Noncompetitive Positions?
To find positions, there are three common places:
- Peace Corps Job Boardhas positionsfor returned Peace Corpsvolunteers.
- VISTA Campus Job Boardcontains postings for both NCE positions and VISTA leader positions.
- USAJOBS.govhas information. Select the Peace CorpsandAmeriCorps Vista filter in searchto viewallcurrentjobs open to alumnifrom these programs.
When applying you must include your Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA certification of service documents with your application,and you are encouraged to mention your noncompetitive eligibility status on your resume. Keep in mind as a returned Peace CorpsorAmeriCorps VISTAvolunteer, you are not considered a federal employee. You may submit your Description of Service instead of aStandard Form-50 (SF-50).
This noncompetitive eligibility does not guarantee you a position in the federal government.
