Do you have a passion for public service? The United States Secret Service (USSS) is looking for you! The USSS is a premier law enforcement organization with two (2) critical national security missions: protect our nation’s leaders and to conduct criminal investigations.
Summary
Do you have a passion for public service? The United States Secret Service (USSS) is looking for you! The USSS is a premier law enforcement organization with two (2) critical national security missions: protect our nation’s leaders and to conduct criminal investigations.
Yes—Telework eligible 2 days per week as approved by agency policy. Must reside in close proximity of Washington, DC to be able to perform duties in the office 3 days a week and on-call to the office on telework days.
Travel Required
25% or less - Occasional travel may be required (Domestically and Internationally)
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Telework eligible 2 days per week as approved by agency policy. Must reside in close proximity of Washington, DC to be able to perform duties in the office 3 days a week and on-call to the office on telework days.
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13 - Appointments may be made at the GS-9, or GS-11 level - the full performance level is GS-13.
All United States citizens; and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligible (only applicable if you have worked in the Federal government).
Qualified applicants will be referred at each grade level for which they qualify. You must submit unofficial transcripts(s) for each degree (i.e. Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D, etc.) that you possess.
Joining the Secret Service, Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division, National Threat Assessment Center will allow you to apply a wide range of behavioral and social science research principles, concepts, and methods which are related to the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior and protective intelligence.
The selectee will serve as a Social Science Research Specialist in the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division, National Threat Assessment Center. Duties will include, but are not limited to:
Performs in-depth analysis and research of broad areas associated with targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and protective intelligence sufficient to provide detailed recommendations regarding the application of research findings to operational policy and protocols.
Writes reports for internal and external distribution, summarizing the research findings and implications.
Provides technical expertise sufficient to communicate established methods and procedures used to establish or define the problem being researched, and isolate data that is pertinent to the study for analysis; develops and executes information sharing initiatives, training and consultative frameworks for diverse audiences to assist with the development of threat assessment programs.
Uses new and innovative research techniques to evaluate, synthesize and summarize data and information to independently conduct research, training and consultative initiatives in regard to targeted violence, other types of violence, terrorism and protective intelligence.
If selected for this position, you will be required to:
Obtain and maintain a top-secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page.
Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
Certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so, if you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959.
Qualifications
You must demonstrate at least one (1) year of the defined specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and meet the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR).
OPMs Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) is defined as:
Degree: behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position (transcripts required); OR 2. Combination of education and experience--that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field (transcripts required). OR 3. Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
AND
GS-09: You qualify for the GS-09 level (starting salary $64,957) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level performing duties such as: performing routine tasks, assignments and research that develops an understanding for the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and intelligence; and performing research, fact-finding, analysis, and evaluation of raw data; or
-Master's or equivalent graduate degree or -2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or -LL.B or J.D., if related; or -A combination of graduate education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $78,592) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level performing duties such as: researching, analyzing, compiling, and interpreting research results; conducting presentations on the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and intelligence; using new and innovative research techniques to evaluate, synthesize, and summarize data collected; and summarizing the research findings and implications; or -Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or -3 full years progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or -LL.M., if related; or -A combination of graduate education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your transcripts, unofficial are acceptable. In order for a graduate degree to meet the education requirements, courses completed as part of the graduate degree must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) to do the work. Please see the "How You Will be Evaluated" section for a list of the KSAs.
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.
Qualifications Must Be Met: The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date listed in this announcement.
Appointments may be made at the GS-09, or GS-11 level and the full performance level is GS-13.
Qualified applicants will be referred at each grade level for which they qualify. You are also required to submit unofficial transcripts(s) for each degree (i.e. Bachelors, Masters and Ph.D, etc.) that you possess if your qualifications will be based on education or to meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR).
Education
If you meet OPM's Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) and if you are qualifying based on education, or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience please see the below requirements:
GS-9: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR
A combination of graduate level education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR A combination of graduate level education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application.
If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your transcripts, unofficial are acceptable. In order for a graduate degree to meet the education requirements, courses completed as part of the graduate degree must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) to do the work. Please see the "How You Will be Evaluated" section for a list of the KSAs.
Additional information
E-Verify Statement: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Click here to learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
It is federal government policy not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties through no fault of their own. For more information on this subject click here.
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.
Our team members continue a tradition of excellence – whether investigating financial crimes or protecting national and visiting foreign leaders. In the USSS we serve the country with duty, loyalty, justice, integrity, and courage.
The Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information’s (SII), Protective Intelligence Division (PID), is responsible for producing threat assessments for USSS protected persons and facilities. In addition, the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) conducts large –scale research projects that have had a great benefit to Federal Government. The information gained through this research is directly applied to the USSS protective mission and is shared with our public safety partners. NTAC works closely with the public, municipal, state and federal partners to ensure public safety.
Apply for this exciting opportunity to conduct research, present research findings, and produce guidance on threat assessment methods and the prevention of targeted violence that poses a potential threat to communities across the country. The Social Science Research Specialist position starts at a salary of $64,957 (GS-9, step 1), or $78,592 (GS-11 step 1) with promotional potential to $145,617 (GS-13, step 10).
Other incentives may be authorized.
Appearance Standards
Employees may wear jewelry or piercings while on duty and while on official travel so long as the employee’s appearance is conservative and professional. However, employees who have observable piercings (other than ear lobe piercings) will be required to remove such piercings while engaging in job duties that require interaction with non-Secret Service entities and organizations and when on official travel. Jewelry, to include wristwatches, may not display any offensive designs, logos, or wording.
Employees who have body markings on arms, legs, or any other area that may be visible when wearing acceptable attire are required to cover up their body markings when performing job duties that require interaction with non-Secret Service entities and organizations or while on official travel. A new employee who indicates they will not remove these prohibited body markings before on-boarding will have their offer of employment withdrawn.
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.
The USSS offers its employees a wide range of benefits including:
Low-Cost Federal health and life insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid leave for personal, recreational, and health needs
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) Plan)
Flexible work schedules
Telework
Transit and child-care subsidies
Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment
Training and development
Recruitment bonus may be paid
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.
Your application will be reviewed on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training relevant to the duties of the position. Upon review, your resume and/or supporting documents need to reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Knowledge of and the ability to apply standardized research principles, concepts and methods from the behavioral sciences, social sciences or related fields.
Ability to prepare reports and other written documents based on research findings and other information.
Skill in presenting and articulating information on research findings.
Ability to conduct research across a variety of electronic and hard copy resources.
"This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) direct-hire authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Applicants who meet the basic requirement and specialized experience for the position will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Veterans’ preference and traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.”
See Qualifications section
Qualified applicants will be referred at each grade level for which they qualify.
Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards as an indicator of quality of prior experience.
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.
The USSS offers its employees a wide range of benefits including:
Low-Cost Federal health and life insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid leave for personal, recreational, and health needs
Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) Plan)
Flexible work schedules
Telework
Transit and child-care subsidies
Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment
Training and development
Recruitment bonus may be paid
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 - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week.
If you are qualifying based oneducation, or the position has an education requirement, or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience (as explained in the Qualifications and Education section), you must submit a copy of your college/university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) it must show school name, student's name, credit earned, degree, and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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. Those with Foreign education, click here.
Special Priority Selection rights under CTAP or ICTAP: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service-connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule a, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency, beginning and ending dates of your appointment.
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.
This position is being advertised via SecretServiceHire which is an automated staffing system. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail. You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Instructions outlining the application process can be found at http://www.secretservice.gov/join/apply/. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the APT Talent Management Division, Administrative, Professional and Technical Staffing Branch at hrsupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the cut-off date of this announcement to receive assistance. The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
United States Secret Service (DHS-USSS)
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20223
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. Click on the "My USAJOBS" tab, enter your user id and password, and click on "My Applications". You will also receive an email notification regarding your application status. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
Special Priority Selection rights under ICTAP: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered well qualified, you must meet the specialized experience and OPM's Individual Occupational Requirements as listed in the Qualifications Section. The subject line of your email should state ICTAP.
*****If you are called for an interview, you must submit two items: 1) A writing sample; 2) A proposal for a research project related to targeted violence and/or threat assessment. In 500 words or less the proposal should describe the research question, method for collecting and analyzing the data, and a plan for disseminating results.*****
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
This position will require a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week.
If you are qualifying based oneducation, or the position has an education requirement, or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience (as explained in the Qualifications and Education section), you must submit a copy of your college/university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) it must show school name, student's name, credit earned, degree, and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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. Those with Foreign education, click here.
Special Priority Selection rights under CTAP or ICTAP: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and/or documentation of service-connected disability. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule a, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee) Agency, beginning and ending dates of your appointment.
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.
This position is being advertised via SecretServiceHire which is an automated staffing system. To begin your online application, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section for more detail. You must complete the application process and submit any required documents no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Instructions outlining the application process can be found at http://www.secretservice.gov/join/apply/. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the APT Talent Management Division, Administrative, Professional and Technical Staffing Branch at hrsupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the cut-off date of this announcement to receive assistance. The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
United States Secret Service (DHS-USSS)
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, District of Columbia 20223
United States
Next steps
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You may check the status of your application for this position by going to www.usajobs.gov. Click on the "My USAJOBS" tab, enter your user id and password, and click on "My Applications". You will also receive an email notification regarding your application status. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.
Special Priority Selection rights under ICTAP: Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered well qualified, you must meet the specialized experience and OPM's Individual Occupational Requirements as listed in the Qualifications Section. The subject line of your email should state ICTAP.
*****If you are called for an interview, you must submit two items: 1) A writing sample; 2) A proposal for a research project related to targeted violence and/or threat assessment. In 500 words or less the proposal should describe the research question, method for collecting and analyzing the data, and a plan for disseminating results.*****
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
This position will require a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
