Duties
Under the Pathways Internship Program, you must meet the definition of a student during the duration of your internship as follows:
An individual accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a qualifying degree or certificate from one of the following:
- High school; OR
- College/university; OR
- Professional, technical, vocational, or trade school; OR
- Advanced degree program; OR
- Certificate in a qualifying and accredited educational institution, on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled), including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program under Public Law 93-842.
Students need not be in actual physical attendance, so long as all other requirements are being met. An individual who needs to complete less than the equivalent of a half-time an academic/vocational or technical course load immediately prior to graduating is still considered a student for purposes of this program.
Typical work assignments include, but are not limited to:
- Work with clients and customers to assess their needs by providing information or assistance with ongoing administrative matters. Maintain awareness of division products and services.
- Prepare clear, convincing, and concise documents for an intended audience.
- Plan, coordinate, and perform business functions to execute organizational services and goals.
- Assist program analyst, senior specialists and supervisor in conducting program functions.
- Utilize computer software applications to assist staff with updating databases, creating or editing reports, or creating and maintaining spreadsheets.
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT: This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed one year but may be extended in increments of up to one year without further competition, if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements under the Pathways Internship program and funding is available.
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION:
Pathways Interns may be converted to a permanent position (or, in some limited circumstances, to a term position lasting 1-4 years) within 120 days of successful completion of the internship program. Eligibility for conversion does not guarantee that CISA will offer conversion.
To be eligible for conversion, Interns must:
- Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program.
- Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted.
- Have completed the degree program with at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale throughout the entire internship appointment if enrolled as an undergraduate or at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale throughout the entire internship appointment if enrolled in a Master's/Professional program.
- Perform their job successfully.
- Agencies may waive up to 320 of the required 640 hours of work for Interns who demonstrate high potential as evidenced by outstanding academic achievement and exceptional job performance.
- In addition, students working in agencies through third-party intern providers may count up to 320 of the hours they work toward the 640 hour requirement.
- Time spent under previous Internship Program appointments may count towards required work experience hours.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be at least 16 years of age.
- Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required.
- Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/
- All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
- 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.
- You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
- The duration of a Pathways appointment is a trial period.
- This position requires a pre-employment drug test. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
Qualifications
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
- Remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate programs;
- Remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for Master's/Professional programs;
- Maintain enrollment, on at least a half-time schedule as a student at an accredited college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, or trade school; advanced degree programs (e.g., graduate school, law school); or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a degree or certificate for the duration of the internship, if selected;
- Sign a Pathways Internship Participant Agreement on an annual basis, if selected and,
- Meet the DHS developed qualifications standards prior to appointment and any physical, suitability, security requirements and if applicable medical clearance.
Note: Certificate programs must be one academic year in duration.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required education for the respective grade level in which you are applying.
You qualify for the GS-03 grade level, if you have:
EDUCATION: Completion of one (1) full academic year of post-high school study from an accredited institution
You qualify for the GS-04 grade level, if you have:
EDUCATION: Completion of two (2) full academic years of post-high school study or an associate degree from an accredited institution.
You qualify for the GS-05 grade level, if you have:
EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-04 grade level (or equivalent) performing two (2) of the following duties:
- Assisting with administrative duties for an organization (e.g. reviewing documents, writing/editing documents);
- Using office automation software (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or Outlook) to update, maintain, and track information; and
- Responding to inquiries in a timely manner.
OR
EDUCATION: Completion of four (4) academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree from an accredited institution.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: To combine education and experience, determine your total qualifying experience as a percentage by dividing your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your total number of completed undergraduate semester hours by 120 (quarter hours by 180). Finally, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify at this grade level.
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.
Special Provisions/or Interns with Previous Related Education: Previous education may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which you are qualified.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent (e.g., letter from the registrar, acceptance letter, unofficial transcripts) showing eligibility for the educational requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Updated enrollment verification documentation will be required if you are selected.
Education must be from an accredited 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.
Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements. You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.
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 will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
- Administration and Management
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Writing
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Category Rating Procedures: If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
- Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
- Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
- Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
Veterans: Qualified 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 or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. (This position NOT considered scientific/professional.) Other 10-point preference eligibles and 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. View information on
https://www.fedshirevets.gov
To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12598461
Required Documents
All documents, including transcripts, must be in English.
1. RESUME: Your resume MUST show a detailed description of your job-related qualifications to include start and end dates with the month and year and hours worked per week for all jobs listed. For Federal civilian service, you MUST include your pay plan/band, series, and grade (e.g., GS-0301-09). Be clear and specific when describing your work history as human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Do NOT include photographs, social media links (e.g., LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation. IF INCLUDED YOUR RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please view Resume & Application Tips.
2. COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter will not be used to determine your qualifications but will be included with your resume if you are referred.
3. EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript, official documentation of registration, a tuition bill, or, if you are a new student, a copy of your acceptance letter from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, name of the educational institution, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral. If selected, updated enrollment verification documentation will be required.
4. YOUR RESPONSES TO THE JOB QUESTIONNAIRE AND USA HIRE COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT
- If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.
5. OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (
only submit if applicable):
- CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure (block 24) "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and position occupied (block 34) "1" (Competitive Service). Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement. If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held. You may need to provide more than one (1) SF-50,if your SF-50 does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement(examples of appropriate SF-50s include Appointment/Conversion, Within-Grade/Range Increases and Promotion actions). NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable.
- VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent).
- ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: 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 date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement). NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.
- 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you will need to submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
- 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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on 12/13/2024 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
The application process is as follows:
- Click the Apply Online button.
- Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
- Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 12/13/2024.
- If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
- Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
- Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources:
https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above.
To make an allowed update to your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click
Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this:
http://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Shared Certificate: When CISA completes its hiring, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with other DHS Component agencies. You will have an opportunity to opt-in if you would like to share your name, application material, and assessment results with other DHS Component agencies who are hiring for similar positions. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job announcements.
Next steps
Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. We expect to make a job offer within 30-60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an in-person or phone panel interview. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
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.
Notice to Applicants - The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is subject to the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019. Unless excluded by law, all CISA hiring officials and agency representatives are statutorily prohibited from asking applicants to disclose their criminal history record information prior to receiving a conditional offer of employment. Applicants may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the CISA Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer Human Capital Policy and Programs Subdivision at email cisa.ochco.hcp@cisa.dhs.gov within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance by a CISA hiring manager or agency representative.
Thank you for your interest in the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency!