The FLS leadership webinar series is optional (unless your supervisor requires you to attend) and designed to provide leadership skills training highly critical for successful field leaders in OFO. The training will offer guidance and discussions from an OFO perspective on topics not generally covered in other forums. Attendees will receive a meeting invitation from the organizer ahead of each session.

• OFO Frontline Supervisor Leadership Series (previously recorded session)

The SCSI Supervision Survival Guide series is optional (unless your supervisor requires you to attend) and designed to help SCSIs sharpen their supervisory skills, build important competencies that will help individuals grow as supervisors. The sessions will offer guidance and discussions from an OFO perspective on topics not generally covered in other forums. Attendees will receive a meeting invitation from the organizer ahead of each session.

• SCSI Supervision Survival Guide Webinar Series (previously recorded sessions) 

Calendar of upcoming sessions:

The application period has now closed, and applications are currently being reviewed and evaluated. We are aiming to finalize selections by March 31, 2023. Applicants will be notified of their selection status via email from OFOWorkforceInvestmentProgram@usda.gov by Friday, April 14, 2023. Check this website for additional updates.

OFO employs over 4,700 CSIs. We are offering 200 CSI slots in this pilot to ensure we can effectively evaluate the effectiveness of the program and feedback from participants before considering ways to broaden the program. The CSI application period will open January 30 and remain open for 4 weeks. If you are considering applying to the program, be sure to review the requirements and application form.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. CSIs in position for 90 days and performing at Fully Successful level
2. Supervisory and District Management endorsement is required
3. Completion of application 
4. No formal disciplinary actions in previous 12 months 
5. Successful completion of probationary period

To apply for the program, CSIs must complete the application form and the checklist below:

✓ Have you completed all necessary fields on the form?

✓ Did you select a first (and alternative, if applicable) training track?

✓ Did you complete all 4 essay questions (using complete sentences and appropriate punctuation)?

✓ Has your supervisor completed the supervisory endorsement?

✓ Did you review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all of the minimum qualifications?

✓ Is the form signed and dated?

If you have any questions, please send an email at OFOWorkforceInvestmentProgram@usda.gov.

We believe strong, effective supervisors build a strong, effective workforce.  To that end, and because the number of FLS and SCSI employees is manageable, we are not requiring these employees to apply for participation in the program.  These individuals will have access to recurring training sessions, mentoring, coaching, career counseling, and Experiential Learning Assignments (ELA)s.  Check this page for updates.

As this is a pilot to assess the success the program, the first phases of this pilot will include a relatively limited number of field supervisors, namely FLS and SCSIs.  We realize SPHVs, District Managers, Deputy District Managers, Supervisory Enforcement, Investigation, and Analysis Officers (SEIAO), and Resource Managers (RMs) will greatly benefit from this program, so we are in the process of determining how to continually expand the program to include these positions.   Visit this webpage routinely for updates, upcoming events, and other news.

1. What is the OFO Workforce Investment Initiative Pilot Program?
   
   The OFO Workforce Investment Initiative Pilot is a new program that is designed to increase our employees’ effectiveness in their current roles within the organization and increase their ability to be competitive for future professional and promotional opportunities. The pilot offers specialized training opportunities that include webinars, career counseling, individualized training plans, shadowing opportunities, Experiential Learning Assignments (ELA), mentoring and coaching, and paid training based upon each participant’s unique needs.
    
2. Does participating in this program guarantee a promotion?
   
   No. The program aids participants with sharpening the skills they need to be highly successful in their current positions while helping them build skills to be competitive at the next stage of their career or promotion opportunities.
    
3. Do I have to compete to participate in the program?
   
   Currently, the program is being offered noncompetitively to all Supervisory Consumer Safety Inspectors (SCSI), and Frontline Supervisors (FLS) and 200 Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSI).  Resources are limited so CSIs must compete to be selected.  The upcoming phases will include employees occupying GS-14 and GS-15 positions followed by other position groups as resources permit.  Information on these phases will become available once finalized and interested employees can visit this page for updates/announcements.  
    
4. Who is eligible to participate?
   
   All OFO employees occupying SCSI and FLS positions may attend any available webinars. These employees may complete a Training Needs Assessment to receive an Individualized Training Plan and participate in shadowing or and Experiential Learning Assignment (ELA) if they have successfully completed their probationary period, have no formal disciplinary action within the preceding 12 months, are performing at the Fully Successful level, and have been with the agency at least 90 days.
   
   CSIs selected competitively are eligible to apply for selection into the program if they have successfully completed their probationary period, have no formal disciplinary action within the preceding 12 months, are performing at the Fully Successful level, and have been with the agency at least 90 days.
    
5. How do I apply?
   
   Interested CSIs must complete an application that includes their supervisory endorsement and submit applications to OFOWorkforceInvestmentProgram@usda.gov by the application deadline.
    
6. How will I know when the application period opens (and closes)?
   
   We will announce the open application period using agency communications including the Food for Thought newsletter and Employee User Notice emails. Additionally, information will be available on the FSIS website.
    
7. Does my supervisor have to approve my participation?
   
   Yes.
    
8. What if my supervisor does not approve my application or participation?
   
   If a supervisor does not approve participation for an employee who meets all of the eligibility requirements, the supervisor must provide a narrative justification explaining the reason(s). This justification will be reviewed by OFO leadership to determine if the justification is valid, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility principles are not being violated, and the employee was not denied unfairly.
    
9. What are reasons an employee can be eligible to apply but not approved to participate or apply by their supervisor?
   
   Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-on-case basis and can include situations where participation has the potential to adversely impact their ability to meet the Fully Successful level or maintain good standing. Some examples may include an employee whose performance has not yet fallen below Fully Successful but is demonstrating difficulty meeting the Fully Successful level or employees who have been counseled on multiple occasions for performance or conduct.
    
10. What are the selection criteria for the CSI phase?
    
    Eligible CSIs must submit completed applications that clearly reflect their commitment to the FSIS mission and protecting public health, possess team building, interpersonal, initiative and adaptability skills, explain how their strengths benefit the agency and demonstrate a desire for continued professional growth.
     
11. How do I know the selection process will be fair?
    
    Applications will be evaluated an independent, third party who is not in the applicant’s supervisory chain or District Office. The selection criteria are clearly established and will be applied to all applicants in the same manner.
     
12. How will CSI applicants be selected? 
    
    OFO assembled a workgroup composed of field managers who spent months developing the application process, the selection criteria, and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the process.  Candidates will be scored based on their applications in accordance with the established criteria.  Applicant selections will be based solely on the application submitted and will not be based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
    
    Applications will be scored by a panel of individuals not associated with the applicant’s District Office or supervisory chain of command.
     
13. Will I be notified of my selection status?
    
    Yes. All applicants will be notified of their selection status.
     
14. If I am not selected, can I appeal the decision?
    
    No. We are confident in the fairness and effectiveness of our selection criteria and selection process. 
     
15. Will I receive feedback on my application if I am not selected?
    
    To the extent possible, we will provide feedback on the applications of individuals who are not selected. 
     
16. What can I do to ensure I submit my best application?
    
    We recommend asking your supervisor or a trusted colleague to review your application for grammar, spelling, neatness, and quality of question responses before submitting your final application. Individuals who are designated to review final applications are prohibited from reviewing applications prior to official application review.
     
17. How much time will I have to commit to this program if I am selected?
    
    It will vary by person and depend heavily on their individual development needs.
     
18. What happens after I’m selected?
    
    CSIs selected for the pilot program will be required to complete a Training Needs Assessment form that will be used to generate an Individual Training Plan outlining the paid training, shadowing, Experiential Learning Assignment, coaching, and mentoring recommended for addressing the participant’s development needs. Once the Individual Training Plan is finalized, the participant will work with their supervisor and Workforce Investment Initiative Program Manager/Coordinator to schedule the training events.
     
19. What happens if I’m not selected?
    
    Employees who meet all eligibility criteria but are not selected will have the opportunity to apply again when the next application period opens. Applicants who are ranked highly but not high enough to be selected may be added to the Waitlist, depending on the number of Wait List slots available. These employees will be given priority selection if a selected applicant must temporarily or permanently withdraw from participating. If there are no Wait List slots available before the subsequent application period opens, non-selected applicants will need to reapply.
    
    Applicants who are not selected can still benefit from other training and development resources offered by the agency.
     
20. What if I’m selected but I have to delay my participation?
    
    Any CSI who is selected through the competitive process but cannot participate due to extenuating circumstances (e.g. extended sick leave, staffing shortages that cannot be remedied, etc.) will have priority placement in the next open application period and will not have to reapply.
     
21. How long can I shadow someone during this program?
    
    Shadowing events cannot exceed 1 week at a time, but an employee can participate in multiple shadowing events depending on the availability of the individual being shadowed and funding.
     
22. The individual I want to shadow is in a different geographic location. Can I still shadow them?
    
    If the shadowing event is on a participant’s finalized Individual Training Plan, travel will be funded as long as it does not exceed the amount allocated.
     
23. I want to shadow someone specific as part of my Individual Training Plan. Do I need to contact them directly?
    
    No. If a shadowing event is part of a participant’s finalized Individual Training Plan, the shadowing event will be coordinated by the Workforce Investment Initiative Program Manager/Coordinator.
     
24. What is an Experiential Learning Assignment (ELA)?
    
    An ELA is an opportunity for a participant to temporarily occupy a position where they gain specific skills in support of their Individual Training Plan. An ELA can withing OFO or in another program area within FSIS and must include clearly outlined goals and assignments that will further the individual’s development. The duration of an ELA can last anywhere from 30 days to 90 days but must be approved by the employee’s supervisor and the individual supervising the ELA. Additionally, the grade level of an ELA cannot exceed the participant’s Full Performance Level (FPL). ELAs will be coordinated by the Workforce Investment Initiative Program Manager/Coordinator.
     
25. Is there a limit to the number of paid training courses or shadowing events I can request?
    
    Yes. Funding for the pilot program has been allocated per participant and cannot exceed the allocation. If paid training courses or shadowing events outlined on a participant’s Individual Training Plan exceed the allocation, they will be scheduled for the following fiscal year(s).
     
26. When will OFO Public Health Veterinarians (PHVs) be added to the program?
    
    We are currently exploring ways to incorporate PHVs into the program. Due to the size of the PHV workforce, participants will be selected through a competitive process.
     
27. Why isn’t this program being offered to all OFO employees?
    
    Limited financial resources are available for this pilot program and, to ensure the success of this new strategy, the number or participants is restricted. As the pilot program progresses and we obtain feedback from participants and their supervisors, we will determine whether the strategy is effective, should be expanded, and resources are available to support expansion.