Supervisory Congressional Liaison Specialist

SUPERVISORY CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Citizenship and Immigration Services

Texas Service Center

Overview

Open & closing dates

 07/16/2018 to 07/25/2018

Salary

$110,283 to $143,367 per year

Summary

This position of SUPERVISORY CONGRESSIONAL LIAISON SPECIALIST starts at a salary of $110,283 ?GS-14 grade level, step 01, to $143,367 GS-14 grade level, step 10.

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN THE TEXAS SERVICE CENTER AND MAY BE AT THE 7701 N. STEMMONS FRWY, 8001 N. STEMMONS FRWY, OR 4141 ST. AUGUSTINE RD OR ALL THREE LOCATIONS. IN 2019, THE TEXAS SERVICE CENTER IS EXPECTED TO RELOCATE TO A NEW FACILITY LOCATED AT 6046 N. BELTLINE ROAD, IRVING, TX .

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The responsibilities described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence, and limited complexity.

Manage legislative and congressional outreach program for the organization by planning, developing, directing, coordinating and communicating DHS/USCIS programs, policies and procedures.

Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all Service Center Operations, USCIS programs, activities and related policies.

Develop and maintain a working relationship with key program officials and Congressional staff to remain conversant with the operational needs Recommends and implements policies in coordination with the Office of Legislative Affairs.

Apprise Center Director and Headquarters of any tensions and crises involving implementation and or change of USCIS programs or initiatives.

Utilizes strategic communications in news media with congressional outreach when appropriate.

Monitor trends and problems in immigration processing that effect congressional relations, works with appropriate leadership to amend policies and procedures to resolve common problems.,

In careful coordination with local, regional and national management, formulate strategy for addressing and responding to any Congressional concerns.

Identify congressional staffer training needs, and coordinates efforts with appropriate leadership to address needs.

Analyzes data, prepares and coordinates reports, statistical and other pertinent information regarding the local jurisdiction for congressional activities at both the local and national level as appropriate.

Plans work, set priorities and assign work to staff; prepare performance work plans; evaluate performance of staff; give advice and counsel to subordinates.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status

Yes

Promotion Potential

14

Job family (Series)

0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program

Requirements

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Supervisory/Managerial Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a twelve -month probationary period upon appointment to this position. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement 07/25/2018.

Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement 07/25/2018.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Qualifications

Relocation expenses are authorized if you are a USCIS employee assigned to the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations program and have been approved for rotation from an overseas assignment. Relocation expenses for USCIS employees assigned to an OCONUS location will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to the GS-13 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:

Demonstrating a knowledge of the programs, regulations, policies and procedures related to the legislative process.

Demonstrating a knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and techniques of communication and the ability to apply this knowledge in the development of strategies to disseminate information to appropriate audiences.

Demonstrating a high degree of analytical ability and comprehensive understanding of techniques and methods used to conduct analytical studies and reviews.

Formulating plans, strategies and coordinating extremely sensitive issues and problems.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:

It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable), as it relates to this job opportunity. Please be clear and specific when describing your work history as we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will also be rated and ranked among others 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.

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.

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

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

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.

Background Investigation

To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, this position requires completion and adjudication of 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, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance while encumbering the position.

Special Hiring Authorities

Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, Schedule A, Eligible Family Members: You 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 and to understand the documentation that would be required with your application, click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. We encourage you to apply to USCIS vacancies using these special hiring authorities.

USCIS uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

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.

Additional Information

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.

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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 based upon information reflected in your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the job specific assessment questionnaire, 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.

The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

Influencing/Negotiating

Manages Human Resources

Oral Communication

Research

Technical Competence

Writing

Creation of this package includes completing the on-line assessment questionnaire, uploading your resume, and uploading any required supporting documents.

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 called for an interview. To preview the job questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10259532.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles

If you have never worked for the Federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. Information about CTAP or ICTAP eligibility can be found by clicking here to access OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 95 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

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.

Note:

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

This position is not in the bargaining unit.

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

USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy.

Shift Work: This position may be subject to Shift work. Shift differential may apply.

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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Confidential

Required Documents

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Required Documents

Your resume (No longer than 5 pages in length) that clearly demonstrates experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section. You are highly encouraged to save your resume to a PDF document and upload the PDF document in lieu of submitting your resume created through Resume Builder or other such programs(I.E. Word, Google Docs, Etc.). This helps ensure you meet the 5-page resume limit.

Your responses to the job questionnaire Onlyhttps://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10259532 (submitted through the on-line application process in USA Jobs. Responses DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application)

Are you qualifying based on education? You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). to support the educational substitution, basic educational requirement, or a list of coursework with hours completed. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution. Those with foreign education, click this link.

Veterans: if you are applying for 5-Point Preference you must submit your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) showing your Character of Service. If you are applying for 10-point Preference you must fill out the SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If applying as a disabled veteran, submit a copy of your DD-214 along with the letter from the Veterans Administration, or other formal documentation, that clearly identifies overall rating of 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 closing date of the announcement. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Click here for more veterans' information. You may request a copy of your DD-214 through the E-Benefits Page.

Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit a copy of your official SF-50 (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document that shows the following information:

your appointment in the competitive service.

tenure.

grade and step

full performance level

If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position. SF-50B print screens from NFC are not official documents and are not acceptable. This includes USCIS employees as well. All current DHS employees can print their own SF-50's by accessing the DHS eOPF website. If you have forgotten your user name or password, eOPF offers a self-service feature to assist you.

If you are a current CIS employee and need access information to eOPF, contact USCIS.EOPF@uscis.dhs.gov. For all other agencies please see your servicing Human Resources office.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit:

a copy of your agency notice,

a copy of your most recent performance rating, and

a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

Benefits

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Benefits

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our 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 to Apply

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How to Apply

Your application must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 07/25/2018. 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.

If you are a Federal employee and have received a current performance rating, it is strongly encouraged that a copy accompanies your application submission. Doing so allows the selecting official access to all information surrounding your potential to fulfill the duties and responsibilities commensurate of the position being considered for. Failure to provide may impede the selecting official's understanding of the qualifications and experience that you possess.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Human Resource office listed below at least one business day prior to the closing date for instructions. Applications will not be accepted by mail.

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Agency contact information

 HROC Staffing Help Desk

Phone

952-697-8380

Fax

952-697-8371

Email

HROCStaffingHelpDesk@uscis.dhs.gov

Address

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

70 Kimball Ave

South Burlington, VT

US