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Law Enforcement Specialist

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), in Williston, Vermont.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
11/16/2023 to 11/22/2023
Salary
$38,282 to - $91,231 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Location
Williston, VT
Many vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
ERO-12210874-DE-GMS
Control number
761298400

Duties

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Any applicant that previously applied under vacancy announcement ERO-12191417-DE-GMS must re-apply to this announcement for consideration.

This position is located in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility, specifically the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC), in Williston, Vermont. The LESC serves as a national operations center by providing timely immigration status and identity information to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies on noncitizens suspected, arrested or convicted of criminal activity. Apply for this exciting opportunity in furthering public safety and national security.

Note: This position is NOT a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO), or law enforcement retirement covered position.

As a Law Enforcement Specialist, at the full performance level you will perform the following duties:

  • Collect and analyze precise, accurate information pertaining to noncitizen status and develop reports for dissemination;
  • Conduct and coordinate analytical assignments and/or research projects in support of investigations;
  • Evaluate and interpret findings for submission to engage in data analysis;
  • Analyze the impact of new regulations and directives on local operations and prepare complete and comprehensive written reports; and
  • Represent the agency in outreach programs with various local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation.
  • You must successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the 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.
  • Shift Work and Overtime: The Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) is operational twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This job requires rotating shift work and may require regular and recurring overtime.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

You qualify for the GS-5 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience, one year of which was equivalent to 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; OR
Education: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours; OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-05 grade level. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent.

You qualify for the GS-07 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Determining which automated systems to search based on the nature of an inquiry;
  • Searching various databases to analyze and review information as requested;
  • Receiving and interpreting incoming telephone electronic and written inquiries to submit for higher level review;
  • Preparing written reports of findings; extracting information from files and flawlessly entering them into various databases and/or systems; and
  • Responding to phone calls by triaging and prioritizing time sensitive issues; OR
Education: One (1) full year of graduate level education from an accredited college or university in a field of study which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a GS-7 Law Enforcement Specialist. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement; OR

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for the GS-07 grade level. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent; OR

A Bachelor's Degree with Superior Academic Achievement: The bachelor's degree must be in a field of study which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a GS-7 Law Enforcement Specialist from an accredited university or college. Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
  1. Class standing -- Must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2years of the curriculum.
  1. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.
  • Please note: Grade-point averages will be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9.

You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Conducting interviews, and writing reports from law enforcement case records concerning allegations of violations of the law;
  • Initiating searches from an inquiry and analyzing the information from various automated databases; and
  • Employing a variety of methods and techniques to prepare and complete written reports or findings; OR
Education: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related to the position. Graduate level education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study; OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education more than one (1) year that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

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 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.

???????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.

Education

Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the announcement, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.

Training: Candidates selected will be required to successfully complete the Basic Law Enforcement Specialist Training provided by the agency. If you have previously completed this training or an equivalent, you may submit the certification with your application (Note: Completion of training is subject to verification). This requirement can be met with successful completion of one of the following:

  • ICE ERO Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program; the legacy Immigration Officer Basic Training Course (IOBTC);
  • Border Patrol Academy;
  • Combination of both the legacy Basic Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer Training Course and the ICE ERO Equivalency Training Program (ETP);
  • ICE Special Agent Training Program; the combination of FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program and the ERO Equivalency Training Program for Special Agents (ETPSA) and for legacy US Customs Special Agents;
  • ICE/Customs Special Agent Cross Training Program.
Due to the position requirements no other training will be accepted. Note: If you previously completed one of the training courses listed above, but have had a significant break of three years or more from a position that initially required this training, you will be required to complete a 1 week refresher.

Additional information

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

E-Verify: DHS 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.

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 Secret Clearance 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.

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.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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 minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will use an Assessment Questionnaire to place you in one of three categories based on your experience, education and training. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Problem Solving
  • Reading
  • Technical Competence

If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
  1. Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
  2. Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
  3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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 eligible and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligible within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

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