U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services secures America’s promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system. Visit us at http://www.uscis.gov/ .
Every day, our Immigration Services Assistants (Office Automation)
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a ssisti n g I m m i gr a ti o n Se r v ic es Of f i c e r s, p r o v i d i n g s e c u r ity c he cks in
a cc o rda n ce w ith DH S /U S CIS l a w s an d po lici e s,
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p r epa r e r epo r ts, p r o v i d e d i r e ct s e r v e to c u s t o m e r s a n d t he ir r ep r e s e n t a ti v e s, a n d m a na g i ng f il e s, d a t a b a s e s an d c orr e s pon d en c e .
This position of IMMIGRATION SERVICES ASSISTANT (OFFICE AUTOMATION) starts at a salary of $31,944.00(GS-05 step 1), to $51,437.00 (GS-07 step 10). Apply for this exciting opportunity to become a member of the Office of Field Operations, District 26, Guam Field Office, located in Agana, Guam within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here
Tour of Duty:
The normal tour of duty is 2 years with the possibility of 1 year extensions at
your request and/or depending on the needs of the Service (2+1+1+1).
Home Leave:
Home Leave may be considered for non-local hires.
Post Differential :
Employee may be eligible for post differential.
Cost of Living Allowance: There is a 13.84% cost of living allowance for Agana,
Guam.
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.
Relocation expenses are authorized if you are assigned to the RAIO program and have been approved for rotation from an overseas assignment. Relocation expenses for employees assigned to an OCONUS location may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Note: USCIS may fill one or more positions using this vacancy. TRAVEL REQUIRED
Occasional Travel
Occasional travel may be required. RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
No KEY REQUIREMENTS
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
Meet relevant experience and/or education requirements
You must submit resume and supporting documentation
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service DUTIES:
The duties 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.
As an Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation) , you will be supporting Immigration Services Officers, providing security checks in accordance with DHS/USCIS laws and policies; researching, collecting, correlating and analyzing data to ensure the integrity of information and preparation of reports; providing direct service to customers and their representatives; and managing files, databases and correspondence. Your duties will include the following:
Pre-screening various applications and submissions by USCIS customers for accuracy and completeness of initial supporting documentation and scheduling applicant appointments, communicating directly with applicant 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 and 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. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
GS-05: 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 complex office automation duties using word processing to edit and reformat lengthy correspondence and reports, creating and maintaining spreadsheets and databases, responding to inquiries by phone and/or in writing, reviewing and verifying accuracy and completeness of submitted documents for benefits OR
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 complex 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).
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.
Combining Specialized Experience and Education: 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: http://beta.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.
The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement (Monday, January 04, 2016).
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.
Typing Certification: You 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 moderately heavy items such as file tubs and record boxes or bins weighing up to 25 lbs. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we will place you in one of three categories based on your responses to the on-line questionnaire regarding experience, education and training.
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.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:
Information Management
Communication
Flexibility
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 fall into best qualified category, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. To preview the job questionnaire, click here View Assessment Questions .
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 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 announcement.
Veterans: Veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. 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, professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. This position is not considered scientific/professional. For information on veterans’ preference, please click here . 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 www.dhs.gov/careers and select “benefits.”
OTHER INFORMATION: 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 : 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.
Schedule A: USCIS welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The federal government has a streamlined hiring process for individuals with disabilities, known as Schedule A. To learn more about Schedule A and eligibility requirements please visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/hiring/ You must provide supporting documents in order to receive consideration. If you are interested in being considered under this special authority, please email complete application package to the Human Resources Office email address listed at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: Position Title, Announcement Number and Schedule A Consideration, in the subject line..
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 .
HOW TO APPLY:
Your application must be received by 11:59PM Eastern Time on Monday, January 04, 2016 . 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 .
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to (478)757-3144. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX , document your responses to the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire , and use the official FAX cover sheet found here .
If you do not have access to a computer or fax, 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.
To Fax a Resume or Supporting Documents :
If you previously uploaded documents to this vacancy, please do not FAX the same documents. If you need to fax a part of your documentation:
Use the official FAX coversheet found here .
Make sure that you include the 7-character vacancy identification number: ” 1588859” .
Provide your SSN, name, and address in the blocks provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
Print your SSN and Name neatly using the exact name as the one used when you filled out the assessment questionnaire.
The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Your resume.
Your responses to the job questionnaire View Assessment Questions (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 to support the educational substitution and/or basic educational requirement or a list of coursework with hours completed. (unofficial is acceptable). For verification purposes, the transcript submitted must include your name. Those with foreign education, click this link .
Are you a veteran? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). You may request a copy of your DD-214 through the E-Benefits page at
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage .
Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click
h ere 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 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.
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.
AGENCY CONTACT INFO: HR OPERATIONS CENTER-TEAM FIVE
Phone: (802)660-1143
Fax: (802)660-1101
Email: HROCTEAM5@USCIS.DHS.GOV
Agency Information:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
70 Kimball Avenue
South Burlington,
VT
05403
USA
Fax: (802)660-1101
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