This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Digital Investigations Branch.
This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Digital Investigations Branch.
Current Federal employees serving under career or career-conditional competitive service appointments, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, or persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special appointment authorities. Veterans who are preference eligible or separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
Duties at the full performance level GS-14 include but are not limited to:
Conducts and coordinates investigations into intrusions of HHS systems or situations where a computer or other electronic means is used as a weapon in the commission of a crime.
Serves as a technical expert for crime scene searches concerning electronic evidence.
Coordinates and conducts interviews with suspects, witnesses, and informants during case development.
Conducting investigative examinations that are consistent with those standards established by HHS/OIG/OI/DIB, CIGIE, and the Department of Justice.
Provides forensic support and expertise through the scientific analysis of electronic evidence.
Analyzing complaints and allegations to determine patterns and trends of these criminal acts and recommends appropriate action to be taken.
Designs and implements intrusion detection and analysis tools.
Testing forensic software and other appropriate automated analytical tools to meet diverse investigative requirements.
Recover evidentiary data from Microsoft, UNIX and other network-based systems penetrated by unauthorized parties.
Planning, coordinating and initiating contacts with Federal, State and local officials; the private sector, the technical community; the law enforcement community, and individuals responsible for research and development projects for the purpose of discovering new techniques and validation methods and resolving complex electronic evidence examination problems.
Testifies before Grand Juries, courts of law, or administrative hearings in support of forensic examinations, complex expert opinions, or other investigative matters.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
One-year probationary period may be required.
Time in grade must be met within 30 days of closing date of announcement.
Valid U.S Driver License required.
Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) is required.
Medical Examination and Drug Testing required.
Must be able to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret/ SCI Clearance.
If selected, you will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement.
Qualifications
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 04/10/2026
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Training Requirements: Successful completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or an approved equivalent is required. Must successfully qualify with OI-issued firearms on an approved course of fire and successfully complete OI Control Tactics training program. Appointments to this position will be terminated if all of the above are not satisfactorily completed.
Minimum Age Requirements:The minimum entry age for this position is 21 years of age and the maximum entry age for this position is 36 years of age (the date of appointment must be no later than the date immediately preceding the 37th birthday) unless you have sufficient prior Federal service in a covered law enforcement position.
Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, applicants MUST meet the additional requirements below:
Minimum Qualification Requirements For the GS-13 level:
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:(1) Conducting criminal investigations, particularly as they relate to computer crime; (2) Planning, coordinating and conducting extensive and extremely complex investigations with Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials, in particular the use of technology; and (3) Conducting forensic examinations of seized electronic storage devices.
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. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm and must meet the Lautenberg Amendment requirements as described in Title 18, USC Section 992 (g). Any person who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor or crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm. The term convicted as defined by the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set-aside, pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as the restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or crimes of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not eligible for this position.
Law Enforcement Retirement: This position meets the eligibility criteria for law enforcement retirement under both the Civil Service Retirement Systems (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the federal government) of any age with at least twenty-five years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are subject to mandatory retirement. This position is approved for Primary Law Enforcement coverage under 5 (USC) 8331 (20) or 5 USC 8401 (17).
Additional information
Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses will not be authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Private sector work experience will not be approved as credit for your Annual Leave accrual.
Security and Background Requirements: A Top Secret / SCI clearance may be required to be obtained and maintained and a credit check is required. If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Career Transition Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Documentation: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility. Appropriate documentation such as a reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, an SF-50 reflecting your RIF separation, or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function to another commuting area. You MUST also submit documentation to reflect your current (or last) performance rating of record along with your application package. Those eligible for consideration will need to be rated as well-qualified at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position in order to exercise selection priority. For more information about ICTAP, go to: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition.
EEO Statement: HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.
Disabled Veteran Leave: HHS OIG participates in the Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act of 2015. To learn more about this benefit, please go to: Disabled Veteran Leave (opm.gov).
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act ("Fair Chance Act"): The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) prohibits federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history record prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the FCA. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the FCA may submit a written complaint to the Department by email at FairChanceAct@hhs.gov.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.
Your resume will be evaluated by a subject matter expert to determine if you meet the qualifications for the position and will serve as a basis for referral to the hiring official.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Criminal Investigation
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Oral Communication
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Technology Application
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar across HHS.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
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.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume (Two page limit)
Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire
Most Recent SF-50 (indicating time in grade, highest grade and step attained
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, COULD AFFECT YOU RECEIVING CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Law Enforcement SF-50 - Applicants age 37 or over, or those who will reach age 37 at any time during the process up to entry on duty must submit proof of a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions. Documentation must include two SF-50s with the earliest and most recent dates serving in a covered Law Enforcement Officer position or as defined in 5 USC 8336(c) so that the number of months can be determined. Examples of applicable retirement codes in Box 30 include but are not limited to: 6, E, M, MF, MR, O, OF and OR. Candidates who have a break in their time serving as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer must provide ALL applicable non-award SF-50s.
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Other Supporting Documents: (Only submit if applicable to you)
College transcript (if qualifying all or in part based on your education
Veterans' Preference documentation - If you are a veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy - 4) and, if applicable, and Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces that supports your claim.
Your Resume must clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. For each position you must describe your duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities. Your resume must also include the month and year that you began and ended for each position held. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated on your resume. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Not providing this information may result in the lowering of your assessment score or an ineligible rating. Resume must be limited to two-pages to receive consideration. For resume writing guidance, please visit the USAJobs Resource Center.
For additional résumé and application tips:
For information on how to build or upload a resume, as well as other resume topics, visit the USA Jobs resume help: USA Jobs Help: Resume
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.
Resume must be limited to two-pages to receive consideration.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received on-line via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/10/2026 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
OIG Office of Investigations
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume (Two page limit)
Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire
Most Recent SF-50 (indicating time in grade, highest grade and step attained
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, COULD AFFECT YOU RECEIVING CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Law Enforcement SF-50 - Applicants age 37 or over, or those who will reach age 37 at any time during the process up to entry on duty must submit proof of a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions. Documentation must include two SF-50s with the earliest and most recent dates serving in a covered Law Enforcement Officer position or as defined in 5 USC 8336(c) so that the number of months can be determined. Examples of applicable retirement codes in Box 30 include but are not limited to: 6, E, M, MF, MR, O, OF and OR. Candidates who have a break in their time serving as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer must provide ALL applicable non-award SF-50s.
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Other Supporting Documents: (Only submit if applicable to you)
College transcript (if qualifying all or in part based on your education
Veterans' Preference documentation - If you are a veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy - 4) and, if applicable, and Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces that supports your claim.
Your Resume must clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. For each position you must describe your duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities. Your resume must also include the month and year that you began and ended for each position held. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated on your resume. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Not providing this information may result in the lowering of your assessment score or an ineligible rating. Resume must be limited to two-pages to receive consideration. For resume writing guidance, please visit the USAJobs Resource Center.
For additional résumé and application tips:
For information on how to build or upload a resume, as well as other resume topics, visit the USA Jobs resume help: USA Jobs Help: Resume
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.
Resume must be limited to two-pages to receive consideration.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received on-line via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/10/2026 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
OIG Office of Investigations
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
