Criminal Investigator (Liaison Officer) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. IVS-12701341-MP-CAC Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $167,603.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2025 Close Date 2/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.

Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations located in Washington, D.C.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a Criminal Investigator (Liaison Officer), you will perform the following duties:

  • Serving as a principal assistant and advisor to the Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge and Special Agent-in-Charge, or other senior official, with respect to all operational and administrative activities within an area of responsibility.

  • Directing and coordinating through subordinate supervisors the administrative, technical, and clerical work of employees engaged in national and international investigative programs and liaison activities.

  • Determining the effectiveness of investigative techniques, recommending improvements, and developing and initiating procedures designed to improve processes and procedures.

  • Providing administrative oversight, such as budget allocation, to an area of responsibility or other programmatic area.

  • Establishing and maintaining liaison with other federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement and governmental agencies.

  • Managing and overseeing complex national and international criminal investigations, resolving complex issues related to investigative activity, ensuring compliance with necessary policies, procedures, and legal frameworks.

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 successfully pass a drug screen.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
  • Time in Grade: Time in grade restrictions must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have at least 52 weeks of service equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position to be filled
  • Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license at the time of appointment.
  • This position requires the selectee to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, U.S.C. Section 022 (g)(9)).
  • Convictions of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are disqualifying.
  • This position may require the incumbent to be reassigned to a different geographic location. The incumbent will be required to sign a mobility agreement, which will remain in effect through the duration of the assignment.
  • Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • Previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
  • Work Conditions: Job requires physical strength and stamina due to long periods of surveillance, restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment. Environment includes work indoors/outdoors in a potentially dangerous and stressful situations.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level performing duties such as:
  • Serving as a first line supervisor responsible for the administration, management, and execution of criminal investigative activities and personnel assigned to a field office or geographic location;
  • Serving as a program manager for an organization's headquarters or components, or field office program providing investigative input on national security and/or criminal investigations;
  • Developing training and/or programs on criminal investigative techniques, methods and programmatic areas for presentation to employees, agency leadership, or other key stakeholders;
  • Conducting and/or leading investigations regarding misconduct (criminal or administrative) of an organization's personnel, their associates, contractors, and any other entity under an investigative jurisdiction.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

In addition to meeting the eligibility and qualification requirements, completing and/or passing each assessment phase below is required to be referred for priority selection consideration. Candidates who do not meet the below requirements will be removed from further consideration.

Phase I. Narrative Submission

  • Instructions on how to prepare and submit the Narratives will be sent to candidates via email.
  • Experience Narratives must follow the Challenge-Context-Action-Results (CCAR) model to provide sufficient detail demonstrating how candidates' experiences convey the essential competencies.
Phase II. Narrative Review
  • A centralized panel of supervisory special agents, trained in the SA-15 Narrative Review process, will review and evaluate submitted Narratives for the essential competencies, using established criteria.
  • Results of the Narrative Review will be used to identify Well Qualified ICTAP candidates, who will be referred for priority selection consideration.

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 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: 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.

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.

Firearms Requirement: You will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory. You must satisfactorily complete (or have previously completed) the firearms component of the Criminal Investigation Training Program at Glynco, Georgia. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense. False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Work Conditions: This job requires physical strength and stamina to perform such activities as conducting long periods of surveillance, pursuing and restraining suspects, and carrying heavy equipment to be uses in investigative efforts. These activities require considerable physical exertion, such as running, stooping, bending, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy objects. The environment involves work indoors and outdoors in a variety of potentially dangerous and stressful situations, as well as exposure to physical attack, including the use of lethal weapons.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

This position is at the full performance level.

E-Verify: 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.

Suitability: 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.

Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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.

Secondary Law Enforcement: For approved secondary covered positions under 5 USC 8331 (20) and 5 USC 8401 (17), previous experience in a primary (rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite. Law Enforcement retirement coverage (special law enforcement provisions) is extended only if the secondary covered position immediately follows service in a law enforcement position. FERS applicants must have completed three (3) years of service in a rigorous position (AKA primary) position and transfer directly from a covered position in order to continue Law Enforcement retirement coverage upon selection.

Supervisory Probationary Period: If selected for a Supervisory position under provisions of the Civil Service Reform Act, first time supervisors and/or managers will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. You may also be required to complete an appropriate supervisory training course within one year of assignment to this position.

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.

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.

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 eligible under ICTAP, you must meet the well-qualified criteria for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Candidates who meet the Specialized Experience listed for this job will be assessed on their Narrative Review submissions. The results of the Narrative Review will be used to identify well qualified ICTAP candidates.

ICTAP candidates meeting the well qualified criteria will be referred for priority selection consideration.

Interviews may be required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

Required Documents

  1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions about the Five-Page Resume Limit).
  2. Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions.
  3. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit the following:
    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.
  4. 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 and beginning and ending dates of appointment.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12701341 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/28/2025.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on 02/28/2025.

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.

One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

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

Agency contact information

Christina Crutcher
Address
DAD INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

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." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

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


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


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