Criminal Investigator

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current OIG employees eligible for consideration under Merit Promotion procedures, e.g. currently hold or have previously held a competitive service career or career conditional appointment.

Duties

The Office of Investigations is responsible for investigating the appropriate criminal and civil justice system those individuals and organizations involved in financial, professional, civil, or criminal misconduct relating to Department of Homeland Security programs and operations.

The position serves as a Criminal Investigator / National Program Manager for National Security, in the Headquarters Operations Division, Programs Unit, with the responsibility of planning and coordinating a comprehensive oversight program to ensure the efficiency and economy in the Department's law enforcement bureaus. The incumbent represents INV in assigned jurisdictional areas. Typical assignments include:

• Serves as the technical and programmatic OIG liaison with the Department's law enforcement/intelligence bureaus for the DHS OIG National Security program.
• Plans, manages, directs, and coordinates a comprehensive investigative program to ensure efficiency and economy in the Department's law enforcement/intelligence bureaus and INV's national security functions.
• Formulates, modifies and evaluates relevant agency policies and procedures;
• Develops long-range plans and the adjusts operations to meet changing requirements;
• Participates in budget formulation and fiscal management.
• Develops, reviews, and revises procedures and work methods to provide for the most efficient and effective accomplishments of investigative activities.
• Maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels for the purpose of obtaining their cooperation in furnishing information concerning illegal activities involving violations of criminal law and assisting field office personnel with coordination of National Security matters.

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 be able to obtain Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
• This position is a Drug Testing Designated Position and may be subject to random drug testing.
• You will be required to carry a firearm.
• Must complete a pre-employment medical examination that will include testing of your vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities by an authorized Government physician.
• Selective Service registration required
• Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license
• You will be required to sign a mobility agreement
• Completion of a 1-year probationary period may be required

Qualifications

You will qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing the following:

1) Leading investigative operations involving National Security, and participating in technical and programmatic OIG liaison activities with other law enforcement agencies;

2) Coordinating matters pertaining to the detection, investigation, and prosecution of suspected violators of importance;

3) Reviewing and evaluating allegations and recommending to the Special Agent in Charge appropriate investigative activity;

4) Leading an investigative team relative to criminal investigations of critical and sensitive importance;

5) Ensuring coordination with outside agencies (i.e. US Attorney's office, FBI, DEA) regarding investigative matters;

6) Planning, leading, or coordinating investigative activities (i.e. search warrants, analysis of grand jury material, and joint operations with other federal law enforcement agencies.

AdditionalRequirements:

• • Training Requirement: This position requires that you complete the basic criminal investigator course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA or an approved comparable course [1) Federal Bureau of Investigation, Basic Special Agent Academy; 2) Drug Enforcement Administration, Basic Special Agent Academy; 3) U.S. Postal Inspector Basic Inspection Training Program; 4) United States Army Military Police School, CID Special Agent Course; and 5) U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Special Investigators Course). Please upload a copy of your certificate and/or transcripts and list on your resume.
  • FirearmRequirement: This position requires you to be authorized to carry a firearm and maintain firearm proficiency. Therefore, it is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment, 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g) (9) and you will be required to verify that you have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
  • Age Requirement: Be at least age 21 at the time of application and less than age 37 at the time you receive a tentative offer of employment unless you have previous service in a Federal Civilian Law Enforcement position covered by special law enforcement or firefighter retirement provisions, including early or mandatory retirement. Applicants with veteran's preference must receive a conditional offer of employment prior to reaching age 40 to continue in the application process.
  • MedicalRequirement:This position requires you to maintain physical fitness standards set by the agency. The duties of Criminal Investigators require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Additionally, the duties of this position involve activities under trying conditions, as such, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. This position may require the completion of a Medical Examination that will include testing of your vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities by an authorized Government physician. If a medical examination is required, you must be cleared by the authorized Government physician in order to be determined physically fit to perform the arduous physical exertion required of this position.
  • This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position (TDP); therefore, you are subject to drug testing under OIG's Drug-Free Workplace policy. Refusal to be randomly tested may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
  • This position has been identified as a Law Enforcement Officer position. As such, your personal information will be used to search the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD). NLEAD will be used as part of the pre-employment process to determine your trustworthiness, suitability, and/or eligibility for this position. The search must have favorable results for you to continue in the process. NLEAD is a centralized repository of official records documenting instances of misconduct, including as appropriate, the following categories: 1) records of criminal convictions; 2) suspension of a law enforcement officer's enforcement authorities, such as de-certification; 3) terminations; 4) civil judgments, including amounts (if publicly available), related to official duties; and 5) resignations or retirements while under investigation for serious misconduct or; 6) sustained complaints or records of disciplinary action based on findings of serious misconduct. During your employment, if you are in violation of one or more of the six categories cited above, your information will be included in the NLEAD database in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 14074 on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 9/30/2024 of this announcement.

Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date 9/30/2024 of this announcement. Upload a copy of your SF-50 showing you meet time in grade.

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

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.

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.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) as a condition of placement into this 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.

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.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.

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 Management and Budget (OMB), U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, review of your resume, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Criminal Investigation
• Oral Communication
• Technical Competence
• Writing

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556791.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  Review our 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  1. Your resume showing your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed, and training. NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link.
  
  2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556791
  
  3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.
  
  4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP}? Submit the following: 1) A copy of your agency notice: 2) A copy of your most recent performance rating: and 3) A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and duty location.
  
  5. You must submit your most recent FY2023 performance appraisal.
  
  lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
• How to Apply
  
  Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
  
  1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
  
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  
  Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59PM EST on 09/30/2024.
  
  To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  
  It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Mia Harp
  
  Phone
  
  202-607-5352
  
  Email
  
  tomia.harp@oig.dhs.gov
  
  Address
  
  Office of Inspector General
  
  245 Murray Lane SW
  
  Washington, DC 20528
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
  
  If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
  
  Interview (If applicable): Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
  
  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 oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing your work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed, and training. NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link.

2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556791

3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.

4. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP}? Submit the following: 1) A copy of your agency notice: 2) A copy of your most recent performance rating: and 3) A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level and duty location.

5. You must submit your most recent FY2023 performance appraisal.

lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.

2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.

3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59PM EST on 09/30/2024.

To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

Agency contact information

Mia Harp

Phone

202-607-5352

Email

tomia.harp@oig.dhs.gov

Address

Office of Inspector General

245 Murray Lane SW

Washington, DC 20528

US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."

If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Interview (If applicable): Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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 oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request