The Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program is administered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This program is designed to combat and prevent child exploitation and is open to wounded, ill, and injured veterans and transitioning service members.
The Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program is administered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This program is designed to combat and prevent child exploitation and is open to wounded, ill, and injured veterans and transitioning service members.
Wounded, ill, or injured veterans who have a VA disability rating; OR Wounded, ill, or injured active duty service members being medically discharged from the military who are enrolled in Operator Warfighter (OWF) or other Warrior Transition Programs are eligible to apply.
The HERO Program is seeking candidates for a one-year PAID internship at computer forensic laboratories in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations law enforcement offices throughout the United States.
These positions are designed and reserved for:
Wounded, ill, or injured veterans who have a VA disability rating.
Wounded, ill, or injured active duty service members transitioning out of the military with an anticipated disability rating, AND participating in the Operation Warfighter Program or other warrior transition program.
As a part of the HERO Child-Rescue Corps Program, interns will attend 3 weeks of indoctrination training and 10 weeks of computer forensics training in Fairfax, Virginia. The indoctrination training includes vital new employee training and agency familiarization. During the computer forensics training, interns will learn and perform the following:
Learn the role of the computer forensic analyst in the investigation of child predators with the goal of rescuing child victims;
Preview hard drives using forensically sound procedures to scan for evidence;
Conduct analysis of internet artifacts;
Image and analyze Random Access Memory (RAM) on a live computer system;
Analyze the Windows Registry to determine removable volumes that have been attached to the computer system;
Examine Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) information embedded inside graphic images;
Assist with conducting validation testing of computer forensic hardware and software.
In addition to utilizing computer forensic techniques, interns will be trained to:
Seize, capture, and analyze forensic evidence used to identify child victims, prosecute sexual predators, and prevent sexual abuse;
Prepare detailed written reports outlining forensic findings for case agents in support of criminal prosecutions;
Occasionally testify as a witness at trials to support cases.
This is a support role: This position is designed to support HSI Special Agents as they investigate criminal sexual abuse of children. This position does not include arrest authority or the carrying of a firearm.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation, as well as obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
You must successfully pass a drug screen.
Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
If selected for an in-person interview, your attendance is required. Expenses incurred to attend the in-person interview are not reimbursable and are the sole responsibility of the candidate.
If selected, candidates not cleared to Enter on Duty by June 23, 2023 will be removed from the Program.
You must be able to attend 13 weeks of training from July 17, 2023 through October 13, 2023 in Fairfax, VA. Attendance is mandatory.
You must be able to work 40 hours per week.
You must pass training evaluations, examinations, and perform job duties at an acceptable level throughout the internship.
Certification Requirement: During the 13 weeks of training, interns must pass all exams and certification requirements. Failure to do so will result in removal from the program.
If selected to participate in the internship, you will receive study materials for CompTIA A+ certification. You will be required to familiarize yourself with the material prior to training.
Qualifications
Program Overview:
13 weeks of paid introductory training and intensive computer forensics training in Fairfax, VA
Approximate dates are July 17, 2023 to October 13, 2023
9 months of paid practical experience assisting with criminal cases at various U.S. locations
Approximate dates are October 16, 2023 to July 13, 2024
Program Benefits:
Travel, meals, and lodging accommodations are provided during the 13 week training.
Compensation for the entire duration of the internship program at the GS-05 or GS-07 grade level, as well as:
Paid annual and sick leave, and paid holidays
Eligible to purchase federal health, dental, and vision insurance
Eligible for permanent placement as a full-time employee with Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the conclusion of the internship.
Program Qualifications: While there is not a qualification requirement to participate in the program, the HERO Program follows the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Group Standards for Administrative and Management Positions for the GS-1801 job series in determining salary packages for the internship.
Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
To receive compensation at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess any combination of the following:
Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least GS-04, that demonstrates the ability to (1) analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; (2) plan and organize work; and (3) communicate effectively orally and in writing. Experience of a general clerical nature (typing, filing, routine procedural processing, maintaining records, or other nonspecialized tasks) is not creditable.
OR
Education: Four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, at an accredited college or university.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed education and experience. Education must be from an accredited college or university.
To receive compensation at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess any combination of the following:
Experience: One year specialized experienced at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
Assisting with investigations by processing digital media and identifying evidence through computer forensic analysis, media exploitation, or intelligence support activities
Conducting validation testing of computer forensic hardware and software
Demonstrating a basic understanding of networks, operating systems, files systems, routers, and servers
Assisting senior analysts with operating system deployment and installation of computer software
OR
Education: One (1) full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university in a field of study which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work ORA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND meet one of the Superior Academic Achievement Provisions:
Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Grade Point Average (GPA):
3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.
Election to membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
A college transcript(s) is required if claiming education in lieu of experience and must show your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. GPAs are rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, your claim must be based on class standing or membership in an honor society.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed education and experience. Education must be from an accredited college or university.
Eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Requirements for compensation must be met by April 30, 2023.
Current Federal Civilian Employees: Current federal civilian employees are eligible to apply; however, if selected, must resign from their current position prior to the start date of the internship.
Retirement Annuity: Individuals receiving a retirement annuity from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) based on retiring from the federal government are eligible to apply; however, if selected, may have their annuity reduced if selected for the program.
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 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.
Current or Former Political Appointees: 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.
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.
Education
There are no minimum education requirements necessary to participate in this internship; however, your education may be used to support compensation a higher grade level.
All education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and transcripts must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.
Internship Locations: Based upon the needs of the Agency, internships may be transferred to other offices within 50 miles of the local commuting area.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.
Additional information
E-Verify: 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.
Suitability: 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 these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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.
Benefits: 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.
A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.
These are non-bargaining unit positions.
Psychological Evaluation: Interns in the HERO Program will be subjected to the viewing of child sexual abuse material and may be required to submit to a psychological evaluation.
Conclusion of Internship:
The program will conclude July 13, 2024. Graduates of the HERO Child-Rescue Corps Program will receive priority consideration for permanent, full-time employment with ICE.
There are no guarantees that at the conclusion of the program an offer of permanent, full-time employment will be made by ICE. Offers are contingent upon acceptable work performance, availability of funds, and operational needs.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
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.
You will be evaluated for this program based upon the required documents submitted with your application, successful completion of a virtual interview and successful completion of an in-person interview. Not all candidates will be invited to participate in the virtual or in-person interviews.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES OR APPLICATION PACKAGES MISSING ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE CONSIDERATION PROCESS.
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.
Resume Your resume must include experience, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty) or Statement of Service: The preferred version of the DD214 is the Member 4-Copy; however, other versions will be accepted as long as they include the Type of Separation, Character of Service, and Narrative Reason for Separation. DD214s with the type of discharge omitted or covered will be rejected. Submitting a Statement of Service in lieu of a DD214 is only acceptable if you are not yet discharged. To view an example of a Statement of Service, please click here.
Civil Service Preference Letter or Benefit Summary Letter: Proof of being wounded, ill, or injured is required to ensure eligibility for the program. Civil Service Preference Letters may be requested here. If your disability rating has not been finalized by the VA, please provide any supporting documentation which states the proposed disability percentage. Please do not send medical records as proof.
Military Performance Evaluation: Please provide a copy of your last or most recent military performance evaluation. If you do not have a performance evaluation, please upload a statement explaining why in lieu of the performance evaluation.
Essay: The HERO Program is open to wounded, ill and injured military veterans and designed to assist returning military heroes who have lost their mission. Using the format below, please provide a two page essay describing your military service, your subsequent or pending transition from military service, loss of mission and your desire to take on a new mission of combating and preventing child exploitation specializing in computer forensics for Homeland Security Investigations:
Two pages in length
If more than two pages are provided, only the first two pages will be reviewed and considered
Double Spaced
Font size = 12
Font = Times New Roman
Your first and last name in the top left corner of both pages
If applicable, Operation Warfighter Documents: The "Approval for Participation" document with Command consent signatures. Additional information about Operation Warfighter may be found here.
Are you qualifying based on education? A college transcript(s) is required if claiming education in lieu of experience and must show your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. A diploma is not an acceptable form of documentation. Your transcripts must show the list of courses completed, quarter and semester hours earned, GPA and date degree conferred. The transcripts must also identify name of institution and include your full name. 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.
If applicable, SF-50: If a federal, civilian position was previously held, please submit the SF-50 documenting the highest grade level and step held.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES OR APPLICATION PACKAGES MISSING ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE CONSIDERATION PROCESS.
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.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/06/2023.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.
One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, all complete application packages will be reviewed for further consideration.
You may be selected to participate in a teleconference, videoconference and/or an in-person interview. If selected for an in-person interview, your attendance is required. Expenses incurred to attend the in-person interview are not reimbursable and are the sole responsibility of the candidate.
All dates listed within this announcement are subject to change without notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume Your resume must include experience, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release of Discharge from Active Duty) or Statement of Service: The preferred version of the DD214 is the Member 4-Copy; however, other versions will be accepted as long as they include the Type of Separation, Character of Service, and Narrative Reason for Separation. DD214s with the type of discharge omitted or covered will be rejected. Submitting a Statement of Service in lieu of a DD214 is only acceptable if you are not yet discharged. To view an example of a Statement of Service, please click here.
Civil Service Preference Letter or Benefit Summary Letter: Proof of being wounded, ill, or injured is required to ensure eligibility for the program. Civil Service Preference Letters may be requested here. If your disability rating has not been finalized by the VA, please provide any supporting documentation which states the proposed disability percentage. Please do not send medical records as proof.
Military Performance Evaluation: Please provide a copy of your last or most recent military performance evaluation. If you do not have a performance evaluation, please upload a statement explaining why in lieu of the performance evaluation.
Essay: The HERO Program is open to wounded, ill and injured military veterans and designed to assist returning military heroes who have lost their mission. Using the format below, please provide a two page essay describing your military service, your subsequent or pending transition from military service, loss of mission and your desire to take on a new mission of combating and preventing child exploitation specializing in computer forensics for Homeland Security Investigations:
Two pages in length
If more than two pages are provided, only the first two pages will be reviewed and considered
Double Spaced
Font size = 12
Font = Times New Roman
Your first and last name in the top left corner of both pages
If applicable, Operation Warfighter Documents: The "Approval for Participation" document with Command consent signatures. Additional information about Operation Warfighter may be found here.
Are you qualifying based on education? A college transcript(s) is required if claiming education in lieu of experience and must show your grade point average for all four years of undergraduate study, including all transferred courses. Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. A diploma is not an acceptable form of documentation. Your transcripts must show the list of courses completed, quarter and semester hours earned, GPA and date degree conferred. The transcripts must also identify name of institution and include your full name. 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.
If applicable, SF-50: If a federal, civilian position was previously held, please submit the SF-50 documenting the highest grade level and step held.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES OR APPLICATION PACKAGES MISSING ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE CONSIDERATION PROCESS.
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.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/06/2023.
PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Human Resources Office representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to the closing date for further instructions.
One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, all complete application packages will be reviewed for further consideration.
You may be selected to participate in a teleconference, videoconference and/or an in-person interview. If selected for an in-person interview, your attendance is required. Expenses incurred to attend the in-person interview are not reimbursable and are the sole responsibility of the candidate.
All dates listed within this announcement are subject to change without notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
