Clarification from the agency

Wounded, ill, or injured Veterans or Wounded, ill, or injured Active duty service members, due to transition out of the military, and participating in the Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program

The HERO Program is seeking candidates for a one year 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
• Wounded, ill, or injured Active duty service members, due to transition out of the military, and participating in the Operation Warfighter (OWF) Program

__________________________________________________________________________________________

As a HERO Child-Rescue Corps Intern, training will involve both familiarization with child protective techniques and laws, as well as utilization of computer forensic tools to combat child abuse such as:

• Knowledge of child abuse, exploitation and protection
• Knowledge of criminal and predator behavior
• Overview of the Child Protection System, the Criminal Justice System, and International Law
• Role of the computer forensic analyst in the investigation of child predators

You will learn and utilize the following computer forensic techniques:

• 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, you will learn about:

• Preparing detailed written reports outlining forensic findings for case agents
• Testifying as a witness at trials to support evidentiary value involving cases with direct involvement

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to participate in the HERO Program.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation, obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• You must successfully pass a pre-participation drug test screening.
• You must be able to attend 12 weeks of training beginning on June 15, 2020 in Orlando, Florida and concluding on September 4, 2020 in Fairfax, Virginia. Attendance is required and not optional.
• You must be able to work 40 hours per week.
• You must perform job duties at an acceptable level throughout the internship.
• Certification Requirement: During the 12 weeks of training, you will receive three opportunities to obtain the certifications required to perform the duties of the position. Failure to obtain the certifications will result in removal.

Qualifications

Program Overview:

• 3 weeks of unpaid introductory training in Orlando, Florida
  • Approximate dates are June 15, 2020 to July 3, 2020
• 9 weeks of unpaid intensive computer forensics training in Fairfax, Virginia
  • Approximate dates are July 6, 2020 to September 4, 2020
• 9 months of paid practical experience assisting with criminal cases at various U.S. locations
  • Approximate dates are September 14, 2020 to June 19, 2021

Program Benefits:

• Travel, meals, and lodging accommodations are provided during the first 12 weeks of training
• Compensation at the GS-05 or GS-07 grade levels (after the successful completion of the initial 12 weeks of training) as well as:
  • Paid Annual Leave, Paid Sick Leave and Paid Holidays
  • Eligible to purchase Federal Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Eligible for permanent placement as a full-time employee with ICE at the conclusion of the internship

Unpaid Training: During the initial 12 weeks of the internship, while in training, interns remain in an unpaid status and are considered volunteers. Volunteers are not eligible for compensation or federal benefits. All participating volunteers, though not considered to be a Federal employees, do have the following rights as described below:

• The Federal Tort Claims provision published in 28 U.S.C. 2671 through 2680. Claims arising as result of volunteer participation should be referred to the Department of Homeland Security; and
• 5 U.S.C. 8101 through 8193, relative to compensation for injuries sustained during the performance of work assignments. Claims related to injuries should be referred to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, U.S. Department of Labor for adjudication.

Compensation after Completion of Training: Interns who successfully complete the initial training are eligible to receive compensation for the remainder of the internship and are placed on Temporary Not to Exceed Appointments (also known as Non Status Appointments) in the Competitive Service with a not to exceed date of June 2021 as Computer Forensic Analysts. Interns placed on these appointments are limited to placement of one year or less and are subject to termination at any time without the use of adverse action procedures.

Please note: Participants receiving monthly basic pay as a member of the Armed Forces are not eligible for compensation during the paid portion of the internship.

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 paid portion of the internship:

To receive compensation at the GS-05 grade level, you must possess any combination of the following:

1. Four year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree
2. Three years of general experience
   • General experience is defined as three years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level, that demonstrates the ability to:
     • Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions;
     • Plan and organize work; and
     • Communicate effectively orally and in writing

To receive compensation at the GS-07 grade level, you must possess any combination of the following:

1. One full year of graduate level education
2. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and claim eligibility for superior academic achievement based on one of the following:
   • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
   • Class standing in the upper third of the graduating class or major subdivision
   • Membership in a national scholastic honor society
3. 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, installation of computer software, and set up of virtual computer system environments

Interns may be eligible for other methods of financial assistance once selected and approved for the HERO Program provided by our Program Partners. Some interns may also be eligible to receive Vocational Rehabilitation compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs during this time period, please consult with your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor for additional information.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES OR APPLICATION PACKAGES MISSING ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE CONSIDERATION PROCESS.

All complete application packages that meet the eligibility and document requirements will be forwarded to the Program Partners for further consideration.