Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens, No Prior Federal Experience is Required

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations. As a Criminal Investigator, GL-07/09, the applicant will:

• Study assigned material pertinent to cases of alleged or suspected violations of Federal statutes involving fraud against the Government;
• Contact Federal, State and local agencies to obtain facts, signed statement, explanation of actions and study the background of the case, the sequence of events and other case related information;
• Collaborate with other agents in increasingly more complex cases in interviewing, observing techniques under highly stressful situation, taking notes and participating in the interviews to obtain specific information and to verify facts;
• Collaborate with other agents in the preparation of completed investigation reports to develop knowledge and skills for clear, concise and accurate reporting and documentation of cases with supportable evidence for use in a prosecution of the case;
• Carries out undercover assignments and maintains surveillance under close watch by other investigators;
• Participates with other agents in working with U.S. Attorneys in the preparation of cases for presentation in Federal courts. Accompanies other agents when serving as a witness in the trail of cases, for training in the process and technical aspects required in presenting evidence to support criminal violation of Federal laws;
• Conduct criminal, civil or administrative investigations;
• Participate in Secretarial and other dignitary protection details.

Conditions of employment

• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
• Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Valid U.S. Driver License, Medical Examination and Drug Test
• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) is required.
• If selected, you will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement.

Age: The minimum entry age for this position is 21 years of age and the maximum entry age for this position is 36 years of age (the date of appointment must be no later than the date immediately preceding the 37th birthday) unless you have sufficient prior Federal service in a covered law enforcement position or are a preference-eligible applicant. If you are a preference eligible applicant, you may be eligible for this position after your 37th birthday. You must provide a copy of your (DD-214), Standard Form 15 (SF-15) if applicable, other documentation supporting preference eligibility, and any other documentation pursuant to the instructions in this vacancy announcement to receive consideration as preference-eligible applicant in the hiring process.

Training Requirements: Successful completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or an approved equivalent is required. Must successfully qualify with OI-issued firearms on an approved course of fire and successfully complete OI Control Tactics training program. Appointments to this position will be terminated if all of the above are not satisfactorily completed.

Qualifications

GL-07 Specialized Experience:

• Applicants have successfully completed at least one full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field; OR
• Applicants must have at least one full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GL-5 level in the Federal service. Experience in a trainee capacity where knowledge of basic investigative or analytical techniques and methods are applied to determine case resolution; applying knowledge of investigation laws, rules and regulations; as well applying knowledge of the rules of evidence that's applicable in criminal and non-criminal court cases; OR
• Possess a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement.

GL-09 Specialized Experience:

• Applicants must have at least one full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GL-07 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to conduct investigative techniques doing the following: searching public records/databases; interviewing witness/employees to verify facts and obtain specific pieces of information; securing signed statements, affidavits and documentary evidence to be included in reports or case records. In addition the ability to write reports for case records; OR
• Completion of two full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree or LLB or JD; OR
• Possess a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience that qualifies. Only graduate education in excess of the first year (18 semester hours) may be combine with experience under this standard.

Security and Background Requirements: A Top Secret clearance may be required to be obtained and maintained and a credit check is required. If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.

This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm and must meet the Lautenberg Amendment requirements as described in Title 18, USC Section 992 (g). Any person who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor or crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm. The term convicted as defined by the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set-aside, pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as the restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or crimes of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not eligible for this position.

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 on the quality and extent of your experience, education (if applicable), and training relevant to the duties of this position. If you are found minimally qualified for the job, your application package will be further evaluated to determine your possession of the critical knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics listed below.

Your resume must document specialized experience and support your responses to the vacancy questions.

You will be evaluated on the following:

• Criminal Investigation
• Decision Making
• Oral Communication
• Problem Solving
• Writing