Criminal Investigator Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. HHS-OIG-MP-25-12755133 Department Office of Inspector General
Salary $64,788.00 to $109,975.00 Grade 7 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/27/2025 Close Date 7/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 07/03/2025.

This announcement is for the Protective Operations Branch within the Office of Investigations.

Duties

Duties for the Criminal Investigator, GS-07/09/11 include but not limited to:

  • Participate in Secretarial and other dignitary protection details.
  • Study assigned material pertinent to cases of alleged or suspected violations of Federal statutes involving fraud against the Government;
  • Contact Federal, State and local agencies to obtain facts, signed statements, explanation of actions and study the background of the case, the sequence of events and other case related information;
  • Collaborate with other agents in increasingly more complex cases which include interviewing, observing techniques under highly stressful situations, taking notes and participating in the interviews to obtain specific information and to verify facts;
  • Collaborate with other agents in the preparation of completed investigation reports to develop knowledge and skills for clear, concise and accurate reporting and documentation of cases with supportable evidence for use in a prosecution of the case;
  • Carries out undercover assignments and maintains surveillance under close watch by other investigators;
  • Conduct criminal, civil or administrative investigations;

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S Citizenship is required.
  • Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
  • Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • Time in grade must be met within 30 days of closing date of announcement.
  • Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret/SCI Clearance.
  • If selected, you will be required to sign a Mobility Agreement.
  • Valid U.S. driver license, medical examination and Drug Testing required.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.

Training Requirements: Successful completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) or an approved equivalent is required. Must successfully qualify with OI-issued firearms on an approved course of fire and successfully complete OI Control Tactics training program. Appointments to this position will be terminated if all of the above are not satisfactorily completed.

Minimum Age Requirements: The minimum entry age for this position is 21 years of age and the maximum entry age for this position is 36 years of age (the date of appointment must be no later than the date immediately preceding the 37th birthday) unless you have sufficient prior Federal service in a covered law enforcement position.

Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above, applicants MUST meet the additional requirements below:

Minimum Qualification Requirements For the GL-07:
  • Applicants must have at least one full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GL-5 level in the Federal service. Experience in a trainee capacity where (1) knowledge of basic investigative or analytical techniques and methods are applied to determine case resolution; (2) applying knowledge of investigation laws, rules, and regulations; and (3) assisting higher level investigators with security plans for protection missions. OR
  • Applicants have successfully completed at least one full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field. OR
  • Possess a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement. OR
  • A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above which can be combined to equal one year. To compute this, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required. (For example, 6 months of professional experience equals 50% of the experience requirement.) Then, determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required under B above. (For example, 9 semester hours of creditable graduate work equals 50% of the education required.) Add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. The first 18 semester hours may not be credited towards specialized experience. NOTE: Applicants must submit supporting transcripts if any part of qualifications is based on education.

Minimum Qualification Requirements For the GL-09:
  • Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GL-07 grade level in the Federal service, which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: (1) With assistance, executing criminal investigative techniques associated with protection missions; and (2) Assist with the drafting of security plans for the execution of the dignitary's travel; and (3) assist higher-level investigators to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in support of dignitary's travels and schedules. OR
  • A master's or equivalent graduate degree. OR
  • 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR
  • LL.B. or J.D., if related. You must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts to support your claim OR
  • A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above which can be combined to equal one year. To compute this, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required. (For example, 6 months of professional experience equals 50% of the experience requirement.) Then, determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required under B above. (For example, 9 semester hours of creditable graduate work equals 50% of the education required.) Add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. The first 18 semester hours may not be credited towards specialized experience. NOTE: Applicants must submit supporting transcripts if any part of qualifications is based on education.
Minimum Qualification Requirements For the GS-11:
  • Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GL-9 grade level in the Federal service, which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: (1) executing criminal investigative techniques associated with the protection mission; and (2) draft and recommend advance security plans for the execution of the dignitary travel; and (3) collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in support of dignitary's travels and schedules. OR
  • Possess Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR
  • 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR
  • A combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above which can be combined to equal one year. To compute this, first determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required. (For example, 6 months of professional experience equals 50% of the experience requirement.) Then, determine your graduate education as a percentage of the education required under B above. (For example, 9 semester hours of creditable graduate work equals 50% of the education required.) Add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. The first 18 semester hours may not be credited towards specialized experience. NOTE: Applicants must submit supporting transcripts if any part of qualifications is based on education.
This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm and must meet the Lautenberg Amendment requirements as described in Title 18, USC Section 992 (g). Any person who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor or crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm. The term convicted as defined by the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set-aside, pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as the restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or crimes of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not eligible for this position.

Law Enforcement Retirement: This position meets the eligibility criteria for law enforcement retirement under both the Civil Service Retirement Systems (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Employees covered by either retirement system that reach age 50 or over with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. In addition, employees covered by FERS (all new hires to the federal government) of any age with at least twenty-five years of service as a law enforcement officer are qualified for law enforcement retirement. Finally, employees who reach age 57 with at least twenty years of service as a law enforcement officer are subject to mandatory retirement. This position is approved for Primary Law Enforcement coverage under 5 (USC) 8336 (c) or 5 USC 8412 (d).

Education

Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accrediting organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) is defined as is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

  1. Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
  2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
    • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
    • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2years of the curriculum.
  3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies

Additional information

Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses will not be authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Private sector work experience will not be approved as credit for your Annual Leave accrual.

Security and Background Requirements: A Top Secret / SCI clearance may be required to be obtained and maintained and a credit check is required. If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.

Testing Designated Position: This is a Testing Designated Position. Incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. The incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.

Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Career Transition Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Documentation: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility. Appropriate documentation such as a reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, an SF-50 reflecting your RIF separation, or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function to another commuting area. You MUST also submit documentation to reflect your current (or last) performance rating of record along with your application package. Those eligible for consideration will need to be rated as well-qualified at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position in order to exercise selection priority. For more information about ICTAP, go to: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition.

EEO Statement: HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.

Disabled Veteran Leave: HHS OIG participates in the Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act of 2015. To learn more about this benefit, please go to: Disabled Veteran Leave (opm.gov).

Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act ("Fair Chance Act"): The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) prohibits federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history record prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the FCA. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the FCA may submit a written complaint to the Department by email at FairChanceAct@hhs.gov.

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.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 07/03/2025

Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions. Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate possession of any specialized experience and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.

The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to provide a narrative response to the KSA's.

  • Criminal Investigation
  • Decision Making
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Written Communication


Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions, or your score may be adjusted or lowered accordingly which may affect your overall final rating. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or for changing your scored responses to questions you've answered, which may affect your overall final score.

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the "Required Documents" section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12755133

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar across HHS.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Required Documents

All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):

  • Resume
  • Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire
  • Most Recent SF-50 (indicating time in grade, highest grade and step attained
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, COULD AFFECT YOU RECEIVING CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
  • Other Supporting Documents: (Only submit if applicable to you)
  • College transcript (if qualifying all or in part based on your education
  • Veterans' Preference documentation - If you are a veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy - 4) and, if applicable, and Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces that supports your claim.
  • CTAP/ICTAP documentation
  • Schedule A: USAJOBS Help Center - Individuals with disabilities - Letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
Financial Disclosure: This position may be subject to financial disclosure requirements and must be filed within 30 days of the appointment. For more information about Financial Disclosure and OGE Form 450, you may visit U.S. OGE Completing a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (New Filers). You can obtain a fillable OGE Form 450 from: Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (accessible PDF).

For additional résumé and application tips:
APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 pm (EASTERN TIME) ON 07/03/2025.

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 begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

A complete application package for this vacancy must be received on-line via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/03/2025 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.

Note: For information on how to edit your application, visit: USA Jobs Help: Updating your submitted application

This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.

Agency contact information

Becky Collier
Address
OIG Office of Investigations
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.

You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.

E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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