IMMIGRATION SERVICE ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION)

This position is located in Field Operations Directorate, District 33, Houston Field Office.

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

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

Not required

No

07 - This is a one-graded interval position with full performance to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion progression is from the GS-05 to GS-06 to GS-07.

• Job family (Series)

  1802 Compliance Inspection And Support

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions 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

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

  This position IS in the bargaining unit.

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

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

  Background Investigation:To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.

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

  Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.

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

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

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

  Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires operation of a motor vehicle. You must possess a current valid driver’s license.

  Qualifications

  GS-5: You qualify at the GS-05 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

  • Performing office automation duties using word processing to edit and reformat correspondence and reports.
  • Creating and maintaining spreadsheets/databases. - Responding to inquiries by phone and/or in writing.
  • Reviewing and verifying accuracy and completeness of submitted documents for benefits.
  • You may substitute successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's degree for the experience required at the GS-5 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours

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

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

  GS-07: In addition to the requirements at the lower grade level(s), you qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

  • Analyzing and evaluating cases where expedited screening or resolution of requests for immigration benefits is necessary.
  • Determining whether requests for immigration benefits sought are valid and whether applicant is eligible.
  • Reviewing and screening applications for immigration benefits to ensure validity of documentation submitted and completeness of supporting documentation.
  • Preparing a variety of reports utilizing a number of software applications and retrieving information from other software systems (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, graphics, and word processing).

  The assessments for this job will measure:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork
  • Technology Application
  • Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office
  
  National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build criteria competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience.

  Education

  COMBINING QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION (GS-05 ONLY): If you do not qualify based on experience or education alone, you may be able to qualify based on a combination of your experience and education. For more information on combining education and experience, visit the following website: General Schedule Qualification Standards.

  Transcript required: If you don't submit a transcript, we will not use your education when deciding if you're qualified for the job. For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name and educational institution.

  Additional information

  Special Employment Consideration: The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

  Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

  Additional Information:

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

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

  It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.
  
  Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.

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

  Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.

  
  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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

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

  Creation of this package includes completing the on-line assessment questionnaires, 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 contacted for an interview.

  Veterans: Qualified Veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position IS NOT considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference 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.

  Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligible:If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP or ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ 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.
  
  Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to complete a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing sample and/or other writing exercise as part of its selection process, a designated contractor or Agency representative will contact you to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

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

  
  
  To preview questions please click here.
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  Yes

• Required Documents

  Required Documents

  Resume: You must submit a resume that clearly demonstrates you have experience that meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the “Qualifications” section. USCIS’ Human Resources Office will only review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

  In order to ensure that you include all necessary information within the first 5 pages of your resume, you are highly encouraged to save and submit your resume as a PDF instead of submitting it through Resume Builder or a word-processing program such as Word or Google Docs.

  Your responses to the job questionnaire, which are submitted through the on-line application process in USAJOBS, DO NOT need to be attached as an additional document to your application.

  Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. 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.

  Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." 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 more veterans’ information.

  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.

  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 appointment
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  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.

• Benefits

  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.

  Review our benefits

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

U.S. Citizens