FLO remains committed to serving employees and family members as you navigate the impact of COVID-19. Whether you are continuing to adjust to a “new norm” Stateside or while posted abroad, the following resources may be useful. Feel free to reach out to the FLO team with any questions or specific concerns.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Visit the CDC, Department of State (DOS), and OPM websites for official guidance and information on COVID-19. For additional information, view Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates and Resources
- Workforce COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 02/11/2021)
- MED Video – 10-Minute Talks with Dr. Martin Today’s Topic: The COVID-19 Vaccine (01/21/2021)
Travel Resources
- Traveling During COVID-19
- Negative COVID-19 Test Required for Travel to the United States Beginning January 26
Education and Youth Resources
- Virtual Learning Homeschooling
- College and Beyond
- College Admissions and COVID-19: An Evolving Landscape (Foreign Service Journal)
- Youth Mental Health – The Foreign Service Youth Foundation has an extensive list of youth mental health resources and providers for both overseas and in the U.S.
- Employee Consultation Services (ECS) Virtual Parent Support Groups – ECS provides two monthly parent support groups for children ages 4-11 and for adolescents.
- Parent Support Group for Children Ages 4-11 (Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00pm EST)
- Parent Support Group for Adolescents (Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00pm EST).
Visit FLO’s Education and Youth page for additional information and resources that may be helpful during this time.
Employment Resources
Family Member Employment Overseas
- FLO’s Global Employment Advisors (GEA) are available to support family members with developing federal resumes and reviewing applications. Locate your GEA, view helpful employment webinars, and learn how a GEA can assist you.
- The Federal Government is hiring across a wide range of career fields to help respond to the COVID-19 national emergency. View a list of the positions on USAJOBS.
- Professional Development Fellowship Program: 2021 application window opening soon.
- Expanded Professional Associates Program (EPAP): Apply February 27-March 23
- Security Clearance FAQs
Family Member Employment in or Returning to the U.S.:
- Connect with the U.S.-based GEA at: GEAUSA@state.gov
- Learn more about Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) and federal employment options on FLO’s Family Members Returning to the United States webpage.
Teleworking Resources
- What Kind of Teleworker are YOU? (AAFSW Newsletter Article)
- Seven Strategies for Thriving on Telework (CEFAR Webinar)
- Telework.gov
Support Services Resources
- Resources for Resilience During COVID-19 and Resilience Boosting Webinars (FSI’s Center of Excellence in Foreign Affairs Resilience)
- Daily Activities and Going Out (CDC)
- MED’s Office of Employee Consultation Services (ECS)
- ECS is a completely free and confidential counseling resource for DOS direct hires and eligible family members who may need support to cope with stress relating to the outbreak of COVID-19. Non-DOS direct hires and eligible family members under Chief of Mission may access ECS services if their agencies’ respective employee assistance programs are inaccessible. To schedule an appointment, please email MEDECS@state.gov or call ECS at our new telephone number: +1-202-634-4874.
- Getting Started with Long-Distance Caregiving (NIH’s National Institute on Aging)
- Unaccompanied Tours Resources
- Basics of Pre-Deployment Planning and Reintegration Podcast
- Reintegration after a Separation Recorded Webinar
Crisis Management Resources
For crisis management resources, visit the following FLO pages:
- Post Evacuations – Before, During, and After
- Office of Allowances – Evacuation FAQs
- List of Important Documents to Have on Hand
- Personal Preparedness Planning
- Note: Includes information on Contingency Planning for Single Parents and Tandem Couples with Children.
FSI’s Transition Center Resources
Post Information
The Overseas Briefing Center (OBC) is providing support for the foreign affairs community via telework, including assistance in the areas of bidding and assignment post-specific research, preparation planning for a move overseas or a return to the United States, and resources for international relocations. Check with the OBC for updates on in-person visits.