Clarification from the agency

All Candidates who are: Current or former federal employees qualifying as Status Candidates, VEOA eligibles, CTAP/ICTAP eligibles, eligible for special hiring authorities (e.g., the Schedule A appointment for persons with disabilities, or covered by an Interchange Agreement).

The OIG has an urgent need for a GS-1810-13 Investigator, located in the Office of Special Reviews, who would be responsible for working on high profile, time-sensitive investigative review projects that are considered to be of special interest to VA stakeholders, including Congress, veterans, and the public. The primary purpose of this position is to conduct, lead, or participate in these projects at the direction of the assigned manager. The incumbent will author or assist with drafting reports published by the OIG, including reports which will provide VA with independent expert analysis, advice, and recommendations designed to improve VA operations and programs. The incumbent will routinely collaborate and coordinate with other OIG offices and directorates on projects.

Additional vacancies for GS-1810-13 Investigator positions, located in other OIG line elements and offices, may be filled from this vacancy.

As an Investigator, you will:

• Lead or participate in multifaceted investigations, reviews and special projects that are highly complex, time-sensitive, and of interest to the public, Congress and the national media, including investigations that address the possible violation of laws, rules, and regulations. When appropriate, make referrals to other directorates or offices for potential investigations, audits, or inspections.
• Perform sensitive duties and assignments of importance to the Inspector General (IG) and functions with a high degree of independence, flexibility, and resourcefulness in order to complete multiple and varied assignments on short deadlines.
• Contribute to the identification of new projects for the Office to undertake. Identify and develop proactive initiatives to provide timely and effective oversight of VA programs susceptible to fraud, waste, or abuse, in consultation with other OIG offices and directorates.
• Author accurate, thorough, and well-written investigative reports. Review and edit written work product of peers.

It is anticipated that there will be significant interest in the announcement. As a result, the announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on the date of receipt of the 200th application or at 11:59 p.m. ET on 09-17-2018; whichever occurs first. Any required documents should be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted after the vacancy closes.

Conditions of employment

• Please refer to "Conditions of Employment."
• Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
• Must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals.

The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience:  For the GS-13 you must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Experience using generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods and procedures applicable to civil/administrative investigations; AND
• Presenting evidence that reconstructs events, sequences and time elements; AND
• Working with other agencies/offices to gather required information when not available; AND
• Demonstrated skill in oral and written communications, to include knowledge of accepted standards of writing, use of proper grammar and the preparation of investigative reports in a clear, concise and professional manner, in order to communicate clearly and accurately the results of investigations. 

In addition to the above requirements, you must meet the following time-in-grade requirement, if applicable:  For the GS-13, you must have been at the GS-12 level for 52 weeks.

Time After Competitive Appointment: Candidates who are current Federal employees serving on a nontemporary competitive appointment must have served at least three months in that appointment.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application includes your résumé, responses to the online questions, and required supporting documents. Please be sure that your résumé includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position; failure to provide sufficient evidence in your résumé may result in a “not qualified” determination.

Rating: Your application will be evaluated in the following areas: 

• Technical Skills
• Planning and Evaluating Skills
• Communication Skills

Your application will be rated and ranked among others, based on your responses to the online questions, regarding your experience, education, training, performance appraisals and awards relevant to the duties of this position.  Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration.  You may be required to participate in a selection interview. 

If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee (eligible for the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)) you must receive a score of 92 or better to be rated as “well qualified" to receive special selection priority.