Duties

Summary

This position of HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (RECENT GRADUATE) starts at a salary of $37,955.00 GS-05 grade level, step 01, to $61,122.00 GS-07 grade level, step 10, with promotion potential to GS-09 grade level.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

• As a participant in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, you will receive both formal and on-the-job training to develop the required knowledge and skill to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.
• Provide advice and recommendations to USCIS employees and supervisors and provides support and resources for complex problems employees face.
• Apply a wide range of agency policies for a wide spectrum of HCPP Programs to include Unemployment Compensation, Workers? Compensation, Hardship Transfers,Onboarding, Exit Clearance, Telework, Health and Wellness, Policy and Performance Management.
• Support agency-wide WorkLife and employee programs to advance USCIS? mission and goals.
• Coordinate and facilitate the on-boarding program ensuring new employees questions are answered. Collaborate with HROC and office points of contacts (POC) to ensure timely and accurate communication with new employees.
• Assist with an array of projects or tasks, including: Coordinating peer support trainings and wellness activities, managing collaboration sites, hosting webinars for various programs, and documenting all communications for hardship requests.
• Manage program information in automated case tracking systems and performs a variety of transactional duties in support of the HCPP programs including: creating, managing, and maintaining office files and records.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
9

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Pathways Participant Agreement: All Recent Graduates are required to sign the Pathways Program Participant Agreement which outlines program requirements and non-competitive conversion eligibility.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement 09/16/2019.

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.

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

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.

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.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position.
• Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure.
• You must pass a drug screening.
• You must submit resume and supporting documentation.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding.

Qualifications

This is a Recent Graduate position in the Pathways Program. Selected individuals are placed in a dynamic one year developmental program in the excepted service designed to lead to a civil service career in the Federal government. At the successful conclusion of this program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. Conversion to a Federal competitive service position will be at the discretion of the agency and is neither guaranteed nor implied.

The position for which you are applying will be moving along with the USCIS headquarters to Camp Springs, Maryland in the fall of 2020. The new USCIS headquarters will be a state of the art facility conveniently located by the Branch Avenue Metro Station on the green line and a short distance from Exit 7 (Branch Avenue / Route 5) on the Capital Beltway. USCIS headquarters offers telework and alternate work schedule opportunities for eligible positions. Applicants should inquire with the hiring official during the interview process.

GS-5: You qualify at the GS-5 level if you possess three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to the GS-4 grade level that demonstrates the following:

• Analyzing problems to identify significant factors, gathering pertinent data, and recognizing solutions;
• Planning and organizing work;
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing; and
• Dealing effectively with others in person-to-person situations. Such experience may have been gained in administrative, professional, technical, investigative, or other responsible work. Performing substantive and relevant secretarial, clerical, or other responsible work is qualifying if it provided evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. Experience of a general clerical nature (typing, filing, routine procedural processing, maintaining records, or other non-specialized tasks) is not creditable. OR
• You may substitute successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's degree for the experience required at the GS-5 grade level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours.

GS-7: You qualify at the GS-7 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal government, with the skills needed to perform successfully the duties of the position. Such experience may include:

• Adhering to policies and procedures related to WorkLife Services and Employee Programs (Workers' Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, EAP, Health and Wellness, Exit Clearance, Hardship Transfers, Returning Peace Corps Volunteers, New Employee Orientation, and other Programs);
• Conducting WorkLife briefings and presentations to management;
• Applying resources to draft guidance and directives. OR
• You may also substitute successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education for the experience required at the GS-7 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. (A course of study in human resources management, or related fields, is qualifying.) Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours. OR
• You may substitute superior academic achievement for the experience required at the GS-7 level. You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society.

Please read the following IMPORTANT information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience and education (if applicable), as it relates to this job opportunity announcement. USCIS will only review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your eligibility/qualifications for a position. As such, please be sure to include content to support your eligibility/qualifications for this position within the first 5 pages. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information

• Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
• Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
• Employer's name and address
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
• Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Salary

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.

Federal Experience
If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience)
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 criteria 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 service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience.
Note:

• For definitions of terms found in this announcement please click here .
• This position is not in the bargaining unit.
• This position is not considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.
• USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy.

Education

RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
To meet the Program requirements, you must have obtained a qualifying degree to include an Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, OR obtained a Vocational, Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous two years. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation, begin their two year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years from the date on which the degree or certification was completed.

Applicants who have recently graduated but don't have official transcripts yet are able to apply as long as they graduate by the closing date of this announcement (9/16/2019) and can provide official transcripts upon selection.

All education must be from accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Applicants may verify accreditation at the following website: http://http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Index.aspx

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.

Background Investigation
To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, this position requires completion and adjudication of a background investigation. This may include 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. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page .

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

Special Hiring Authorities
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.

USCIS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify .

Additional Information
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.

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 for this position and placed in one of the three categories below based upon information reflected in your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the job specific assessment questionnaire, level of education claimed, experience, and/or training. To remain in consideration for this position, please ensure your resume covers this requirement and that your resume has been successfully submitted as part of your on-line application package.

• Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
• Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of the evaluation criteria.
• Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

NOTE: Your resume and supporting documents will be verified. If you rated yourself higher than what is supported by your application material, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

If you are found best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. To preview the job questionnaire, click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10591737

Veterans: Veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific, professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. For information on veterans' preference, please click here .

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.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

• You must submit a resume that clearly demonstrates you have experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. USCIS' human resources office will only review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your eligibility/qualifications.In order to ensure that you include all necessary information within the first 5 pages of your resume, you are highly encouraged to save and submit your resume as a PDF instead of submitting it through Resume Builder or a word-processing program such as Word or Google Docs.
• Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10591737 .Only (submitted through the on-line application process in USA Jobs. Responses DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application).
• Transcripts or official documentation to verify current or projected enrollment, with an accredited educational institution, must be submitted as part of the complete application package and must be received by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If education is being used as the only means for qualifying for this position, appropriate transcripts MUST be submitted, in addition to current or projected enrollment documents, in order to support the receipt of the required level of education. Applicants' full name and name of educational institution must be clearly identified on documents submitted. Those with foreign education, click this link .
• Veterans: if you are applying for 5-Point Preference you must submit your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) showing your Character of Service. If you are applying for 10-Point Preference you must fill out the SF-15 ( click here the form ) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If applying as a disabled veteran, you submit your DD 214 (Member Copy 4) along with a copy of your VA rating letter or other formal documentation that clearly identifies overall rating of 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 closing date of the announcement. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Click here for more veterans information. You may request a copy of your DD-214 through the E-Benefits page .
• If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here .

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.