This position of CIS ASSISTANT (OA)starts at a salary of $37,113 GS-5 grade level, step 01, with promotion potential to $53,774 GS-6 grade level, step 10.
Summary
This position of CIS ASSISTANT (OA)starts at a salary of $37,113 GS-5 grade level, step 01, with promotion potential to $53,774 GS-6 grade level, step 10.
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.
Respond to written and oral inquiries from the public, other organizations, governmental agencies.
Provide non-routine information and assistance on complex applications to applicants/petitioners and/or their legal representatives in response inquiries on all aspects of immigration and nationality law.
Determine basic eligibility for benefits and privileges under the final approval of a senior employee or supervisor.
Perform appropriate record keeping and reporting tasks and capturing essential statistical data for monthly reports and assists in the preparation of those reports.
Provide office automation advice, guidance, and assistance to staff.
Performing case file analysis and evaluation of cases where adjudication or resolution has been delayed and/or problems encountered.
Pathways Participant Agreement: All Recent Graduates are required to sign the Pathways Program Participant Agreement which outlines program requirements and non-competitive conversion eligibility.
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.
Relocation expenses are authorized if you are a USCIS employee assigned to the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations program and have been approved for rotation from an overseas assignment. Relocation expenses for USCIS employees assigned to an OCONUS location will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE POSITION HIRING THE RECENT GRAD FOR GS-5: You qualify at the GS-5 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:
Reviewing applications for benefits for accuracy, validity, and proper form and format; and,
Using various computer software programs to produce office support materials on benefits.
OR
?You may substitute successful completion of 4 years of education above high school for the experience required at the GS-5 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours.
GS-6: In addition to the qualifications at the lower grade level(s), you qualify at the GS-6 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position.You must have experience performing the following duties:
Reviewing and screening routine applications and petitions for immigration benefits;
Using computer indices to determine a subject's current immigration status; and,
Providing routine information and assistance on applications for immigration benefits.
Please read the following IMPORTANT information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable), as it relates to this job opportunity. Please be clear and specific when describing your work history as we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will also be rated and ranked among others, 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.
Paid Internship Experience
Applicant's work as part of a paid internship, for which course credit is not received, may be evaluated as work experience. It is the applicant's responsibility to clearly identify in their resume any paid internship that would qualify for consideration. The applicant must provide their transcript for verification purposes.
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 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.
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 Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, Schedule A, Eligible Family Members: You 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 and to understand the documentation that would be required with your application, click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. We encourage you to apply to USCIS vacancies using these special hiring authorities.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will place you in one of three categories based on your responses to the on-line questionnaire regarding experience, education, or training:
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.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Customer Service
Flexibility
Information Management
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Self-Management
Technical Competence
Technology Application
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 fall into the Best Qualified category, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. To preview the job questionnaire, click here https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10265673
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.
Note:
For definitions of terms found in this announcement please click here.
This position is 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.
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.
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.
Your resume (No longer than 5 pages in length) that clearly demonstrates experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. You are highly encouraged to save your resume to a PDF document and upload the PDF document in lieu of submitting your resume created through Resume Builder or other such programs(I.E. Word, Google Docs, Etc.). This helps ensure you meet the 5-page resume limit.
Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10265673.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: You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name, the name of the institution, and the date your degree or certification was conferred. 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 relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application process will follow the bullets outlined below. Notifications are provided to correspond with each step that is outlined below.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 initial online 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.
If you 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.
Once you submit your initial online application (i.e., online questionnaire), you may not go back and edit your assessment responses. Please review your answers carefully.
When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below.If you meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses that you submit, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. The invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments will be sent from email address assessments@USAHire.opm.gov. Please plan to set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time.You must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
Before attempting to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you should visit https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.action to determine if the computer you are using is likely to experience any issues during testing. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance please contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received by helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov BEFORE the close of the JOA.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, click here for more information about the request process: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours of the closing of the Job Opportunity Announcement. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours from the time the email is sent.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
70 Kimball Ave
South Burlington, VT 05403
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 selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. We will notify you by email at various stages in the process (learn more). 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." 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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume (No longer than 5 pages in length) that clearly demonstrates experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. You are highly encouraged to save your resume to a PDF document and upload the PDF document in lieu of submitting your resume created through Resume Builder or other such programs(I.E. Word, Google Docs, Etc.). This helps ensure you meet the 5-page resume limit.
Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10265673.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: You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name, the name of the institution, and the date your degree or certification was conferred. 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 relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online questionnaire, the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application process will follow the bullets outlined below. Notifications are provided to correspond with each step that is outlined below.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 initial online 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.
If you 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.
Once you submit your initial online application (i.e., online questionnaire), you may not go back and edit your assessment responses. Please review your answers carefully.
When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below.If you meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses that you submit, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. The invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments will be sent from email address assessments@USAHire.opm.gov. Please plan to set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time.You must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
Before attempting to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you should visit https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.action to determine if the computer you are using is likely to experience any issues during testing. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance please contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov.
If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received by helpdesk@usahire.opm.gov BEFORE the close of the JOA.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, click here for more information about the request process: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments must be received before the JOA closes to be considered for this job opening. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. After notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. If the email invitation is sent prior to the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours of the closing of the Job Opportunity Announcement. If the email invitation is sent after the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement to which you applied, you must complete all of the assessments within 48 hours from the time the email is sent.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
70 Kimball Ave
South Burlington, VT 05403
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 selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. We will notify you by email at various stages in the process (learn more). 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." 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
