This is a key position within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE utilizes the government's second largest cadre of law enforcement officers to ensure our nation's economic, transportation and infrastructure security. ICE enforces immigration and customs laws. Our talented and courageous workforce identifies criminal activities and eliminates vulnerabilities that pose a threat to our nation's borders.
ICE is the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With more than 19,000 employees in 400 offices around the world, ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting our nation. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities go to http://www.ice.gov/ .
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.
Who May Apply:
Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service.
Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees who meet the established criteria in an Office of Personnel Management Interchange Agreement.
Organizational Location: This position is located in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
THIS IS A NON-BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.
Note: 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.
Summary
This is a key position within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE utilizes the government's second largest cadre of law enforcement officers to ensure our nation's economic, transportation and infrastructure security. ICE enforces immigration and customs laws. Our talented and courageous workforce identifies criminal activities and eliminates vulnerabilities that pose a threat to our nation's borders.
ICE is the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). With more than 19,000 employees in 400 offices around the world, ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting our nation. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities go to http://www.ice.gov/ .
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.
Who May Apply:
Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service.
Current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees who meet the established criteria in an Office of Personnel Management Interchange Agreement.
Organizational Location: This position is located in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
THIS IS A NON-BARGAINING UNIT POSITION.
Note: 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.
As a Public Affairs Specialist with the ICE Office of the Director, Office of Public Affairs you will:
Develop and disseminate written communication in the form of news articles and releases, fact sheets, responses to media or the public, articles, pamphlets, newsletters and speeches.
Direct a public affairs program involving issues that are controversial or of significant public and Congressional interest.
Serve as a liaison between ICE leadership and the media by ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.
Provide guidance, assistance and consultation to field offices concerning agency procedures for responding to requests from the media, general public, specialized groups, and community and government entities.
Manage public and community relations by handling queries about agency activities that could affect the community.
Ability to pass drug screen for federal employment
Relevant Experience (see Qualifications and Evaluations Tab)
Complete Application Package (see How to Apply Tab)
Ability to pass background investigation
Selective Service registration required
Requirements:
Requirements by Closing Date: You must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
OGE 450: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30
days after appointment.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSGS-12 One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service) performing duties such as: developing written material such as press releases, feature stories, talking points, media plans, and media advisories for internal and external use; providing information to media concerning recent events and news items, as well as background information, explaining policies and procedures or laws and regulations; and assisting employees and management on understanding procedures relating to responding to specific requests from the media, general public, specialized groups and community and governmental entities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS GS-13 One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service) performing duties such as developing and writing news releases, fact sheets, talking points and other materials intended for use in media outreach; facilitating and staffing media interviews with subject matter experts on a wide variety of agency topics; responding to media queries by researching issues and responding to points addressed in the inquiries, while considering sensitive areas of concern; responding orally and in writing to reporters on or off-the-record with clarity and situational context; and preparing senior leadership for media interviews, news conferences and other press events.
National Service
Experience (i.e. volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid
experience, including 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.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Additional information
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 public trust 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.
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.
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.
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 basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using an Assessment Questionnaire. The questions are related to the following fundamental competencies (or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) needed to perform the duties of this job: Communications and Media, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Technical Competence, Writing.
Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaire between 70 and 100. Applicants will be referred for selection in accordance with the terms of the agency merit promotion plan.
Interview Requirement: Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.
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.
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.
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 which shows relevant experience, education, and training. Work experience should include job title, duties, employer's name, daytime telephone number and address, starting and ending dates, hours worked per week, and indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.
If you are a current or former Federal employee,
submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement, etc.
(Current ICE employees are not required to provide SF-50).
Any other documentation required for qualifications/eligibility (Interchange Agreement eligibility docs, etc.)
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you completed the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload supporting document(s):
To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1977173.
Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
If you cannot complete your Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via fax:
Fax all six pages of the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Office of Human Capital representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to Wednesday, July 12, 2017 for further instructions.
You must submit all required information by Wednesday, July 12, 2017. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. A valid email address is required in order to notify you of the outcome of your application.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, 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 occupational 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.
To verify your application is complete, 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.
ICE Laguna Service Center
24000 Avila Road 5th Floor
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
USA
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 the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on your USAJobs account throughout the process. 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.
Resume which shows relevant experience, education, and training. Work experience should include job title, duties, employer's name, daytime telephone number and address, starting and ending dates, hours worked per week, and indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.
If you are a current or former Federal employee,
submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade/range increases); your current promotion potential; proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement, etc.
(Current ICE employees are not required to provide SF-50).
Any other documentation required for qualifications/eligibility (Interchange Agreement eligibility docs, etc.)
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you completed the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload supporting document(s):
To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1977173.
Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
If you cannot complete your Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via fax:
Fax all six pages of the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, contact the Office of Human Capital representative listed on this announcement at least one day prior to Wednesday, July 12, 2017 for further instructions.
You must submit all required information by Wednesday, July 12, 2017. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. A valid email address is required in order to notify you of the outcome of your application.
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 occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, 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 occupational 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.
To verify your application is complete, 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.
ICE Laguna Service Center
24000 Avila Road 5th Floor
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
USA
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 the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on your USAJobs account throughout the process. 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.
