Supervisory Special Agent

About the role

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. This role offers up to $50,000 as a signing bonus (current federal employees are not eligible) OR as a relocation bonus (eligible current federal employees only); not both.

If you're driven and ready to serve with pride, join USCIS and become a vital part of homeland security!

What you will do

• Lead a team of special agents engaged in performing criminal investigations and liaison activities with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Supervise, monitor, and mentor special agents as they develop and investigate complex criminal investigations related to immigration fraud, benefit fraud, and threats to public safety and national security.
• Supervise the use of a variety of investigative techniques and legal authorities to conduct criminal investigations, including the use of electronic and physical surveillance.
• Supervise the use of various databases to query and analyze information pertinent to detecting, investigating, apprehending, and assisting to prosecute individuals or groups involved in immigration benefit related crimes.
• Supervise the preparation of case files that include detailed investigative reports that are logical and clear which are used to support obtaining legal authority to support ongoing criminal investigations.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position.
• Successfully pass a Background Investigation which may include a financial disclosure.
• You must pass a drug screening.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding.
• USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program.
• You will be required to travel frequently and on short notice.
• You may be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination which may include a psychological evaluation and be found to meet the medical standards for the position.
• You may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) or Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT).
• You will be required to maintain the ability to perform the rigorous physical requirements of the job.
• You will be required to live within 50 miles of your duty station.
• You will be required to testify at court, Law enforcement officers and agents must be able to testify without concern of impeachment.
• Possess a current valid driver's license.
• Must be REAL ID compliant.
• You will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement.
• 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.
• USCIS Criminal Investigators may use deadly force when necessary, in accordance with the law and agency policy.
• A mandatory component of continued employment is the requirement to successfully complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the FDNS Special Agent Training (FDNS SAT) located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
• This position IS considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) was established within USCIS to strengthen national security and the integrity of the country's legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits and services with the identification of potential threats to national security and/or public safety, the detection and deterrence of fraud, and the use of law enforcement and intelligence information to ensure optimal security for U.S. communities.

FDNS systematically identifies updates, and records indicators of fraudulent activities; manages fraud cases; identifies vulnerabilities and other weaknesses that compromise the integrity of the legal immigration system; and coordinates and provides logistical support in law enforcement and national security matters.

FDNS is the primary conduit for information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Training: Selected candidates will report to their duty location and will later be required to attend and successfully complete the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) and the FDNS Special Agent Training (FDNS SAT) located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. These trainings are approximately 21 weeks in total and located in multiple locations.

Failure to meet the minimum course requirements for any of the training programs is grounds for removal from the position or separation by appropriate procedures.

Certificate of successful completion of CITP or another approved program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, or a substantially similar program as approved by the Secretary or the Secretary's designee to being authorized to exercise the powers set forth in 40 U.S.C. 1315 (b)(2).

After successful completion of training you may be assigned to another location based on the Agency's need. Applicant Physical Abilities Test (APAT): A pre-employment Physical Fitness Test (PFT) may be administered. A passing score is required.

If you have failed a PFT, you are not eligible for consideration for 12 months from the closing date of the announcement in which you applied that required the PFT. Additionally, a PFT will also be administered at FLETC during training. Every trainee must pass the PFT during training.

Medical Requirements: You may be required to complete a pre-employment medical examination and be found to meet the medical standards for this position. Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime.

You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek.

You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.

You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Any person who has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects.

The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.

Recruitment Incentive: A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for newly appointed employees (i.e., individuals who have never been employed by the federal government or individuals who have had break in service of at least 90 days from their previous appointment as an employee of the Federal Government).

Eligible applicants will be required to sign a service agreement prior to receiving the incentive. Relocation Incentive: A Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a current employee with an official performance appraisal or evaluation of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent who must relocate to accept a position in a different geographic area.

Eligible applicants will be required to sign a service agreement prior to receiving the incentive.

Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): Per 5 CFR 576.202, An employee who receives a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it (proof of payment is required) before the individual's first day of reemployment.

How you will be evaluated

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference and category rating do not apply.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience.

SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). Applicants passing the structured resume review will move on to the next phase of the assessment process. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: *** Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligible: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible.

View information about CTAP or ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 77 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to complete a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of the interview/selection process.

If the hiring office decides to request a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of its selection process, a designated contractor or Agency representative will contact you to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Documents you must provide

• You must submit a resume that clearly demonstrates you have experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section.
• Limit your resume to no more than two pages.
• The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
• To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point.
• Your responses to the job questionnaire *** which are submitted through the on-line application process in USAJOBS, DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application.
• You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility.
• The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable.
• If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification.
• This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
• View more veterans' information.
• Are you claiming XP Derived spousal preference?
• You must provide proof of marriage.
• The retirement code in block 30 must be annotated on all submitted SF-50s.
• Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) Requirement Documents: If you occupy or previously occupied a federal civilian (not military) law enforcement position and have previously successfully completed an approved training program to being authorized to exercise powers set forth in 40 U.S.C.
• 1315 (b)(2), you must submit a copy of your Certificate of completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) or other approved program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers.
• Are you a current or former Federal employee?
• Submit a copy of your official SF-50* (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document that shows the following information: your appointment in the competitive service tenure grade and step full performance level Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)?
• Submit: a copy of your agency notice, a copy of your most recent performance rating, and a copy of your most recent SF-50*, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee?
• Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50*, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position Title Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency Beginning and ending dates of appointment * A General Adjustment, Detail, Any Award (Cash, Time Off, Performance, etc.) or Realignment SF-50 may NOT have the information needed.
• Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring.
• These authorities are subject to change.

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; 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.

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process.

To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Track this Application." We expect to make a final job offer within 90 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Telework: USCIS provides episodic telework opportunities for eligible employees serving in positions approved to work at an alternate work site in accordance with agency policy. Teleworkers are expected to work during dismissals and closures or request leave. You will be expected to report for work at a USCIS facility based on the needs of the hiring office.

Financial Disclosure: Selectee will be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter as long as you occupy a position that requires financial disclosure reporting. USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy.

Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the closing date of the job opportunity announcement; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.

Conditions of Employment Reminder: If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment. 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.

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.

Additional information

Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.

Supervisory/Managerial Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a twelve-month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position. Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle.

You must possess a current valid driver's license.

Mobility Agreement: This position is subject to reassignment to any USCIS facility, depending on the needs of the agency. Individuals selected for this position are required to sign a mobility agreement as a condition of employment. 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 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. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.

If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position.

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. It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs.

This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service. Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act.

Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to our Staffing Helpdesk.