What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intelligence Research Specialist position at US Office of the Inspector General?
Duties
The Office of Investigations is responsible for investigating and bringing to the appropriate criminal and civil justice system those individuals and organizations involved in financial, professional, civil, or criminal misconduct relating to DHS programs and operations. Being a Intelligence Research Specialist makes you a valuable member of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Investigations (INV).You will be responsible for completing analytical proactive and reactive intelligence activities within INV. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise on DHS data sources, conducts intelligence analyses that result in Intelligence Analysis Reports (IARs), generates new high impact cases from DHS and other data sources, and mentors and guides other analysts. Typical assignments include:
- Mastery knowledge of generally accepted investigative principles, techniques, methods, equipment and procedures in order to conduct the full range of intelligence activities, devise and improvise ways and means of accomplishing goals and objectives effectively and expeditiously.
- Mastery knowledge of federal laws and rules pertaining to intelligence procedures, relevant and precedent setting constitutional and statutory laws, court decisions and principles sufficient to conduct in-depth intelligence analysis; and coordinate and conduct research and analysis of cases.
- Knowledge of many and varied complex department programs and operations as well as comprehensive knowledge of laws, policies, regulations, statutes, directives, procedures and instructions governing, affecting and pertaining to department activities.
- Manages a number of projects and a constantly changing workload in line with the operational tempo of ongoing criminal investigations. Identifies, obtains, and evaluates relevant data from classified and unclassified sources of information including, but not limited to; investigative reports, open source reporting, commercial and government databases, subpoenaed information, case files, informant debriefings, seized documents, and other foreign, federal, state or local agency reporting.
- Conducts analysis of investigative cases (Financial crimes, program fraud, contract fraud, public corruption) access, collect, examine, and analyze data, evidence, and other information from a variety of sources, including public access and law enforcement databases.
- Conduct independent research, reconstruct complicated events, establish possible criminal associations, detect trends, and develop case specific subject profiles, prepare link analysis in highly complex criminal investigations.
- Produces Intelligence Analysis Reports (IAR), which contain well sourced, accurate written analyses related to criminal investigations and which are used in court proceedings.
- Provides oral briefings to agents and prosecutors to convey the results of analyses and to articulate and defend methodology. Provides expert testimony in grand jury or at trials regarding the results of the analyses. Providing Mentoring Guidance to junior analytical staff. Mentors other staff in the use of analytical tools and databases. Provides briefings to senior management officials at the executive level.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
- You must successfully pass a background investigation
- You must be able to obtain TOP SECRET/ SCI security clearance
- You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing
- Financial disclosure is required
- Selective Service registration required
- Completion of one year probationary period may be required.
Qualifications
For the GS-9: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience at this level includes:1)Identifying, aggregating, and analyzing information from numerous and varied sources, such as investigative reports, open sources, commercial and government databases, subpoenaed information; classified sources, case files, etc.;2) Using databases (i.e. intelligence, law enforcement, transactional, academic) to generate statistical or other analytical reports;3) Drafting reports that contain original analyses and conclusions.
OR
I have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or I have 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related OR I have a combination of the above-defined education and experience which has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position successfully.
For the GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience at this level includes:1)Identifying, aggregating, and analyzing information from numerous and varied sources, such as investigative reports, open sources, commercial and government databases, subpoenaed information, classified sources, case files, etc.;2) Maintaining and modifying databases (i.e. intelligence, law enforcement, transactional, academic) to generate statistical or other analytical reports;3) Using critical thinking to make connections across datasets and generate new insights;4) Performing liaison and coordination functions with counterparts in other organizations;5) Drafting multiple, complex reports that contain original analyses, conclusions and recommendations.
OR
I have a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M. OR I have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
For the GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level includes:1)Using a variety of intelligence-gathering methods such as link analyses, financial analyses, crime mapping, and telephone toll record analyses;2)Identifying, aggregating, and analyzing information from numerous and varied sources, such as investigative reports, open sources, commercial and government databases, subpoenaed information, classified sources, case files, etc.;3) Maintaining and modifying databases (i.e. intelligence, law enforcement, transactional, academic) to generate statistical or other analytical reports;4) Using critical thinking to make connections across datasets and generate new insights;5) Performing liaison and coordination functions with counterparts in other organizations;6) Drafting multiple, complex reports that contain original analyses, conclusions and recommendations.
For the GS-13: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience at this level includes:1) Independently identifying, aggregating, and analyzing data from numerous and varied sources of information (i.e. investigative reports, classified sources, open-source reporting, commercial and government databases, subpoenaed information, case files, informant debriefings, seized documents and other foreign federal, state, or local agency reporting);2) Preparing complex research study reports, statistical compilations, or other written intelligence materials in support of case activity;3) Conducting strategic analyses at a regional or national level that have an impact beyond that of a single case or that impact major policy or operational decisions;4) Using multiple analysis types, such as link analysis, financial analysis, network analysis, statistical analysis, or other analytical methods.
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.
The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 12/28/2022 of this announcement.
Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date 12/28/2022of this announcement.
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.
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.
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 those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for TOP SECRET/ SCI as a condition of placement into this position.
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.
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.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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 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 basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job:
- Data Management
- Knowledge Management
- Oral Communication
- Research Analysis
- Written Communication
If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11749591.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veterans must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under
Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.)
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 well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn 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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
The following information must be received by 11:59 EST on the 12/28/2022.
- Content of Resume: Your resume, or other written form you choose to describe your job-related experiences are used to verify your qualifications. It is important that your resume reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total number of hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified, and you will no longer be considered for this position. To assist you with sending a complete resume, use the "What-to-Include" checklist on the USAJOBS Help Center.
- SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action- If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the position for which you are using to qualify. Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. If you are unable to provide your most recent SF-50, you should submit a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable. This explanation should include your Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential. Failure to submit the required SF50 document or statement of explanation will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures.
- Recent Performance Appraisal -If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your current Fiscal Year (ex. FY2022) Performance Appraisal showing you have performed at an acceptable level. If you are unable to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal you must submit a written explanation as to why it was not obtainable. In this explanation you should include your final rating. Failure to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal or a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable will disqualify you from further consideration.
- DD-214 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other equivalent documentation to prove your entitlement and to verify your type of discharge. Failure to provide this information may result in your application not receiving preference.
- VA Letter and SF-15 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based on a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 or other proof of entitlement as described above; and SF-15, and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later. Failure to provide this documentation may result in your application not receiving preference. (Please see veteran eligibility documentation for more information on veterans' preference in federal hiring).
- Active-Duty Service Members - If you are veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veteran Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Agencies are required to accept, process, and grant tentative veterans' preference to those active-duty service members who submit a certification (in lieu of a DD-214) along with their job application materials. Agencies must verify the individual meets the definition of 'preference eligible' under 5 U.S.C. 2108 prior to appointment. A '"certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. NOTE: If you provide a certification at the time of application, your preference eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. More information may be found at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-employment-initiative/vet-guide/
- Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to https://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx.
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.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes 1) your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, 2) your resume, and 3) any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the required documents section).
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
Resume Requirements:- DHS-OIG Human Resources will 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. Candidate will not be disqualified if they exceed the 5-page limit, however only the first 5 pages will be considered.
- Resumes should focus on the relevant, significant knowledge, skills, abilities; accomplishments and results; training and education related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement. Please be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Copying and pasting position descriptions into a resume is not acceptable.
- DHS-OIG Human Resources strongly recommend candidates construct their resumes in the following format for each position held relevant to this position:
- Short summary of position duties
- Accomplishments while in the position
- Results of those accomplishments
- If your supporting documents and resume are illegible or do not provide the necessary information for the Human Resources Specialist and/or Subject Matter Expert to make a qualification determination, you may lose consideration for this position.
- If multiple copies of the same document are uploaded/faxed and submitted with your application, DHS-OIG will only consider the last copy of the document uploaded/faxed when determining your eligibility and qualifications. For example, if you upload/fax two or more resumes only the last resume uploaded/faxed and submitted will be considered.
The completed online Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/28/2022.
The following applicants can be considered under Merit Promotion eligibles (also known as "status candidates"):- Current career or career-conditional employees: http://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Career_vs._Career_Conditional
- 30% Disabled Veterans: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx
- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx
- Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA): http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shav/index.aspx
- Certain Military Spouses: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/shams/index.aspx
- Reinstatement: http://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/What_is_reinstatement?_Am_I_eligible?
- Family Member Preference (Derived Preference): http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/familypref/index.aspx
- A severely physically handicapped Schedule A appointment: Please submit a certification from a State or District of Columbia rehabilitation counselor indicating that you can perform the duties of this position and are eligible for an excepted appointment based on a physical or mental disability.
- A former Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteers appointment: Please submit documentation indicating your volunteer service in order to be considered.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
Agency contact information
Applicant Inquiry DHS-OIG
Email
Applicant.Inquiry@oig.dhs.gov
Address
Office of Inspector General
245 Murray Lane SW
Washington, DC 20528
USNext steps
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Note: It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information."
If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
Interview (If applicable): Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
The following information must be received by 11:59 EST on the 12/28/2022.
- Content of Resume: Your resume, or other written form you choose to describe your job-related experiences are used to verify your qualifications. It is important that your resume reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total number of hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified, and you will no longer be considered for this position. To assist you with sending a complete resume, use the "What-to-Include" checklist on the USAJOBS Help Center.
- SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action- If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the position for which you are using to qualify. Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. If you are unable to provide your most recent SF-50, you should submit a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable. This explanation should include your Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential. Failure to submit the required SF50 document or statement of explanation will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures.
- Recent Performance Appraisal -If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your current Fiscal Year (ex. FY2022) Performance Appraisal showing you have performed at an acceptable level. If you are unable to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal you must submit a written explanation as to why it was not obtainable. In this explanation you should include your final rating. Failure to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal or a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable will disqualify you from further consideration.
- DD-214 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other equivalent documentation to prove your entitlement and to verify your type of discharge. Failure to provide this information may result in your application not receiving preference.
- VA Letter and SF-15 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based on a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 or other proof of entitlement as described above; and SF-15, and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later. Failure to provide this documentation may result in your application not receiving preference. (Please see veteran eligibility documentation for more information on veterans' preference in federal hiring).
- Active-Duty Service Members - If you are veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veteran Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Agencies are required to accept, process, and grant tentative veterans' preference to those active-duty service members who submit a certification (in lieu of a DD-214) along with their job application materials. Agencies must verify the individual meets the definition of 'preference eligible' under 5 U.S.C. 2108 prior to appointment. A '"certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. NOTE: If you provide a certification at the time of application, your preference eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. More information may be found at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/veterans-employment-initiative/vet-guide/
- Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to https://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx.
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.
This job is open to
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.
Clarification from the agency
Current federal employees who hold or held a non-temporary career or career-conditional appointment Persons eligible for reinstatement Persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special hiring authorities Veterans' preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing at least 3 consecutive years of active duty Military Spouses
Salary : $61,947 - $138,868