Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Operations)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Inspector General (OIG), in Washington, DC.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

You must be a current AmeriCorps employee on a General, Permanent appointment in the Office of Inspector General.

Duties

This position leads the Operations Unit, Office of Investigations (OI). AmeriCorps OIG is an independent office within AmeriCorps that provides oversight of the agency's programs and operations to protect the integrity of national service. The Supervisory Criminal Investigator (Operations) serves as a Criminal Investigator with responsibility for OIG's operations and supervises a small contingent of employees.

Responsibilities

Leads the OI Operations Unit. Oversees the OI's procurement, inventory, and use of various technologies, to include body worn cameras, digital cameras, recording devices, financial analysis software, and other hardware and software relevant to OI's work. This includes serving as OI's COR for significant procurements and developing policies for the proper use of the technologies. A Level 1 COR certification is required.

Works with the Supervisory Criminal Investigator for Training on the development of training programs associated with the use of procured technologies.

Creates and maintains OI policies in accordance with statutory, CIGIE, and attorney general requirements. Identifies areas for improvement and prepares standard operating procedures to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of OI. This includes participating in policy-related law enforcement working groups to stay abreast of developments that may impact OI and updating OI's policies as needed.

Carries out criminal, civil, and administrative investigations and related activities of the OIG that are necessary to comply with the intent of the IG Act of 1978, as amended. This includes conducting interviews, reviewing documents, strategizing, and implementing appropriate investigative techniques, preparing cases for presentation to judicial and administrative bodies for action, and preparing reports to AmeriCorps management that recommend systemic changes to limit fraud, waste, and abuse. These investigations may be sensitive and complex and may have a high level of AmeriCorps interest and results of these investigations may impact AmeriCorps-wide programs.

Develops special reviews and examinations of programs and personnel performance to identify and report operating conditions which (1) have actual or potential adverse effects upon AmeriCorps' objectives and reputation; (2) reflect inadequate standards of employee behavior, integrity, and adequacy; (3) indicate lack of compliance with policies and regulations; and/or (4) involve lapses or abuses of authority. Prepares reports and recommendations and identifies areas and concrete steps to improve OI operations.

Coordinates program activities with the SAC, AIGI, AIGA, and other internal OIG colleagues to develop joint audit and investigative activities.

Supervises OIG personnel and individuals assigned to investigations, each with a caseload of approximately 10 investigations. Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of Operations Unit staff; sets priorities and goals, establishes deadlines, and ensures timely, quality completion of work assignments; and assigns work according to complexity and capability of employees. Spends significant time advising and working closely with staff to strategize and effectively carry out quality investigations and reviews that often involve complex violations of law, multiple fraud schemes, sophisticated investigative techniques, multiple parties, and funds from multiple agencies and programs. This involves applying numerous criminal and civil statutes, as well as administrative regulations, to sensitive situations involving external organizations of varying size and structure. The Supervisory Special Agent must ensure staff are aware of and investigate all relevant violations consistent with applicable investigative standards, using the most appropriate and effective investigative techniques. The Supervisory Special Agent will also counsel staff regarding the complex ecosystem of stakeholders involved in OIG investigations to include how and when to engage with key stakeholders during our investigations.

Plans, organizes, and provides direction to Operations Unit team members with respect to case development, investigative techniques, methodology, precedent setting cases, and the views, goals, and policies of OI's upper management. Monitors staff activities in the conduct of interviews with suspects, witnesses, and informants in developing cases; serving warrants and subpoenas; and participating with other law enforcement agencies. Advises staff on the strategy and approach to be taken to undercover complex fraud schemes.

Supervises the preparation of investigative reports and reviews reports to ensure that investigations are thorough and complete and that the findings and conclusions stated in the reports are adequately supported by evidence. These reports involve succinctly summarizing activities from multiple years' worth of investigative activities and require significant supervisory input and review.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen
• A 2-year probationary period is required for new Federal employees and supervisors.
• Merit Promotion and internal applicants must submit a SF-50 to verify Status and grade
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
• A financial disclosure may be required for this position.
• Dates of employment, including beginning and end dates in the following format: month/day/year, must be included on resume.

Qualifications

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The incumbent is subject to random drug-testing. The incumbent is required to file a Confidential Disclosure (OGE Form 450) report within the Agency's specified due date. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Level 1 COR certification. The incumbent must have completed the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), or an approved equivalent program.

In addition to the physical demands and unpredictable work environment, the incumbent 1) must have completed the Criminal Investigator Training Program at Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), or an approved equivalent program; 2) must have and maintain a reputation for integrity, reliability, trustworthiness, impartiality, and good judgment; 3) must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license; 4) must be willing to travel (up to 5 days per month); 5) is required to be qualified to carry and use firearms as a part of assigned duties; 6) must be able to pass medical standards; and 7) must meet the extra duty provision of 5 USC 5545a (Availability Pay for Criminal Investigators) and policies established by the Inspector General.

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to at least the upper range of the NY-03 pay band, which would be at or equivalent to, the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: 1) conducting criminal, civil, and administrative investigations; 2) analyzing grant and contract documentation; AND 3) evaluating financial and statistical reports.

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

Such experience must be clearly documented in the applicant's resume.

In addition to meeting the experience above, applicants must meet both of the following:

A. Training - Satisfactory completion of the basic Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia or an equivalent federal course.

B. Maximum Entry Age - This position meets the definition for "Rigorous Position" contained in 5 CFR 842.802 and is subject to a maximum entry age of 37. Persons serving in this position may be covered for purposes of law enforcement retirement by either 5 CFR Part 831 Subpart I or 5 CFR Part 842 Subpart H depending on whether they are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), respectively.

Applicants that occupy positions in the 1811 series have a mandatory separation age for retirement. As such, you must meet one of the following: a) not yet reached age 37 by the closing date of this announcement; b) a veteran preference eligible; or c) over the age of 37 and have been or am currently covered by the special Law Enforcement Officer's (LEO) retirement provision and will be able to complete at least 20 years of covered service by age 57.

Failure to meet the requirements above will result in loss of further consideration for this position.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement; education may not be substituted for Specialized Experience at this grade level.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Additional Selections: Additional selections may be made from this announcement or for similar positions across AmeriCorps. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at AmeriCorps.

Military Selective Service Act: If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.

Veteran's Preference: If you are claiming 5-point or 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit documentation described below in "Required Documents."

Special Employment Consideration: Persons with disabilities, disabled veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the Armed Forces, VISTA volunteers, some Peace Corps employees and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for noncompetitive appointment. If you are eligible and would like to be considered for one of these noncompetitive appointments, applicable documentation that supports your eligibility must be submitted with your application package.

Ethics Requirement: Our Agency is committed to the highest ethical standards and, as an employee you will be covered by the criminal conflict of interest statutes (18 U.S.C. 201-209) and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 C.F.R. part 2635). Additionally, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) or Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) within 30 days of your appointment date and on an annual basis thereafter.

• 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.

Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

Important Note: Your resume must support your answers to the job specific questions. High self-assessment on the Occupational Questionnaire that is not supported by the information in your resume or supporting documents can/will result in elimination from further consideration. If you do not answer all of the job specific questions you will not be considered. Incomplete applications (resume and required supporting documents) will be considered ineligible.

Qualified applicants will be placed in one of the following three categories:

1 - Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement.

2 - Well Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates proficiency based on the answers to the job specific questions.

3 - Best Qualified Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates high level proficiency based on the answers to the job specific questions.

NOTE: Status candidates will be considered under the provisions of the agency's Human Resources system which allows for:

1) Non-competitive referral of lateral candidates; and

2) The separation of status and non-status applicants for referral purposes.

Status candidates will be referred on one selection list only, i.e., either merit promotion or non-competitive. Non-status candidates who are eligible for Noncompetitive referral, e.g. Peace Corps, VRA, etc., will be referred under Noncompetitive procedures only. For Noncompetitive categories, See "Special Employment Consideration" below under "Other Information."

• 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.
  
  
  • Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional);
  • Unofficial transcript (if qualifying based on education):
  • Veterans' Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference; DD-214 if claiming 5-point preference), if applicable;
  • For Merit Promotion Eligibility: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (must indicate tenure and position occupied), if applicable;
  • Documentation supporting eligibility for Non-Competitive appointment, e.g., Schedule A (severely disabled), eligible veterans (VRA or 30-percent or more disabled), VISTA, Peace Corps, etc., if applicable
  
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire, which is available to preview here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12526451, along with submitting the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 09/09/2024.
  
  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the Agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Sharnece Holmes
  
  Phone
  
  202-606-6602
  
  Email
  
  sholmes@cns.gov
  
  Address
  
  AmeriCorps
  
  250 E Street SW
  
  Office of Inspector General
  
  Washington, DC 20525
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the occupational questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful, however, you must also include a resume and any other documents that are applicable to you under the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy announcement. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your status via email. Please be aware that emails could reside in your "junk," "bulk," or "spam" mail folder, depending on your filters. You will be notified of the final outcome.
• 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

• Resume showing relevant experience (cover letter optional);
• Unofficial transcript (if qualifying based on education):
• Veterans' Preference Documentation (DD-214, VA Letter, and SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference; DD-214 if claiming 5-point preference), if applicable;
• For Merit Promotion Eligibility: SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (must indicate tenure and position occupied), if applicable;
• Documentation supporting eligibility for Non-Competitive appointment, e.g., Schedule A (severely disabled), eligible veterans (VRA or 30-percent or more disabled), VISTA, Peace Corps, etc., if applicable

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire, which is available to preview here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12526451, along with submitting the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 09/09/2024.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
• To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the Agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Sharnece Holmes

Phone

202-606-6602

Email

sholmes@cns.gov

Address

AmeriCorps

250 E Street SW

Office of Inspector General

Washington, DC 20525

US

Next steps

Once the occupational questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful, however, you must also include a resume and any other documents that are applicable to you under the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy announcement. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your status via email. Please be aware that emails could reside in your "junk," "bulk," or "spam" mail folder, depending on your filters. You will be notified of the final outcome.

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