2016 PHAP (Public Health Associate Program) application - General discussion thread

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Though I haven't yet received an offer from PHAP, I'm optimistic about the possibility of receiving an offer in August (HR has informed me that they're rolling out offers until August 31st). That said, I am starring in a community theatre production of The Little Mermaid, with final shows the weekend of October 14-16th. Do you think that will be "extenuating circumstance" enough? I've dreamed of playing Ariel since I was a child and would be really heartbroken to give up either of these opportunities. Musical Theatre is what gives me the joy to keep approaching work that can be challenging and stressful in an upbeat and determined way. Life goal = do both.
I'm going to have to co-sign there and say no. Sorry but you have to be in your host site city usually by that Sunday prior to the Monday of your start date.

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2015 PHAP here again, I just got word at my host site that we have two PHAPs coming to us so far (our site applied for 4), so if anyone is placed in San Antonio, Texas and needs suggestions for places to live or have questions I can assist.
 
This is a very valid and good point! At what point do we find out whose our CDC supervisor? After receiving a final offer? Will that then be too late to back out? I'm just curious.

Some associates found out on 7/29 and according to the director, others will hear back beginning 8/1. They are doing it based on your security clearance status. As far as backing out, technically, its never too late to back out (There have been people who are "no shows" on the first day of the program -- Dont be one of these people). Just be sure to tell them as soon as possible so they can fill your slot.
 
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Hi everyone! I'm very nervous because I haven't heard back (with an offer or a rejection), and my interview was April 26th. Has anyone still haven't heard back and would we be notified if we do not get into the program? I'm still trying to think positively.
 
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I visited my host site this weekend in Louisiana and I'm not too sure about this! It is going to definitely be expensive and I'm concerned.
 
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I visited my host site this weekend in Louisiana and I'm not too sure about this! It is going to definitely be expensive and I'm concerned about my safety! I wholeheartedly want to do this but am so torn!!
I may be able to assist you. I am currently a 2015 PHAP in Louisiana. Feel free to contact me.
 
Advice needed!! I just got an email with my site supervisor's name/email and my CDC supervisor's name/email. Would it be encouraged for me to email them to introduce myself, particularly to my host site supervisor? Or will both of them be sending me individual emails soon??
 
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Advice needed!! I just got an email with my site supervisor's name/email and my CDC supervisor's name/email. Would it be encouraged for me to email them to introduce myself, particularly to my host site supervisor? Or will both of them be sending me individual emails soon??
You're encouraged to contact them, specifically your host site supervisor, but if i'm not mistaken they will both contact you. My host site and CDC supervisor contacted me before I could contact them. My CDC supervisor contacted me in a group email with all other incoming associates.
 
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Hey everyone,

Another non-urgent question for current PHAPs: as temporary CDC employees, are we eligible for any tuition assistance if we choose to pursue part-time graduate studies while completing PHAP? I found some information regarding benefits for permanent status employees but wasn't sure if PHAP members would be eligible for any aid. Thanks!
 
You're encouraged to contact them, specifically your host site supervisor, but if i'm not mistaken they will both contact you. My host site and CDC supervisor contacted me before I could contact them. My CDC supervisor contacted me in a group email with all other incoming associates.

Ah thanks for the advice! I decided to email my host site supervisor to introduce myself. Then I was just about to email my CDC supervisor until I realized ... I don't know what she does? Do you (or anyone) know what CDC supervisors do?
 
Hey everyone,

Another non-urgent question for current PHAPs: as temporary CDC employees, are we eligible for any tuition assistance if we choose to pursue part-time graduate studies while completing PHAP? I found some information regarding benefits for permanent status employees but wasn't sure if PHAP members would be eligible for any aid. Thanks!

No, as a term limited employee we do not get that benefit.
 
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Ah thanks for the advice! I decided to email my host site supervisor to introduce myself. Then I was just about to email my CDC supervisor until I realized ... I don't know what she does? Do you (or anyone) know what CDC supervisors do?

Your host site supervisors provide your day to day oversight, give you tasks, provide feedback and make sure the things the wrote in your application are being assigned to you. Generally you will see this person very often, I see mine everyday.

Your CDC supervisor, works for the CDC (usually at the GS-13 level) and supervises you and a team of PHAPs, my supervisor had 13 from 2015 and around a 10 in 2014. They make sure your meeting CDC learning outcomes, your hours are properly recorded, your meeting all policies ad laws for federal employees and that your host site is fulfilling their part of the PHAP program. You'll only see them at your 3 trips to Atlanta and once when they visit your host site. You'll have conference calls with them generally about once a month and possibly month calls as well. They are your next step in the chain of command if you need anything from the CDC.
 
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Advice needed!! I just got an email with my site supervisor's name/email and my CDC supervisor's name/email. Would it be encouraged for me to email them to introduce myself, particularly to my host site supervisor? Or will both of them be sending me individual emails soon??

They normally send you emails. But it is not bad if you start too. It shows that you are interested and excited about the work. I heard someone did that and the supervisor was impressed.
 
Hi everyone! I'm very nervous because I haven't heard back (with an offer or a rejection), and my interview was April 26th. Has anyone still haven't heard back and would we be notified if we do not get into the program? I'm still trying to think positively.

I am not sure if this helps. I heard that they already make a selection of more than 200 PHAPs and if those fail E-clearance they will just have a small size since they kinda over hire knowing that things like that can happen.
 
I am not sure if this helps. I heard that they already make a selection of more than 200 PHAPs and if those fail E-clearance they will just have a small size since they kinda over hire knowing that things like that can happen.

Do you know the reasons why someone might fail E-clearance? I received my tentative on June 20, Security info on June 30, and did all the e-QIP and fingerprinting stuff the following week. and haven't heard anything. My HR person just keeps telling me she hasn't heard anything from security. I know the background check process takes a while but I'm starting to get worried now that we're in August. Does this seem normal to anyone? I'm trying not to stress.. but I just need to know because I'm about to have to make some very crucial decisions!
 
Do you know the reasons why someone might fail E-clearance? I received my tentative on June 20, Security info on June 30, and did all the e-QIP and fingerprinting stuff the following week. and haven't heard anything. My HR person just keeps telling me she hasn't heard anything from security. I know the background check process takes a while but I'm starting to get worried now that we're in August. Does this seem normal to anyone? I'm trying not to stress.. but I just need to know because I'm about to have to make some very crucial decisions!
As long as you didn't lie and don't have a criminal background you will be fine. Last year due to hacking, some of us did not get cleared until middle and late August. You can contact your security person to ask for updates or they will contact you. Now is the time to find a place to live and consider your "exit" plan from wherever you are now.
 
As long as you didn't lie and don't have a criminal background you will be fine. Last year due to hacking, some of us did not get cleared until middle and late August. You can contact your security person to ask for updates or they will contact you. Now is the time to find a place to live and consider your "exit" plan from wherever you are now.

Ok haha so I should be fine. Did those who did not get cleared till late August wait to give their employer's their resignation and make housing arrangements until after they were cleared? I'm trying to give as much notice as possible but don't feel comfortable putting in my resignation without a final offer. I just don't really know how to go about this or plan. It's going to be a pretty big move for me. My security person was pretty clear that I should not contact her again.. but do you think it is ok for me to contact her again?
 
Ok haha so I should be fine. Did those who did not get cleared till late August wait to give their employer's their resignation and make housing arrangements until after they were cleared? I'm trying to give as much notice as possible but don't feel comfortable putting in my resignation without a final offer. I just don't really know how to go about this or plan. It's going to be a pretty big move for me. My security person was pretty clear that I should not contact her again.. but do you think it is ok for me to contact her again?

I'm not too sure if you should reach out again if the security representative told you not to contact them again. I went through a somewhat similar thing with my initial HR rep. She had been out of the office for almost 3weeks, and I emailed her twice within that time. When she got back to me she gave me my host site info so I could contact them directly, instead of her. Since then, I've only contacted my host site. Although this is a tad bit different. I got the feeling that emailing my HR rep again would have annoyed her, so I followed her instructions.
 
Do you know the reasons why someone might fail E-clearance? I received my tentative on June 20, Security info on June 30, and did all the e-QIP and fingerprinting stuff the following week. and haven't heard anything. My HR person just keeps telling me she hasn't heard anything from security. I know the background check process takes a while but I'm starting to get worried now that we're in August. Does this seem normal to anyone? I'm trying not to stress.. but I just need to know because I'm about to have to make some very crucial decisions!


Honestly, I do not know. I remember I had questions on my E-clearance and I called the guy who sends E-clearance information (i forgot his name) and he helped me a lot. I know sometimes if they feel the need to contact your references then that can take longer. I am not really sure. But I would say it is still early to panic for just E-clearance :) Maybe if you do not hear until the end of August then you can call them.
 
Ok haha so I should be fine. Did those who did not get cleared till late August wait to give their employer's their resignation and make housing arrangements until after they were cleared? I'm trying to give as much notice as possible but don't feel comfortable putting in my resignation without a final offer. I just don't really know how to go about this or plan. It's going to be a pretty big move for me. My security person was pretty clear that I should not contact her again.. but do you think it is ok for me to contact her again?

Do you know the reasons why someone might fail E-clearance? I received my tentative on June 20, Security info on June 30, and did all the e-QIP and fingerprinting stuff the following week. and haven't heard anything. My HR person just keeps telling me she hasn't heard anything from security. I know the background check process takes a while but I'm starting to get worried now that we're in August. Does this seem normal to anyone? I'm trying not to stress.. but I just need to know because I'm about to have to make some very crucial decisions!

I'll do my best to answer all of your questions, last year before becoming a PHAP I reviewed 55 e-Quips prior to sending them to OPM for another agency. People can, and do fail the e-Quip, even though public trust has a comparatively low bar. Reasons are numerous but most often come down to:

1. Lying: if they catch you in a lie your generally done. This is different than on honest omission, if you forgot to put down the apartment you lived in for a 62 days between freshman and sophomore years of college that's fine, if you didn't put down the job you had for 3 years and were fired from when you were caught stealing, that's a lie. Somehow I forgot to put down my brother on my relatives section, they found this suspicious.

2. Criminal history: doesn't necessarily fail you but it can, especially if it's a violent crime, involves theft or shows a reason why you are not worthy of trust.

3. Drug use: sustained periods of drug use can cause you to fail, depending on the substance, duration and frequency of use, and how recent the use was.

4. Poor credit: (no credit is fine) A history of poor credit can cause you to fail, at some point you'll probably have access to records with people names addresses, social security numbers, and other PII that you could use to steal an identity or sell to those who could. This is a reason that people often are surprised to learn about.

These checks vary in the length they take, I was able to start my previous position before being cleared but when I first underwent mine in 2014, I submitted an e-Quip in March, heard from an investigator in July, was interviewed in August and cleared in October. It generally only takes a few weeks though, but sometimes investigators are busier than others, or the people they contact to verify your information may take longer to respond to them.

I was previously cleared but I still waited to hand in my resignation. I gave one months notice, in order to give them plenty of time, and so that I wouldn't be cut out of projects early due to my planned departure. I traveled to my host site a week prior to the start of the job, found a place to live and then returned home packed a truck and moved 12 hours away the weekend prior to starting.

Tl;dnr:
1. It's normal, and you'll probably be fine.
2. DO NOT contact your security person if they clearly told you not to. They're busy and bugging them will make them go slower, not faster.
 
Hello so I have been assigned to Allen County Public Health Department in Lima, OH. I will be moving from sunny California and need some help in finding safe areas to live. Any suggestions from individuals from this area will be greatly appreciated.

Very much excited for this opportunity!
 
So I sent my official transcript electronically the same day that I accepted the offer - on 7/18. It still hasn't been opened by my HR rep. I called a few days after sending it to be sure she got the email from Credentials Solutions, and she said she did and would have an assistant download the transcript. I sent a follow up email on 8/3 and explained it would expire on 8/17 and I would have to pay again to have it sent.

Anyone else have this problem? I know this is a slow, tedious process but just curious if I'm the only one who had problems in this area.
 
So I sent my official transcript electronically the same day that I accepted the offer - on 7/18. It still hasn't been opened by my HR rep. I called a few days after sending it to be sure she got the email from Credentials Solutions, and she said she did and would have an assistant download the transcript. I sent a follow up email on 8/3 and explained it would expire on 8/17 and I would have to pay again to have it sent.

Anyone else have this problem? I know this is a slow, tedious process but just curious if I'm the only one who had problems in this area.

Similar to you, I had sent my transcript almost immediately after they requested it. I was getting notifications it wasn't being opened for a few weeks also. I did not ask my HR person specifically about transcripts. Rather, I had sent an email to her asking where I was in the process. She had replied back that my file was sent to the security check. Once I was emailed by my security specialist, that's when I got notification that someone opened my transcript. Not sure how the process is but I'm thinking once it gets to security, that's when they open those suckers...

If it expires before they open it, I would just order another one.
 
Similar to you, I had sent my transcript almost immediately after they requested it. I was getting notifications it wasn't being opened for a few weeks also. I did not ask my HR person specifically about transcripts. Rather, I had sent an email to her asking where I was in the process. She had replied back that my file was sent to the security check. Once I was emailed by my security specialist, that's when I got notification that someone opened my transcript. Not sure how the process is but I'm thinking once it gets to security, that's when they open those suckers...

If it expires before they open it, I would just order another one.

Ah, good to know. I will continue to exercise some patience and be prepared to resend it if it does expire. Thank you!
 
Ok haha so I should be fine. Did those who did not get cleared till late August wait to give their employer's their resignation and make housing arrangements until after they were cleared? I'm trying to give as much notice as possible but don't feel comfortable putting in my resignation without a final offer. I just don't really know how to go about this or plan. It's going to be a pretty big move for me. My security person was pretty clear that I should not contact her again.. but do you think it is ok for me to contact her again?
Do not contact your security person again if they have asked you not to. Because we are not all centrally located in the CDC, how most will know things about you (good or bad) is from what they "hear". The last thing you need is for your CDC supervisor to hear about how you kept contacting someone who asked to stop. It will not give you a good impression coming through the door. I was notified in late August of my official clearance last year, but I had already given my job two months notice because they knew about my CDC goals and because during your security clearance they(they being your security person) may contact your current employer whether you want them to or not. I provided two months notice and an exit plan that I suggested to make the transition smoother for my departure from my job last year. This maybe a bit much for you to do depending on who you work for, but I would suggest giving a 2-4 weeks notice and getting a place to live ASAP
 
Do not contact your security person again if they have asked you not to. Because we are not all centrally located in the CDC, how most will know things about you (good or bad) is from what they "hear". The last thing you need is for your CDC supervisor to hear about how you kept contacting someone who asked to stop. It will not give you a good impression coming through the door. I was notified in late August of my official clearance last year, but I had already given my job two months notice because they knew about my CDC goals and because during your security clearance they(they being your security person) may contact your current employer whether you want them to or not. I provided two months notice and an exit plan that I suggested to make the transition smoother for my departure from my job last year. This maybe a bit much for you to do depending on who you work for, but I would suggest giving a 2-4 weeks notice and getting a place to live ASAP
Good advice. I didn't contact my security person. So you put in your resignation without a final offer? I'm just nervous to do that but time is ticking. I do already have a place to live. And my employer was already contacted so they know I've applied. I just wanted to wait till I got the final word but that might not be possible
 
Good advice. I didn't contact my security person. So you put in your resignation without a final offer? I'm just nervous to do that but time is ticking. I do already have a place to live. And my employer was already contacted so they know I've applied. I just wanted to wait till I got the final word but that might not be possible

Personally, I told them informally but only submitted my resignation when my official came through. Granted, that can be fraught with danger - you know your workplace better than anyone and how the news might go over.
 
Good advice. I didn't contact my security person. So you put in your resignation without a final offer? I'm just nervous to do that but time is ticking. I do already have a place to live. And my employer was already contacted so they know I've applied. I just wanted to wait till I got the final word but that might not be possible
Yes I did because I knew I would get the positions, very confident of me. One of my cohorts assigned to my host site city still hasn't gotten that official offer if that gives you an idea of how government works ;)...that cohort is here and in the program with me. Once you are in your host site and start dealing with more red tape, moments like this will be a memory of the initiation period.
 
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Well I've lost hope never got a email or call so I guess I'll try again next year :(
 
Advice needed!! I just got an email with my site supervisor's name/email and my CDC supervisor's name/email. Would it be encouraged for me to email them to introduce myself, particularly to my host site supervisor? Or will both of them be sending me individual emails soon??

This is a really late response, but I contacted both my host site supervisor and CDC supervisor when I got their info. Besides it being a good idea to introduce yourself, I got lucky in that my host site supervisor got back to me the next day and told me which programs I'll be working with in Denver Public Health, and introduced me to some of the program directors I'll be working with. Pretty awesome!
 
Hi !! This is my first post !!
I just got my email today saying I will be in New Orleans...... Anyone else there ??
 
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I visited my host site this weekend in Louisiana and I'm not too sure about this! It is going to definitely be expensive and I'm concerned.

Me too.... I know the cost of living is high there and I'm concerned about what we will be doing ....
 
Me too.... I know the cost of living is high there and I'm concerned about what we will be doing ....

Me too. I haven't had a chance to visit my host site yet. I don't even know exactly where I'll be just yet. I'm placed in MA but I know the cost of living is significantly higher than what I'm used to. I'm originally from NC, moved to Richmond, VA for a job with the Department of Health after grad school - that was an adjustment. With what I'm seeing so far for MA, it's going to definitely be another adjustment. I'm wondering how other people have made this adjustment, especially those who may be more or less making this transition on their own...
 
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Hi !! This is my first post !!
I just got my email today saying I will be in New Orleans...... Anyone else there ??
Not going to be there but I'm from there, so I'm happy to give advice on neighborhoods, etc. My parents still live there so I visit a bunch (I'll be there in just a couple of weeks, in fact!). I've seen several other people post that they'll be in New Orleans on the Facebook Group.
 
Me too. I haven't had a chance to visit my host site yet. I don't even know exactly where I'll be just yet. I'm placed in MA but I know the cost of living is significantly higher than what I'm used to. I'm originally from NC, moved to Richmond, VA for a job with the Department of Health after grad school - that was an adjustment. With what I'm seeing so far for MA, it's going to definitely be another adjustment. I'm wondering how other people have made this adjustment, especially those who may be more or less making this transition on their own...
I'm actually placed with the VA Department of Health in Richmond! Are you still working there up through when you start PHAP? I'd love to hear your experience! My supervisor there is going to be Julie Henderson, if you know her.
 
I'm actually placed with the VA Department of Health in Richmond! Are you still working there up through when you start PHAP? I'd love to hear your experience! My supervisor there is going to be Julie Henderson, if you know her.

Awesome! I work in the Division of Disease Prevention and I searched and found Julie in Environmental. I don't know her but I have had pretty good interactions with the department! Yes, I will be working up until I start PHAP. Once I get my official offer (fingers crossed it will come soon since my background check is done) and find out my assignment, I will put in my notice and hopefully be making my move a week or two prior to our start date!
 
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Not going to be there but I'm from there, so I'm happy to give advice on neighborhoods, etc. My parents still live there so I visit a bunch (I'll be there in just a couple of weeks, in fact!). I've seen several other people post that they'll be in New Orleans on the Facebook Group.

I'm still deciding if I really want to go.... I would love advice about neighborhoods !! whats the name of the facebook group?
 
I just got my welcome letter. It's official, I will be in Barnstable, MA!
 
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I just got my welcome letter. It's official, I will be in Barnstable, MA!

I just realized the official letter I received doesn't have any more detail than that. So it looks like I'm still waiting to hear about my POC and exactly where I will be placed. As of now, it still says the same as my tentative letter "Office for State, Tribal and Territorial Support (OSTLTS), Office of the Director, located in Barnstable Massachusetts" which I'm assuming is similar to what most letters may have said. I'm happy my background check is complete and that I'm closer now than I was before. Next step is apartment hunting!
 
I just realized the official letter I received doesn't have any more detail than that. So it looks like I'm still waiting to hear about my POC and exactly where I will be placed. As of now, it still says the same as my tentative letter "Office for State, Tribal and Territorial Support (OSTLTS), Office of the Director, located in Barnstable Massachusetts" which I'm assuming is similar to what most letters may have said. I'm happy my background check is complete and that I'm closer now than I was before. Next step is apartment hunting!
Congrats :) your CDC supervisor will contact you to chat- when that happens ask to see the host site application.
 
Hi everyone, I'm new here, and I'm hoping to get some advice. Would it be considered unprofessional to ask my host site supervisor for advice on relocation and information about the city i'll be moving to? Theres only one other PHAP associate in my state (hours away in another city) and only one associate from the previous two years (who I've already contacted). I don't know how else to get info about housing... Is there a tactful way to ask them for some tips on apartment hunting?
 
Hi everyone, I'm new here, and I'm hoping to get some advice. Would it be considered unprofessional to ask my host site supervisor for advice on relocation and information about the city i'll be moving to? Theres only one other PHAP associate in my state (hours away in another city) and only one associate from the previous two years (who I've already contacted). I don't know how else to get info about housing... Is there a tactful way to ask them for some tips on apartment hunting?
I don't think that is unprofessional. In my experience they are happy to help get you settled - it's of benefit to them as well.

If you are nervous about a phone call, maybe you can do some digging and find an email address and contact them. That way they can answer at their convenience or can reach out via phone is they want to.
 
Congrats :) your CDC supervisor will contact you to chat- when that happens ask to see the host site application.

I contacted my CDC supervisor over email and never got a response. Do you think I should just wait (I know it's a big vacation time right now before kids go back to school), send another email, or call again? This was over a week ago.
 
I contacted my CDC supervisor over email and never got a response. Do you think I should just wait (I know it's a big vacation time right now before kids go back to school), send another email, or call again? This was over a week ago.

You can certainly try! I will say that I know many CDC supervisors are out on site visits right now and may not be back until next week (possibly longer). Might explain the low contact.
 
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Hello! Long time reader of this forum and first time poster. I just received an email offer this morning for a position in Alaska. Obviously I'm super excited to have been offered a position after months of waiting, but I'm a little hesitant to accept this position, as I have no knowledge of Alaska and it is very far from home. Does anyone have any advice for making a decision like this? Or perhaps experience working in this region? I would love to hear from you! Good luck to all those still waiting! Thanks!
 
Hi quick question, What is the percentage of people getting hired from PHAP. Like how many people got a CDC job right after PHAP
 
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