Enhancing Noncompetitive Civil Service Appointments of Military Spouses
May 14, 2018
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: May 9, 2018
Published on: May 14, 2018
May 14, 2018
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: May 9, 2018
Published on: May 14, 2018
Summary
Makes it easier for military spouses to get government jobs without competing with the general public by using a special hiring process.
What problem does this solve?
Military spouses often struggle to find and keep jobs because they have to move frequently for their partner's military service. This order requires government agencies to actively promote and use a special hiring authority to help military spouses get federal jobs.
What does this order do?
Requires agencies to consider military spouses for jobs
Directs federal agencies to state in their job announcements that they will consider military spouses using the special, non-competitive hiring authority.
Mandates active promotion of spouse hiring
Requires agencies to actively advertise the military spouse hiring authority and encourage military spouses to apply for jobs, including through the USAJOBS website.
Requires annual reporting on hiring
Starting in Fiscal Year 2019, agencies must report each year on the number of military spouses who applied for and were hired under this authority.
Directs OPM to educate agencies
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must train agency hiring managers on how to effectively use the military spouse hiring authority and telework options.
Addresses job license portability
Requires an annual report to the President with suggestions on how to make professional licenses more easily transferable between states for military spouses.
Who does this affect?
- Military spouses
- Federal government agencies
- Members of the Armed Forces
What is the real world impact?
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Improves military readiness and retention
Supports military families by making it easier for spouses to find stable careers. This helps improve family well-being, which can encourage service members to stay in the military.
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Taps into a skilled workforce
Allows the government to hire from a talented group of people who are often unemployed or underemployed due to frequent moves.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately, with several actions required within 180 days and annual reporting starting in Fiscal Year 2019.
OPM guidance and education
Within 180 days of May 9, 2018, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must post information online and educate agencies on the hiring authority.
Annual agency reporting
Beginning in Fiscal Year 2019, agencies must report annually by December 31 on their use of the military spouse hiring authority.