Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- You must successfully pass a background investigation.
- You must successfully pass a drug screen.
- Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
- Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
- Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
- This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).
- Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
- Motor Vehicle Operation: A valid motor vehicle license (acceptable to Department of State and the host country as needed for International posts) and the ability to drive an automobile during the performance of duty is required.
- This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.
- Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
- Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.
- Medical Requirements: You must be physically, emotionally, and mentally able to perform the duties of the position. You will be required to complete a physical to the satisfaction of the U.S. State Department.
- Foreign Language: Proficiency of host country language may be required. If language is a requirement, proficiency must be attained through successful completion of language training prior to assignment overseas or providing certification.
This Job Opportunity Announcement is for current and permanent GS-13 (including temporary GS-14) and former GS-14 ICE employees seeking a promotion to a GS-14 Criminal Investigator position.
Certain positions under this announcement are subject to additional screening requirements (i.e., national security polygraph); additional regulations apply to some positions based on location (i.e., international posts).
Duties
You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing the following duties:
- Conducting a broad range of investigations and directly associated activities (e.g., enforcement actions, presenting investigative findings, preparing written legal documents) which required making evaluations of situations and complex decisions to combat illicit activities related to trade, travel, finance, and immigration.
- Contributing to investigations with increasing levels of independence, responsibility, and/or authority over the course of tenure as a special agent.
- Collaborating with and/or influencing law enforcement partners while performing assigned investigative activities.
- Holding roles on interagency, multi-jurisdictional, international, and/or inter-organizational inquiries and investigations.
- Demonstrating flexibility by navigating various environments, investigative programs, and/or temporary duty assignments.
In addition to meeting the eligibility and qualification requirements, completing and/or passing each assessment phase below in the specified timeframe is required for placement on a Certificate of Eligibles. Candidates who do not meet the below requirements will be removed from further consideration.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NON-COMPETITIVE CANDIDATES: To be considered non-competitively, former GS-1811-14s must apply, but are not subject to assessments; former and current GS-14s in other job series must apply and complete all assessments.
Phase I. Occupational Questionnaire and SA-14 Resume
- At the time of applicationallcandidates (including non-competitive) will complete an Occupational Questionnaire (OQ) to indicate the Foundational and Advanced Investigative Experiences they possess, and submit their SA-14 Resume.
- The SA-14 Resume will contain two parts: PART A - SA-14 Investigative Experiencesand PART B - Conventional Resume Information. Each part is limited to five (5) pages each, for a maximum of ten (10) total pages.
- Candidates must conform to the specifications in the SA-14 Resume Preparation Guidance provided on the HSI Career Center when preparing their SA-14 Resume.
- Anticipated timeframe: September 10 - September 24, 2024.
- This pass/fail online assessment measures critical leadership and interpersonal skills; candidates have two (2) hours to complete it.
- Candidates who passed the SSJT from a prior SA-14 promotional announcement will NOT be required to re-take it. Candidates exempted from re-taking the SSJT will be notified via email, and will advance to the Phase III Experience Review.
- Candidates required to complete the SSJT will receive email invitations with a link to take the assessment on or about October 8, 2024.
- Anticipated SSJT timeframe: October 8 - October 14, 2024.
- A centralized panel of supervisory special agents, trained in the SA-14 Experience review process, will review and evaluate the SA-14 Resumes of candidates who advance from Phase II.
- Using established criteria, panelists' evaluations will focus on the breadth and depth of investigative experiences presented in the SA-14 Resume.
- Results of the Experience Review will be used to identify Best Qualified (BQ) candidates, who will be placed on a Certificate of Eligibles.
- Anticipated Experience Review timeframe: November 18 - November 22, 2024.
All dates listed in this section are subject to change. While every attempt will be made to adhere to the dates listed above, there may be instances in which a change is required.
Overseas Assignments Offer Various Allowances
Special Notes: ICE Assistant Attache
- These are overseas limited term assignments.
- The initial tour for this position may be up to three (3) years as designated by the Department of State, not to exceed five (5) years or maximum total ten (10) years. Upon completion of the assignment, selectee will return to the U.S. to a similar position and grade as that held prior to this assignment and/or apply to another position.
- This assignment may be terminated or extended at any time depending on the needs of the agency.
- Allowance of Post Hardship Differential Pay, Relocation Incentive Pay, Cost of Living, Danger or Retention pay may be included depending on overseas locations.
- Selectee must successfully complete all phases of the pre-deployment process which include issuance of passport/and or visa (if applicable), medical clearance, mandatory pre-departure (if applicable), and security overseas training.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level.
E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.
Mobility: The selectee must be available for both temporary assignments and permanent assignments based upon the needs of the agency.
These are non-bargaining unit positions.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position.
Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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- Help Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
