Employment

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES

Appropriated and non-appropriated fund jobs at Altus Air Force Base are published on the USAJOBS website.

The Military and Family Readiness Center offers additional assistance with all aspects of employment.

Although Altus is a small city and a slightly lower than average salary opportunities do exist for family members.

Positions range from local, county, state and federal government positions, education, health care, childcare assistants to aircraft maintenance and administrative support.

Military Spouse Hiring Authorities

The Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses hiring authority is the government-wide hiring authority available to all agencies for hiring certain eligible military spouses.

• The Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses hiring authority allows agencies to appoint certain military spouses without using traditional competitive examining procedures.

• The Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses Hiring Authority currently applies to the following categories of military spouses:

o Spouses of service members of the armed forces on active duty

o Spouses of service members who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active duty service

o Spouses of service members killed while on active duty

• This authority is an additional non-competitive hiring tool that agencies may use to select qualified, eligible individuals. Agencies can choose to use this authority when filling competitive service positions on a temporary (not to exceed 1 year), term (more than 1 year but not more than 4 years), or permanent basis. Agencies must post a Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA) on the USAJOBS website. Spouses must apply to the JOA and be found qualified for the position for the hiring agency to consider them under this authority. Spouses must provide acceptable documentation of their appointment eligibility. The authority does not take precedence over the use of other appointment mechanisms, nor does it entitle spouses to an appointment over any other applicant; it is used at the discretion of an agency.

• Executive Order 13832: Enhancing Noncompetitive Civil Service Appointments of Military Spouses encourages agencies to hire military spouses to the greatest extent possible and places mandatory reporting requirements by all agencies. This is further emphasized in Executive Order 14100: Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors, which directed the issuance of a guidance memo on additional flexibilities that agencies have to retain military spouse talent.

Relevant Military Spouse Noncompetitive Appointing Authority resources:

• March 2019: Recent Changes to the Noncompetitive Hiring Authority of Military Spouses: https://chcoc.gov/content/recent-changes-noncompetitive-hiring-authoritymilitary-spouses

Separately, the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) is a DOD program applicable only to DOD positions in the U.S. as well as overseas.

• To support military spouses in advancing their careers despite the frequent relocations required by military life, the DOD has expanded employment opportunities for military spouses. MSP applies when positions are filled using competition procedures and the spouse is determined to be among the best qualified. This program is derived from Title 10, U.S.C, Section 1784, “Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses,” and applies to spouses of active duty military members of the U.S. Armed Forces (including the Coast Guard), who relocate to accompany their sponsor on a PCS move.

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION

For job hunting purposes, be sure to hand carry the following when you move: all employment records, resumes, college transcripts, certificates, license and last performance appraisal (SF50) if applicable. Do not let the movers pack these items.

Employment Resources in Altus OK:

• Work Ready Oklahoma – (580) 301-7060 / 101 E. Broadway, Altus, OK 73521
  • Assists individuals in finding, securing, and sustaining meaningful employment
  • Provides support, workshops, career coaching, job fairs, training, and job opportunities
  • Also look for their Facebook Page under Work Ready Altus
• City of Altus Oklahoma Jobs
• Indeed Job Search
• Altus Chamber of Commerce Facebook page
• Altus Military Spouse Employment Network Facebook page
• USAjobs.gov for federal employment opportunist USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site
• Jackson County Memorial Hospital Careers
• Western Oklahoma State College Employment Opportunities
• Southwest Technology Center Employment Opportunities
• Altus Public Schools EMPLOYMENT - Altus Public Schools

Altus AFB Military & Family Readiness Center along with the Civilian Personnel Office and the Non-Appropriated Fund HR Office are also available to assist with answering questions, helping with navigating the USAjobs website for resumes and applications as well as helping find the right fit.

Call 580-481-6761 for more information and/or assistance.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA)

The My Career Advancement Account is a tuition assistance program providing up to $4,000 over two years of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or an Associate degree. For information on MyCAA and military spouse education and career opportunities, visit the Military OneSource website.

Gen. Henry H. Arnold Grant

The Gen. Henry H. Arnold Grant is a $500-$4,000 scholarship awarded to eligible Air Force dependents each year. Competitive, needs-based criteria correlates to the student’s level of financial need. For information about the grant, visit the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant | Hap Arnold Grant (afas.org).

“Bee” Arnold Spouse Tuition Program

This program provides funding for spouses to pursue entry-his program provides funding for spouses to pursue entry-level job training to help secure immediate, viable employment through short term programs/certifications (3-12 weeks) or spouses pursuing a PART-TIME undergraduate degree at an accredited 2-4 year college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs. Spouses of U.S. Air Force and Space Force members on active duty, Title 10 Reserve and Guard on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty are eligible and can receive up to $2,500. Military members must be on active duty orders at the time the spouse’s program/certification or class starts. Visit Community Programs | Air Force Aid Society | AFAS

Columbia Southern University Scholarship Opportunity

Columbia Southern University is partnering with Air Force Aid Society to offer a 60 credit hour scholarship to a U.S. Air Force Airman or U.S. Space Force Guardian spouse who is interested in attending CSU.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

The office for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (unemployment) is located outside the base.

Oklahoma Works - American Job Center
01 S Main St
Altus, OK 73521

Call 888-980-9675 for unemployment claims services and employment information. You must complete your unemployment application online; however, a staff member from the office can assist you.

Military Spouse Unemployment Compensation:

Laws for eligibility for unemployment compensation (due to permanent change of station-related job loss) varies from state to state. For a state-by-state guide to the laws as they affect military spouses, check out the your state’s employment website, go to Career One Stop or visit the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission website.