Summary

This position serves as a Hotline Coordinator assigned to the USDA Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Investigations Liaison and Special Operations Division, under the direction of the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge (ASAC) and Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) for the division. The Hotline Coordinator is responsible for performing the full range of intake-related functions relating to receipt, review, analysis, processing and resolution of allegations and complaints.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

OPEN TO CURRENT, PERMANENT, FEDERAL USDA OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL EMPLOYEES AND CTAP/RPL ELIGIBLES.

Duties

Exercises expert knowledge and experience regarding the application of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative analytical methods for the assessment and improvement of program effectiveness.
Apply analytical ability in the development of programmatic processes and methodologies to address complex issues associated with the operations within the Office of Investigations (INV) and its programs.
Performs initial high-level evaluation of allegations to determine the nature of specific allegations
Conducts initial high-level assessment of whether allegations involve fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement, criminal violations or other misconduct in department or agency programs.
Maintains accurate records of all allegations received and entered into the official automated system of records and associated logs that are subject to the Privacy Act.
Conducts initial high-level assessment of complaints and develops appropriate complaint processing response options.
Performs inquiries as appropriate when the information in the initial allegation is neither sufficient nor clear enough to facilitate a defined complaint adjudication by Office of Inspector General (OIG) stakeholders.
Provides analytical support for the Office of Investigations (OI) by providing accurate data, summaries, analysis, and recommendations to INV leadership.
Independently or in concert with a manager and/or other Office of Inspector General personnel, provides timely and accurate data and information to facilitate the rendering of informed decisions regarding INV operations on a nationwide basis.
Coordinates and works with appropriate level representatives of external organizations or clients, other law enforcement agencies, Inspector General community and other Federal, State and local officials facilitating complaint resolution objectives.
Provides information for reports and data requests, exchanges critical information concerning investigations support topics and obtains technical consultations.
Deals tactfully and professionally with complainants, particularly when informing them that their submitted issues are not within the purview of the Office of Inspector General.
Incumbent routinely expresses information, ideas and conclusions to individuals or groups in an effective manner; routinely makes clear and effective presentations, listens to the needs of others while facilitating an open exchange of ideas.
Ensures the protection of complaint's confidentiality and/or anonymity to the maximum extent possible by implementing and/or adhering to strict internal controls and by providing guidance to the responsible discipline officials.
Recognizes the need for timely and accurate reporting of critical information to direct line managers and supervisors, senior Office of Investigations leadership, as indicated, and applicable stakeholders
Reviews and assesses complaint responses from agency liaisons, investigation offices, and audit offices to facilitate appropriate address of all allegations.
Under the direction of management, composes draft responses to Congressional, White House, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Department and other mail sources concerning allegations received.
Prioritizes workload, giving special attention to managerial and external priorities and suspense periods; and brings to the attention of the first and/or second line manager(s) significant allegations and complaints.
Consistently prepares and presents all complaint initiation, processing and closing correspondence in a clear, concise, accurate, and timely manner, in accordance with department or agency policies and procedures.
Provide input towards research and trend analysis deliverables of complaint intake official files and automated management information systems and logs relative to statistical and narrative data in response to Congressional Hearings and Testimony.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

You must be a US Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
You will be required to complete an OGE-450, Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interests.
Relocation expenses are NOT authorized.
Designated or random drug testing required.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance as a condition of employment.
Must be able to obtain a government-issued travel charge card.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience for the respective grade level(s) in which you are applying. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions and specialized experience as defined below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-12:
Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent in the Federal service. This experience includes performing, with an appropriate level of supervision, the full range of intake-related functions relating to receipt, review, analysis, processing and resolution of allegations and complaints, not limited to overarching categories as follows: fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, employee misconduct, health/safety issues, threats, security violations, contract administration, procurement, harassment, reprisal, communications, comptroller, supply, data systems, public information, safety, transportation, space management, facilities and equipment maintenance and other USDA program and personnel-related concerns. This experience includes performing duties with guidance from the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge and/or the Special Agent-in-Charge and supporting the Office of Investigations in improving the intake and adjudication processes throughout the organization, ensuring programs contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives established in Office of Inspector General strategic plan.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GS-13:
Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent in the Federal service. This experience includes independently performing, or with minimal supervision, the full range of intake-related functions relating to receipt, review, analysis, processing and resolution of allegations and complaints, not limited to overarching categories as follows: fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, employee misconduct, health/safety issues, threats, security violations, contract administration, procurement, harassment, reprisal, communications, comptroller, supply, data systems, public information, safety, transportation, space management, facilities and equipment maintenance and other USDA program and personnel-related concerns. This experience includes performing duties with minimal guidance from the Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge and/or the Special Agent-in-Charge and acting as an informal advisor to the Office of Investigations in improving the intake and adjudication processes throughout the organization, ensuring programs contribute to the achievement of the goals and objectives established in Office of Inspector General strategic plan.

Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate relevant experience.

Time-in-grade: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. You must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted. We encourage you to provide multiple SF-50s so that we can adjudicate time-in-grade, highest grade held, and current status. SF-52s are not acceptable.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-12 OR GS-13 GRADE LEVELS.

Additional information

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.

This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.

This is not a bargaining unit position.

CONFIDENTIAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT: If selected, you will be required to submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of your initial appointment date, and annually thereafter. Selectee is subject to Financial Disclosure Requirements in 5 CFR 2635 (e) regarding business or personal transactions with applicants, borrowers, or business contacts who have, or who are seeking, business with USDA.

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). Selectee must submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and random testing thereafter. Final appointment and continued employment are conditional on negative results for illegal drug use.

Candidates will not be considered or hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.

Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Your resume must clearly support the specialized experience relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Your qualifications will be further evaulated through a structured interview process.

Note: If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, yourscore may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.

Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply" button to the right.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12908788

Required Documents

The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.

Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title; federal occupational series, and grade if applicable; other qualifications. RESUME CANNOT EXCEED TWO PAGES.

USA Jobs restricts resume uploads to a maximum of 2 pages. Resumes attached in other sections (such as "Documents" or "Other") will not be considered if longer than two pages. If multiple resumes are submitted, the resume submitted last (based on time stamp) will be the only one reviewed as a part of your application. To ensure readability, resumes must be formatted using an easy-to-read font (such as Lato, Calibri, or Arial) with a minimum font size of 10-points and margins no smaller than 0.5 inches. Failure to follow these formatting guidelines may result in disqualification from further consideration.
To receive full credit for relevant experience, you must list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume.
For resume writing guidance, please visit USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?

Current and former Federal employees:

Most recent NON-AWARD Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.

Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement to be entered into the system prior to its closing. RESUMES MUST NOT EXCEED TWO PAGES.

Follow the steps below to apply:

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov. It is recommended that as part of your profile you set up automatic email notification to be informed when the status of your application changes. If you choose not to set up this automatic notification, then you will have to log into your USAJOBS account to check on the status of your application.

Step 2: Create a Resume with USAJOBS or upload a Resume into your USAJOBS account. You may want to customize your resume to ensure it documents duties and accomplishments you have gained that are directly related to this position in order to verify that qualifications are met. In addition, your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire (you may preview the online questionnaire by clicking on the link at the end of the How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement).

Step 3: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the Occupational Questionnaire and attach any additional documents that may be required. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request reasonable accommodation.

Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Only one resume will be reviewed. APPLICANTS WHO SUBMIT A RESUME THAT EXCEEDS TWO PAGES WILL BE REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc.

Agency contact information

Flor Barker

Phone: 202-345-6693
Email: flor.barker@oig.usda.gov

Address: Office of the Inspector General
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US

Next steps

Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status.

You must choose to turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile if you want to receive important email notifications that may impact your applicant experience (e.g. If you start an application and do not submit it prior to the closing date, USAJOBS will send an email reminder that the closing date is approaching and your application is in an incomplete status).

Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; acceptance or retention in the armed forces; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to flor.barker@oig.usda.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.

Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period (unless previously served) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Hotline Coordinator Job in Washington, DC