Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

IMMIGRATION SERVICES ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION) (RECENT GRADUATE)

Department of Homeland Security
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Northeast Regional Office
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in Field Operations Directorate, Office of Field Operations, Northeast Regional Field Offices.

As an IMMIGRATION SERVICES ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION), you will support the Adjudication Services Process by assisting Immigration Services Officers, manage files, databases, and correspondence, provide security checks, research, and analyze data, prepare reports and provide direct service to customers.

Overview

Help
Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
05/23/2022 to 05/27/2022
Salary
$36,118 - $60,836 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 05 - 06
Locations
Hartford, CT
MANY vacancies
Indianapolis, IN
MANY vacancies
Louisville, KY
MANY vacancies
Boston, MA
MANY vacancies
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be required to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent Graduates
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
07 - This is a one-graded interval position with full performance to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion progression is from the GS-05 to GS-06 to GS-07.
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Announcement number
NER-2022-0010
Control number
655807200

Duties

Help
  • As a participant in the Pathways Recent Graduates Program, you will receive both formal and on-the-job training to develop the required knowledge and skill to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position.
  • The responsibilities described are for the GS-07 grade level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity.
  • Pre-screening various applications and submissions by USCIS customers for accuracy and completeness of initial supporting documentation.
  • Scheduling applicant appointments, communicating directly with applicants and their representatives.
  • Performing analysis on files, reports, and information systems and databases to update information and maintain data integrity.
  • Producing highly sensitive and secure documents.
  • Identifying incoming applications that require expedited service or requests for fee waivers and channel those through the correct work process.
  • Editing and creating office documents and correspondence using office automation software, i.e. graphics, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
  • Managing individual case files, accounting for the movement of files to other locations, conducting audits of files and acting as a records liaison with other agencies

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position
  • Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure
  • You must pass a drug screening
  • You must submit resume and supporting documentation
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
  • Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding

Pathways Participant Agreement: All Recent Graduates are required to sign the Pathways Program Participant Agreement which outlines program requirements and non-competitive conversion eligibility.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

This position is not considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.

Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position; (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity, OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.

Background Investigation:To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include 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. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.

If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position.

Typing Certification: Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. You can self-certify by submitting a statement that you can type this speed.

General Office Skills: Applicants must possess knowledge of general office automation software, practices, and procedures.

Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

This is a Recent Graduate position in the Pathways Program. Selected individuals are placed in a dynamic one year developmental program in the excepted service designed to lead to a civil service career in the Federal government. At the successful conclusion of this program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term or permanent position in the competitive service. Conversion to a Federal competitive service position will be at the discretion of the agency and is neither guaranteed nor implied.

THE PHYSICAL DUTY STATION FOR THE QUEENS FIELD OFFICE, NEW YORK FIELD OFFICE AND BROOKLYN FIELD OFFICE IS THE JACOB K. JAVITS FEDERAL BUILDING AT 26 FEDERAL PLAZA, NEW YORK, NY 10278. THE PHYSICAL DUTY LOCATION FOR THE LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE IS HOLTSVILLE, NEW YORK.

THE NEWARK FIELD OFFICE WILL BE OPENING A CENTRAL NEW JERSEY OFFICE IN CRANBURY TOWNSHIP, NJ IN CALENDAR YEAR 2022. SOME POSITIONS FILLED THROUGH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE RELOCATED TO THE NEW OFFICE LOCATION ONCE IT OPENS. THIS FIELD OFFICE WILL BE LOCATED IN CRANBURY TOWNSHIP MIDDLESEX, NJ AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 8 CEDARBROOK DRIVE, CRANBURY, NJ 08512.

GS-05: You qualify at the GS-05 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

  • Performing office automation duties using word processing to edit and reformat correspondence and reports.
  • Creating and maintaining spreadsheets/databases.
  • Responding to inquiries by phone and/or in writing.
  • Reviewing and verifying accuracy and completeness of submitted documents for benefits. OR
  • You may substitute successful completion of four (4) years of education above high school for the experience required at the GS-5 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. Appropriate combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience also may be used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-5 grade level.

GS-06: In addition to the requirements at the lower grade level(s), to qualify at the GS-06 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

  • Performing office automation duties requiring different approaches and methods from one assignment to another.
  • Reviewing and screening applications for benefits to ensure validity of documentation submitted.
  • Providing routine information and assistance on applications for benefits.
  • Maintaining subject matter files, technical instructions, and/or operating procedures. 

The assessments for this job will measure the following competencies:

  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Flexibility
  • Technical Competence
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork
  • Technology Application
  • Writing

Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application:  It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement.  Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. USCIS will only review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your initial eligibility/qualifications for a position.  As such, please be sure to include content to support your eligibility/qualifications for this position within the first 5 pages. Please note that your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.  Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.  Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

  • Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
  • Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
  • Employer's name and address
  • Supervisor name and phone number
  • Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
  • Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Salary

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.

Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.

Federal Experience:If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.

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

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 criteria 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 service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience.

Education

RECENT GRADUATE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY To meet the Program requirements, you must have obtained a qualifying degree to include an Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, OR obtained a Vocational, Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous two years. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to to their military service obligation, begin their two year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years from the date on which the degree or certification was completed.

Transcript required:  You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name, the name of the institution, and the date your degree or certification was conferred. If you don't submit a transcript, we will not use your education when deciding if you're qualified for the job. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution.

Additional information

Multiple / Location Negotiable:  The actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and location of the selectee(s) and/or position. You may be expected to report for work at a local USCIS facility based on the needs of the hiring office.  View the 2022 Locality Pay Charts for more information. 

Location Selection Limit: Announcement is open to multiple locations. Applicants are limited to selecting ONE location only.

Special Employment Consideration: 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.

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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Additional Information:

USCIS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.

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 position and placed in one of the three categories below based upon information reflected in your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the job specific assessment questionnaires, level of education claimed, experience, and/or training. To remain in consideration for this position, please ensure your resume covers this requirement and that your resume has been successfully submitted as part of your on-line application package.

  • Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
  • Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of the evaluation criteria.
  • Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Creation of this package includes completing two on-line assessments (technical assessment which measures your experience and an Predictive assessment which measure your cognitive ability and soft skills) , uploading your resume, and uploading any required supporting documents. (See the “How To Apply” section of this announcement.)

NOTE: Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. If you rated yourself higher than what is supported by your application material, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

If you are found best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview.

Veterans: Qualified Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position is not considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to complete a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of its selection process, a designated contractor or Agency representative will contact you to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Conditions of Employment Reminder: If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Citizenship and Immigration Services

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; Join DHS.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. We uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve. Visit uscis.gov/careers for more information.

Agency contact information

HROC Staffing Help Desk
Phone
952-697-8380
Fax
952-697-8371
Email
hrocstaffinghelpdesk@uscis.dhs.gov
Address
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
70 Kimball Avenue
South Burlington, Vermont 05403
United States

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.