Summary
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.
This job is open to
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
DHS employees whose job, agency, or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Duties
The incumbent serves as Senior Advisor to OI's Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and, in that capacity, provides programmatic oversight and assistance on substantive and procedural matters pertaining to the work and work products of OI's investigation functions and responsibilities, particularly pertaining to the Special Investigations Division. The incumbent helps the AIG ensure OI's investigative activities are managed effectively and align with applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and other guidance while also facilitating organizational efficiency and the equitable distribution of work assignments.
As Senior Advisor, the incumbent will interpret and incorporate substantive policy and oversight requirements across OI's investigative work, working closely with other OIG program offices, particularly the Office of Investigations.
Typical assignments include:
Serves as technical expert and/or liaison on personnel matters within OI. Liaises with Human Resources staff, and facilitates and provides advice and guidance to the DIG/AIG on HR related processes and issues. Supports the DIG/AIG in examining current OI programs and operations, and develops/recommends tactical and business plans that focus on improving organization efficiencies. Helps senior staff in developing financial, personnel, and material requirements to ensure effective use of resources.
Establishing positive working relationships with the Executive Office of the Inspector General, Office of Counsel, Office of Audits, Office of Inspections and Evaluations, Office of Management, and Office of Innovation on behalf of OI.
Representing OI at meetings, task forces, advisory councils, and in other settings with interagency, intra-agency, and external partners to promote matters of interest to OI and to remain informed as to policy changes and/or developments, as needed. This may include representing OI at meetings, briefings, and presentations with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Serving as technical expert, in collaboration with Executive Office of the Inspector General, DIG/AIG OI, and OI directors, to research and complete enterprise-wide requests.
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
- Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory
Qualifications
You will qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level performing the following:
- Mastery of administrative and program management principles combined with expert analytical and advisory capabilities to support executive-level decision-making across OIG operations.
- Knowledge of DHS-wide oversight priorities, affecting multiple components and high-level decision-making to help shape policy, resource allocation, and program effectiveness.
- Experience in Top-Secret sensitive issues spanning multiple programs and organizational components, requiring integration of legal, policy, and operational considerations.
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 04/13/2026of 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 04/13/2026of 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.
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).
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.
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.
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 minimum 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:
- Administration and Management
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Interpersonal Skills
- Organizational Awareness
- Planning and Evaluating
- Problem Solving
- Strategic Thinking
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/12933651.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length.
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed. NOTE: For what to include in the resume, click on the link.
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12933651
3. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)? Submit a copy of your:
- Agency notice,
- Most recent performance rating, and
- Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.
4. If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent FY2025 performance appraisal and or incentive awards.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP eligible. View information about CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.
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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. 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/.
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 step 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.
This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the OIG Drug Free Workplace program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives 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 Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.
Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.