The incumbent serves as a Special Agent with the responsibility for planning, conducting and coordinating extremely complex and highly sensitive investigations related to fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Agency programs and operations.
Summary
The incumbent serves as a Special Agent with the responsibility for planning, conducting and coordinating extremely complex and highly sensitive investigations related to fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in Agency programs and operations.
This Merit Promotion position is open to Current Federal Employees and Former Federal Employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may also apply such as Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A), former Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Vista volunteers; or individuals eligible under various programs for Veterans (VRA, VEOA, 30% disabled). Additional selections may be made.
Independently conducts extremely complex, difficult, and highly sensitive investigations into criminal and non-criminal cases involving persons and property under the charge and control of the Agency
Conducts extremely sensitive investigations may include violations of Standards of Conduct within the Agency involving high-level Agency officials.
Conducts interviews, interrogations, investigations and inspections involving issues such as government employee misconduct, fraud against the agency
Conducts onsite inquiries of reprisals and other casework that may include the use of confidential funds, financial crimes, procurement or contract fraud schemes and electronic crimes.
Conducts law enforcement activities including but not limited to discovery, collection and preservation of physical evidence of crimes and violations. Executes search and arrest warrants, plans and executes investigative and operational plans.
Conducts government workplace searches, administers oaths, maintains knowledge of current trends in criminal activities, properly operates vehicles in emergency or non-emergency situations,.
Conducts threat assessments and uses force when necessary to protect oneself and others.
Maintains and applies current knowledge of laws, especially regarding the rights and warning of U.S. Citizens, including government employees; government workplace searches; fraud against the U.S.; the Federal Rules of Discovery.
Plans, coordinates and initiates contacts with Federal, State, and local officials; and other key officials related to matters under investigation for the purpose of obtaining facts, signed statements, explanation of actions.
Plans and coordinates the investigative activities of lower graded criminal investigators assigned to assist on extremely complex and sensitive investigations. Provides technical information.
Advisee and guidance on problem situations. Considers geographic and time distribution in order to validate allegations, gather evidence, and relate events to the milestones and critical points in the progress of the case.
Advises Special Agent in Charge and Senior Special Agent on investigative activities and reports including direction and progress of investigation; significant findings and developments
Verbally reports facts and findings accurately in a concise, logical and objective manner to senior officials, external and internal customers, and provides testimony in civil, criminal, administrative or quasi-legal proceedings
Prepares interim and comprehensive final investigative reports for prosecutive and management officials. Responsible for the coordination and integration of investigative findings.
Prepares sworn witness statements, correspondence, drafts and final investigative reports, affidavits for search and arrest warrants; writes analysis of investigative findings and conclusions.
Conducts research by reviewing records such as financial statements, bank, payroll or phone records, ledgers, reports, case files and/or correspondence for investigative leads, potential evidentiary value, and compliance enforcement .
All application materials must be received by the closing date.
Applicants must be in good standing.
Applicants must have a fully successful rating of record.
Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.
Requests for copies of application documents will not be accepted.
All application forms submitted become the property of SSA Human Resources.
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. See Additional Information section.
Qualifications
The position of Criminal Investigator falls within the 1811 occupational series. To qualify for this position at grade GS-13, you must meet Time-in-Grade requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 12/12/2021.
Time-in-Grade: Any individual who is currently holding, or has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet time-in-grade requirements (must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade. GS-13, or equivalent in the Federal service) by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement listed above, this position requires experience directly related to the position to be filled which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. GS-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-12 in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience includes: extensive experience working with investigative techniques, federal laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to criminal investigations; and experience in leading a criminal investigation or investigative program area OR experience investigating, apprehending, arresting and detaining individuals related to alleged violations of federal or state laws; testifying in federal or state court; securing search and arrest warrants through process of affidavit; collecting evidence in compliance with applicable laws and procedures; developing intelligence data on individuals and organizations known or suspected of criminal activity; and performing undercover assignments.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks at GS-12.
Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS POSITION:
Tentative selectee must pass a criminal records check and a credit check prior to receiving further consideration.
This is a critical-sensitive position. The selected employee will be required to complete a Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, in order to have the appropriate investigation conducted, unless the employee has been previously certified eligible to occupy a position at this level.
The selected employee will not be made a final offer of employment until after we receive notice of the completion of a successful background investigation.
Selectee will be required to pass firearms qualification and may be required to carry a firearm. The selectee will be required to attend a course of instruction on the proper use of Oleoresin Capsicum spray (OCS), which is the oily resin of pepper. This instruction includes being exposed to OCS so that knowledge of its effects can be gained.
This position is covered by the special retirement provision for Federal Law Enforcement Officers (FLEO). Selectee without previous FLEO service must be at least 21 years of age and not yet 37 years of age or older on the date of appointment. This requirement does not apply to preference eligible veterans.
Selectee newly assigned to the Criminal Investigator position MUST successfully complete the 9-week Criminal Investigator Program training course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Glynco, Georgia.Some travel is required and a valid state driver's license is required.
Selectee must sign a mobility agreement to accept relocation to other geographic locations if required by the agency.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS, DRUG URINALYSIS, PRE-EMPLOYMENT SECURITY CLEARANCE:Tentative selectee(s) must pass a pre-appointment physical examination. The duties of positions in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning in order that applicants may perform the duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, corrective lenses permitted must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. Hearing loss, as measured by an audiometer, must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible, and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself or others is disqualifying.
Tentative selectee(s) will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment unless currently an SSA employee occupying a position already in a random drug testing program. Appointment to the position is contingent upon a negative test result. After appointment the employee will be included in the agency's random drug test program.
This position is subject to the Lautenberg Amendment/Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Additional information
WHO MAY APPLY: Applications will only be accepted from applicants eligible for one of the following categories.
Federal employees currently serving under career or career conditional appointments;
Federal employees currently serving under the following types of appointments: Schedule A, Reg. 213.3102 (U) appointments for individuals with disabilities;
Former Federal employees eligible for reinstatement (i.e., those who have career status or separated from a career-conditional appointment less than 3 years ago);
Current or former Federal employees eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP); or
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) Eligibles (i.e., Preference-eligible veterans OR veterans who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous service).
Federal employees serving under excepted service appointments with competitive service compatibility (e.g. Postal Service, Foreign Service, an agency with an interchange agreement, etc.) may be eligible to apply. Please visit Excepted Service Appointments with Competitive Service Compatibility for more information.
NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration.
Position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in a component(s) under the same Deputy Commissioner. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued.
COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than November 22, 2021 and submit documentation of vaccination by November 23, 2021 OR shortly after appointment or onboarding with SSA, if this occurs after November 22, 2021. At the time of selection, SSA will provide additional information regarding what documentation you must provide and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement.
LOCALITY PAY: Salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Candidates currently receiving a higher locality pay than the office applied for are advised that should they be selected, they will lose entitlement to the higher locality pay.
OTHER NOTES:
This position is not eligible for telework.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This is a critical sensitive position. The selected employee will be required to complete a Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, in order to have the appropriate investigation conducted, unless the employee has been previously certified eligible to occupy a position at this level.
Please view the salary table for your location here: Salary Table
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.
Applicants will be rated based on the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of criminal investigative procedures and techniques. (40 Points)
Knowledge of federal laws, regulations, court procedures, and rules of evidence. (40 Points)
Ability to work with others, especially with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. (40 Points)
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.(40 Points)
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 provide all of the information necessary to make qualifications and eligibility determinations (e.g., experience related to your qualifications for this position, grade levels and dates of your current and prior positions, etc.). SSA employees may submit an SSA-45.
Your resume must specifically demonstrate, in your own words, the possession of the required experience related to the minimum qualifications, selective placement factors and/or evaluation criteria. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria, KSAs and/or position description will not be considered. If this occurs, you may lose consideration for one or more grade levels or found ineligible.
SF-50
If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that that reflects your grade/step, possession of time-in-grade (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment dated more than one year ago), and career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service. You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to prove possession of time-in-grade. Current SSA employees are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must also submit your separation SF-50 showing your separation was not for performance or conduct reasons.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal. You must also include an explanation if you have changed agencies and have not yet received a performance appraisal from your new agency. If you are a new Federal employee who has not yet received a performance rating, you must upload an explanation.
Current SSA employees and VEOA applicants are not required to submit performance appraisals.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT (VEOA)
The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) includes those eligible for veterans' preference OR have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service, including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters.
Peace Corp. Documents: If applying under this authority you must provide a signed Description of Service document as proof of NCE. This is usually attached on the last page before their Country Director's signature.
NOTE: If you are a current Federal employee eligible under VEOA, you are subject to the time-in-grade requirement and must submit an SF-50 as required above.
INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP)
If you are applying for selection priority under ICTAP, you must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility: a separation notice; a Notice of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting your separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statements
Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or in your SSA-45 may be subject to verification. By completing the electronic application process, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The Occupational Questionnaire: Click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account and follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire.
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (See Required Documents section).
The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on 12/17/2021. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Patrick Woods at Patrick.Woods@ssa.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email, standard mail, or facsimile sent directly to the Servicing Personnel Office. Applicants are required to file through the online application process. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
OIG
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
RESUME
Your resume must provide all of the information necessary to make qualifications and eligibility determinations (e.g., experience related to your qualifications for this position, grade levels and dates of your current and prior positions, etc.). SSA employees may submit an SSA-45.
Your resume must specifically demonstrate, in your own words, the possession of the required experience related to the minimum qualifications, selective placement factors and/or evaluation criteria. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria, KSAs and/or position description will not be considered. If this occurs, you may lose consideration for one or more grade levels or found ineligible.
SF-50
If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must submit a Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) that that reflects your grade/step, possession of time-in-grade (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment dated more than one year ago), and career or career-conditional tenure in the competitive service. You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to prove possession of time-in-grade. Current SSA employees are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a former Federal employee with reinstatement eligibility, you must also submit your separation SF-50 showing your separation was not for performance or conduct reasons.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL
If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal. You must also include an explanation if you have changed agencies and have not yet received a performance appraisal from your new agency. If you are a new Federal employee who has not yet received a performance rating, you must upload an explanation.
Current SSA employees and VEOA applicants are not required to submit performance appraisals.
VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ACT (VEOA)
The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) includes those eligible for veterans' preference OR have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service, including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters.
Peace Corp. Documents: If applying under this authority you must provide a signed Description of Service document as proof of NCE. This is usually attached on the last page before their Country Director's signature.
NOTE: If you are a current Federal employee eligible under VEOA, you are subject to the time-in-grade requirement and must submit an SF-50 as required above.
INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP)
If you are applying for selection priority under ICTAP, you must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility: a separation notice; a Notice of Personnel Action (SF-50) documenting your separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statements
Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or in your SSA-45 may be subject to verification. By completing the electronic application process, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
The Occupational Questionnaire: Click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account and follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire.
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (See Required Documents section).
The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on 12/17/2021. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Patrick Woods at Patrick.Woods@ssa.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email, standard mail, or facsimile sent directly to the Servicing Personnel Office. Applicants are required to file through the online application process. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
OIG
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
