It’s not easy being a military spouse.
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Military spouses often provide a lot of extra support to their partner that civilian partnerships do not require, like moving irregularly.
For military spouses looking for an accommodating position, USA JOBS has several great listings.
USA JOBS Hiring Path for Military Spouses
Military spouses may be eligible to apply to government jobs through the official USAJOBS.gov website.
If they meet the eligibility requirements, they can apply to positions under a non-competitive process.
Many federal agencies use the military spouse non-competitive hiring program to fill both temporary and permanent jobs.
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There are a few different requirements for eligibility.
Applicants are eligible if they are a spouse of an active duty member of the armed forces, if they are the spouse of a service member 100% disabled because of service-related injury at time of military service separation, or a spouse of a service member killed on active duty.
They are ineligible if they remarry.
Individuals who apply should be aware that their eligibility does not entitle them to a job.
They must still apply and meet the specific qualification standards and requirements.
Everyone must undergo a background investigation.
What is Executive Order 13473, and How Does It Help Military Spouses?
Executive Order 13473 is also known as the Military Spouse Non-competitive Appointing Authority.
It lets agencies hire some military spouses without competition.
This executive order is a huge benefit for many military spouses who are applying for government jobs, but it does not entitle them to an appointment over any other applicant.
This order only allows non-competitive appointment to permanent, term, or temporary jobs for eligible military spouses into the competitive service.
The goal of the order is to help military spouses work in the Federal Civil Service.
Executive Order 13473’s goal is to recognize and honor armed force members’ service.
It also helps to prevent disruption when military families must relocate.
To apply for a position under the Military Spouse hiring path, individuals must first make an account with login.gov.
Next, they must create an account with USAJOBS.gov and fill out their profile.
They can add the Military Spouse hiring path to their profile once they are sure they meet the eligibility requirements.
Using the USA JOBS website, they can look for different jobs that appeal to them.
There are a number of positions covering a wide variety of different fields.
USA JOBS listings will have a “This job is open to” section in the announcements with a green icon for jobs that support the Military Spouse path.
Of course, military spouses can apply to other jobs without this icon on the website, as long as they are open to the public.
Using the search bar, applicants can filter the work positions so that only those with the Military Spouse hiring path appear.
As of June 1st, 2023, there are over 5,400 positions on the Military Spouse hiring path.
One such position is for an Audiovisual Production Specialist working with the Patent and Trademark Office for $112,015 per year.
To apply to a job they are interested in, individuals simply have to click on the “Apply” button and complete the relevant forms.
Military spouses will have to include additional documentation to be eligible for the special path.
The first document must verify the marriage, like a marriage certificate.
The second document must be a copy of the spouse’s active military orders.
Unmarried military spouses who married a 100% disabled veteran who is retired or honorably discharged should submit form DD-214.
This form is a certificate of release or discharge from active duty.
Military spouses, who have not remarried, who are widowed because their spouse was killed on active duty must submit form DD-1300.
This form is a report of casualty.
All necessary documents can be uploaded and submitted to the USA JOBS portal.
Military spouses have to overcome unique challenges that many other partners do not because of the unpredictable nature of military service.
However, a federal government job can solve a lot of these issues and alleviate stress.
One common challenge is frequent relocation.
Military families often have to move as the active duty member moves duty stations every couple of years.
Moving can be a huge disruption to the established family routine.
It also causes challenges to the employment and career path of the military spouse.
Getting a position with the United States government under the Military Spouse hiring path can really help careers because there are systems to accommodate this upheaval.
Luckily, there are employment options supported by the federal government for military spouses.
Military spouses can choose from a host of different opportunities in various fields, like those found here.
There are also thousands of specific listings that accommodate the Military Spouses hiring path open right now.