Duties

Summary

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) and 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.

View the Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As a Program Analyst in the Office of Special Reviews and Evaluations (SRE) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), you will conduct sensitive, impactful, and high-profile reviews of DHS programs and personnel, including in the areas of immigration, border and transportation security, disaster response, and civil liberties. SRE frequently conducts reviews at the request of Congress or senior DHS officials, and as a result of allegations of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement received through our Office of Investigations. Examples of recent published SRE work include:

• Results of unannounced inspections of conditions for unaccompanied alien children in CBP custody
• Barriers faced by ICE in the timely repatriation of detained aliens
• Coast Guard's reporting of Uniform Code of Military Justice violations to the FBI
• Issues at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, New Jersey
• Ineffective management of overtime at the Federal Protective Service
• FEMA's oversight of the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS)

Program Analysts in SRE may work with attorneys, auditors, and/or special agents in small multi-disciplinary teams. The teams conduct thorough reviews on tight timeframes, and produce reports and recommendations that drive important and tangible improvement within DHS and keep Congress informed of DHS activities. SRE program analyst responsibilities include:

• PLANNING/RESEARCHING: Develop researchable questions and methodologies independently or with team members to assess DHS programs or operations
• COLLECTING INFORMATION: Collect data regarding DHS operations from a variety of sources, including interviews, observations, and file/data reviews and appropriately determine the data's relevance and reliability
• ANALYZING INFORMATION: Apply a wide range of qualitative or quantitative analysis methods to discern relevant information and to identify trends, patterns or relationships
• COMMUNICATING: Prepare reports, briefings, presentations and other written products that present complex information in a clear, balanced manner.
• WORKING IN TEAMS: Working collaboratively with others and dealing with everyone fairly, equitably, and professionally, valuing diversity.
• REPRESENTING THE AGENCY: Present a professional image of the agency when interacting with others, fostering trust and credibility.

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
13

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 a Secret security clearance
• You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing
• Financial disclosure is required
• Selective Service registration required
• Completion of one year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level (starting salary $69,581), applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the federal service which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the GS-11. Specialized experience at this level must include all parts of the following:

• Assist in planning and conducting reviews in accordance with inspection/auditing standards, such as the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluations (Blue Book).
• Researching issues to determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies
• Collecting evidence through observations, interviews and data/file reviews
• Assist in performing quantitative and qualitative analysis on program operations and/or procedures
• Preparing written documents, such as reports, work papers, or briefings. OR

You have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. OR
A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level (starting salary $83,398), applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the GS-12. Specialized experience at this level must include all parts of the following:

• Planning and conducting reviews in accordance with inspection/auditing standards, such as the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluations (Blue Book).
• Independently researching sensitive and complex issues to determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies
• Collecting evidence through observations, interviews and data/file reviews
• Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis on program operations and/or procedures using various analytical methods and techniques
• Preparing written, analytical work products requiring little revision and within short timeframes

Experience researching, organizing and analyzing data from a variety of sources such as, programs, case studies, and/or policies to draw conclusions and write reports that focus on fraud, waste and abuse.

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, 06/05/2019, 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 06/05/2019of this announcement.

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

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 a Secret clearance 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:

• Manages and Organizes Information
• Oral Communication
• Planning and Evaluating
• Reasoning
• Research
• 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/10497825 .

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets .)

Interagency 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.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10497825
3. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit 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/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, with-in grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement; etc.
4. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
5. Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service connected disability. 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 .
6. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your:
- Agency notice,
- Most recent performance rating, and
- Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
7. 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
8. Are you a Military Spouse of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty relocating or spouse of a disabled or deceased member of the Armed Forces? Submit the following:
- Documentation Verifying Marriage (i.e. Marriage Certificate)
- A copy of your Spouse's Active Military Orders; and
- DD-214 (member 4 copy), "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.) or Statement of Service/Proof of Service (in lieu of a DD-214) from your command or local Personnel Support Detachment (PSD).

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.