How to Request Services of the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

Updated 10/06/04

The objective of the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) (formerly Stay-in-School Program) is to provide students with flexible, temporary employment allowing students to earn a salary while continuing academic studies and to work in Federal agencies.

Eligibility Requirements: The Student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Be accepted for enrollment, or enrolled, as a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) seeking student in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2 year or 4 year college, graduate or professional school, on at least a half time basis.

Appointment Information:

• Positions range from Clerk, Office Automation Clerk to Student Assistants and are not ceiling exempt.
• Initial appointments can be made at any time during the year, including summer.
• STEP students are normally placed in non-sensitive positions (i.e., they do not require a security clearance).

Recruitment Process:

• Office must submit a recruitment SF-52, (Request for Personnel Action), with a position description (PD cover sheet), and a performance plan. During a hiring freeze, a freeze exception will be required.
• OHRM will: 1) contact selecting official to conduct a needs assessment; 2) draft vacancy announcement for distribution to local high schools, colleges and universities; and 3) issue list of eligibles to hiring officials for selection consideration. 

Work Schedules:

• Students may work full-time or part-time schedules. There are no limitations on the number of hours a student can work per week, but the student's work schedule should not interfere with the student's academic schedule.
• Regular scheduling of overtime is not consistent with this program. However, overtime may be scheduled, but only to meet emergency conditions or under special circumstances.

For additional information contact regarding student employment, contact Tina James at 202-482-3301.  For information regarding the status of a specific personnel action, contact your servicing human resources specialist at 202-482-3301.