The OIG is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout DHS. In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.
The OIG is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout DHS. In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.
The Whistleblower Protection Unit (WPU) of the Office of Counsel is responsible for conducting investigations pursuant to the Military Whistleblower Protection Act; Protecting Whistleblowers with Access to Classified Information; Security Clearances and Classified Information; and, Enhancement of Whistleblower Protection for Contractors and Grantees. WPU also conducts whistleblower retaliation investigations under the authority of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and the Whistleblower Protection Act. The WPU provides legal and policy advice on whistleblower matters to the IG and other DHS OIG offices.
As the Director of the WPU, you will plan, develop, and oversee investigations into violations and suspected violations of laws of the United States and rules and regulations relating to programs and operations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Typical work assignments may include:
Provides supervisory day-to-day oversight and management of WPU, which includes management and oversight of whistleblower reprisal investigations.
Directs the provision of a full range of legal advice and services and participates in the development of OIG policies, directives, and procedures.
Performs general and administrative investigative activities relating to whistleblower retaliation complaints and allegations.
Manages projects, initiatives, and investigations, including those that cross organizational lines, ensuring responsive, cohesive, and timely management of administrative investigations with appropriate results within established timeframes.
Exercises discretion and independent judgment in the applications of laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents and agency practices related to whistleblower reprisal laws.
Supervises and/or reviews, guides, and assists WPU attorneys in the routine work of WPU and the Office of Counsel.
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 Top Secret/SCI security clearance
You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing
Proof of Bar membership is required
Financial disclosure is required
Selective Service registration required
Completion of one year trial period may be required.
Law school transcript is required
The selectee must pass a drug test by urinalysis prior to appointment
Qualifications
To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least five (5) years post J.D. legal experience, have at least 5 years of post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level.
Examples of specialized experience may include: conducting in-depth legal research; writing complex legal documents; significant experience developing research strategies for legal issue; making oral presentations and communicating research results; and the ability to work well with individuals from other disciplines to analyze a great deal of information in a limited period of time, and to produce a superior written product reflecting that analysis in a timely fashion; excellent academic credentials.
Prior experience in whistleblower reprisal investigations and legal issues is highly desired. Prior supervisory experience is desired.
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 03/17/2021
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
Education requirements include: a professional law degree, J.D., LL.B., and /or LL.M. (you must provide a copy of your transcript showing proof of graduation).
You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a current active member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar for an attorney position.
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 (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/search.aspx. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Special Instructions For Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
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.
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.
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 Top Secret/SCI as a condition of placement into this position. This may include information that may be reviewed in investigation, e.g., a credit check before or after initial job qualifications are determined, 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.
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 documentation that is required, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
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.
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.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
This announcement is being filled using the Schedule A Hiring Authority 5 CFR 213.3102 (D) under Excepted Service procedures. Applicants who meet the qualifications for the position and submit a resume and law school transcript will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.
Upon review, your resume and supporting documents must show evidence that you have the required qualifications.
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.
1. Your resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Bar Credentials
4. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11041630
5. Your completed and signed OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment.
6. 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.
7. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit:
a copy of your agency notice,
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of you most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
8. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
9. 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
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.
Your application must be received by 11:59PM ET on03/17/2021. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
If you do not have access to a computer or fax, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact:barbara.williams@oig.dhs.govprior to the close of this announcement.
Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
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 hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. 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."
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Your resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Bar Credentials
4. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11041630
5. Your completed and signed OF-306, Declaration of Federal Employment.
6. 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.
7. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit:
a copy of your agency notice,
a copy of your most recent performance rating, and
a copy of you most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
8. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
9. 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
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.
Your application must be received by 11:59PM ET on03/17/2021. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail.
If you do not have access to a computer or fax, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. To do so, please contact:barbara.williams@oig.dhs.govprior to the close of this announcement.
Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
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 hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. 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."
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
