- Position Title
- Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits)
- Agency
- Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Announcement Number
- 12609286-HROC-ST-24 Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Thursday, November 14, 2024 to Monday, November 25, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Do you wish to be considered as a 30 Percent or More Compensable Disabled Veteran (30%) authority because you were separated from active duty under honorable conditions and meet one of the following criteria?
- Retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or more; or
- Rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since 1991 or later to include disability determinations from a branch of the Armed Forces at any time, as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- DD-214 showing character of service
- You must submit your letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing the combined service-connected disability rating, or other acceptable documentation
See OPM's Vet Guide or SF-15 for more information.
3.
Do you wish to be considered under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) because you are a current DHS employee who has received an official notice stating that your position is no longer needed, or that you will be separated by reduction in force (RIF) and meet all of the following criteria?
- Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy, and
- Occupy a position at or above the grade of the announced position and with no greater promotion potential, and
- Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent
For more information about CTAP eligibility, visit The Employee's Guide to Career Transition.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- My most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement that shows position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If my position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), I have also included the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
- Documentation of my Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a proposed removal/separation notice.
- My latest performance rating of record.
4.
Do you wish to be considered as a current Federal employee who meets one of the following criteria?
- In a permanent position that is in the competitive service (see block #34 on your SF-50 for your position type)
- With an excepted service agency but can be hired into the competitive service because you meet the criteria of an Interchange Agreement. Additional information about current Interchange Agreements can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
5.
Do you wish to be considered as a current Federal employee who meets one of the following criteria?
I have held, or currently hold either:
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
I have held, or currently hold either:
- A permanent position in the competitive service (see block #34 of your SF-50) with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised
- An appointment with an excepted service agency but can be hired into the competitive service because I meet the criteria of an Interchange Agreement, with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised. Additional information about current Interchange Agreements can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block 34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
6.
Do you wish to be considered as a former Federal employee who previously held a permanent position that was in the competitive service (see block #34 of your SF-50) with the same or higher promotion potential of the position being advertised?
Note: If your position referenced above is not on the GS pay scale, your pay must be at or above the representative rate (step 04) of the full performance level of this position.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
Note: If your position referenced above is not on the GS pay scale, your pay must be at or above the representative rate (step 04) of the full performance level of this position.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block 34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
7.
Do you wish to be considered as a former Federal Employee in the civilian service who previously held a position that was in the competitive service and is eligible to be reinstated? (See block #34 on your SF-50 for your position type)
More information about the eligibility requirements for reinstatement can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
More information about the eligibility requirements for reinstatement can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Your SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement. It is recommended that you submit your most recent SF-50 that shows your position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If your position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), it is recommended that you also include the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment. It is also recommended that you submit the SF-50 showing your separation.
8.
Do you wish to be considered under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) because you are a current or former Federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position and meet all of the following criteria?
- Occupy a position in the same local commuting area of the vacancy, and
- Occupy a position at or above the grade of the announced position and with no greater promotion potential, and
- Have a current performance rating of at least "fully successful" or equivalent
For more information about ICTAP eligibility, visit The Employee's Guide to Career Transition.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- My most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), or equivalent, as stated in the job announcement that shows position occupied (block #34 of your SF-50); tenure; grade and step; salary; and, full performance level.
- If my position occupied is "2 - Excepted Service" (block #34 of your SF-50), I have also included the initial SF-50, or other official Notification of Personnel Action, for that appointment.
- Documentation of my Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a proposed removal/separation notice.
- My latest performance rating of record.
9.
Are you a current (or former) time-limited employee of one or more of the following Land Management Agencies or Base Facilities Management Agencies?
Land Management:
Land Management:
- Department of Agriculture: Forest Service
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management
- Department of the Interior: National Park Service
- Department of the Interior: Fish and Wildlife Service
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation
- The Department of Defense, Defense Industrial Base Facility
- The Department of Defense Major Range and Test Facilities Base
- Copies of your Notification of Personnel Actions(s) (SF-50):
- Showing you have served in the appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years.
- You must also submit the initial hire action, extensions, conversion, and termination/separation SF-50s for each service period.
- Appropriate documentation to verify your acceptable level of performance, which is supported by one or more of the following:
- Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment signed by your supervisor;
- A statement from your supervisor(s) or other individual in the supervisory chain indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment; or
- A stated reason as to the reason the appraisal/documentation is not available and a statement that your performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, your most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and you were never notified that you were not eligible for rehire based on performance.
10.
Do you wish to be considered under the Military Spouse authority (5 CFR 315.612) because you meet one of the following criteria?
- Spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty. The following proof is required; Copy of military member's orders and documentation verifying the marriage (marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
- Spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty. The following proof is required: Military member's DD214 listing the character of service; a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing they have a disability rating of 100 percent and/or unemployable; and documentation verifying the marriage (marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
- Un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty. The following proof is required: Documentation verifying the member of the armed forces was killed while serving on active duty; and documentation verifying the marriage (marriage certificate or other legal documentation verifying marriage). Selecting this option will be considered as certification that you are the un-remarried widow or widower of the service member.
See OPM's Vet Guide or SF-15 for more information.
11.
Do you wish to be considered as a National Security Education Program (NSEP) participant who currently is non-competitively eligible?
Proof is required. You must submit the letter from your NSEP program outlining your non-competitive eligibility.
Proof is required. You must submit the letter from your NSEP program outlining your non-competitive eligibility.
12.
Do you wish to be considered under a program that affords you non-competitive eligibility, other than VRA, 30% Percent or More Compensable Disabled Veteran, Schedule A disability appointment, or NSEP?
Examples include but are not limited to: Certain Present and Former Foreign Service Employees (5 CFR 315.606) OR Former Overseas Employees (e.g., eligible family member (5 CFR 315.608)); Former Peace Corps Volunteer (5 CFR 315.605); Present and Former Peace Corps personnel (5 CFR 315.607); AmeriCorps VISTA; Postal Service; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
For more information about several of the hiring authorities covered can be found here,
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
Examples include but are not limited to: Certain Present and Former Foreign Service Employees (5 CFR 315.606) OR Former Overseas Employees (e.g., eligible family member (5 CFR 315.608)); Former Peace Corps Volunteer (5 CFR 315.605); Present and Former Peace Corps personnel (5 CFR 315.607); AmeriCorps VISTA; Postal Service; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
For more information about several of the hiring authorities covered can be found here,
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Documentation to support your eligibility under the applicable hiring authority
13.
Do you wish to be considered as an individual with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability that makes you eligible under a Schedule A disability appointment?
More information about Schedule A disability appointment and eligibility can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
More information about Schedule A disability appointment and eligibility can be found here.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Official documentation of your disability. Documentation is used to verify that you are indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
14.
Do you wish to be considered under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) because you meet one of the following criteria?
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Are a preference-eligible veteran,
- Are a veteran separated from the armed forces after three (3) or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- DD-214 showing character of service, and
- If applying based on your preference as a disabled veteran, you must submit your letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing the combined service-connected disability rating, or other acceptable documentation.
15.
Do you wish to be considered under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) authority because you were separated from active duty under honorable conditions and meet one of the following criteria?
Note: Individuals can only be appointed at the GS-11 level and below.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- Are a disabled veteran
- Are a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized
- Are a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded
- Are a recently separated veteran (have been separated within the past three years)
Note: Individuals can only be appointed at the GS-11 level and below.
Proof is required. You must submit the following documentation to support your claim:
- DD-214 showing character of service, and
- If applying based on your preference as a disabled veteran, you must submit your letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) showing the combined service-connected disability rating, or other acceptable documentation.
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
2.
I acknowledge the following conditions if I choose to submit my resume through the USAJOBS Resume Builder:
(Note: Additional guidance regarding this requirement is available within the How to Submit Your Resume section of the USCIS Resume Requirement FAQs.)
- I understand that resumes submitted through USAJOBS Resume Builder are converted to a PDF format when they are transmitted to USA Staffing from the USAJOBS applicant interface and additional spaces/page gaps are added to resumes during the Resume Builder conversion process;
- Based on the above conditions, I understand that USCIS strongly encourages me to save my resume to a PDF document and upload the PDF document instead of submitting my resume created through Resume Builder;
- I understand that USCIS' human resources will only review the first 5 pages of my resume to determine eligibility/qualifications for this position;
- By answering YES to this question, I am indicating that I have met this requirement for consideration.
(Note: Additional guidance regarding this requirement is available within the How to Submit Your Resume section of the USCIS Resume Requirement FAQs.)
3.
There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position(s); (1) resided in the United States; OR (2) worked for the United States Government as an employee overseas in a Federal or Military capacity; OR (3) been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas. Do you meet one of these requirements?
4.
USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework and remote work programs. Under the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, there are two categories of federal employees that cannot participate in these programs at USCIS:
- An employee who has a record of adverse discipline for being absent without permission for more than five workdays in any calendar year; and
- An employee who has been officially disciplined due to actions related to misuse of government property for viewing, downloading, or exchanging pornography, including child pornography, on a federal government computer or while performing official federal government duties.
5.
I confirm that the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 does not bar me from participating in the Remote Work program.
6.
I acknowledge that I must notify my supervisor and obtain my supervisor's approval before making any change in my remote work location.
7.
I understand that a change in remote work location may change my locality pay.
8.
I acknowledge that my approved remote work location must have technology suitable to remote work.
9.
I acknowledge that the government will not be responsible for operating costs, residence maintenance, or any other incidental costs (such as utilities, internet, etc.) associated with the use of my residence.
10.
I understand that I must sign and adhere to USCIS Rules of Behavior (RoB) for users of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) systems and information technology resources that access, store, receive, or transmit sensitive information.
11.
I understand that I may use government-furnished equipment (GFE) and property for official government business and limited personal use per DHS/USCIS policies.
12.
I understand that I may have to bring or return GFE or property to a USCIS worksite for maintenance.
13.
I understand that I must return all GFE, property, and materials to the USCIS organization at the end of my remote work arrangement or at management's request.
14.
I understand and acknowledge that I am prohibited from using any type of mouse jigglers, also known as mouse movers, on USCIS workstations. Using mouse jigglers is a violation of the USCIS RoB and considered employee misconduct, which the USCIS Office of Investigations can investigate.
15.
I understand that USCIS may require remote work employees to work within four hours' travel time of a USCIS worksite, so they can return and pick up files not only during normal business hours but also outside normal business hours if there is an emergency.
16.
I acknowledge that, per USCIS Financial Management Manuals, I may or may not be entitled to travel reimbursement if I must travel from my remote work location (official duty station).
17.
I acknowledge that management can reassign me, resulting in the end of my remote work agreement when it no longer meets USCIS' business needs. In this event, I understand that I have 14 calendar days under a local remote work agreement or 60 calendar days under a long-distance remote work agreement, to report to work at a USCIS worksite. Failure to report to the USCIS worksite as directed, may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from federal service.
18.
I acknowledge that management can end my remote work agreement when it no longer meets USCIS' business needs. In this event, I understand that I have 14 calendar days under a local remote work agreement or 60 calendar days under a long-distance remote work agreement, to report to work at a USCIS worksite. Failure to report to the USCIS worksite as directed, may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.
19.
I understand that management may end my remote work agreement due to misconduct or performance issues. In such circumstances, management can direct me to work at a USCIS worksite, reassign me to another position at a USCIS worksite, or end my employment per applicable government rules and regulations, USCIS policy, or the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
20.
I may ask to end my remote work agreement by providing written notice to my supervisor. Supervisors will consider the request on a case-by-case basis. Such requests, if approved, would require me to coordinate with my supervisor about the details of my transfer, at my expense, to the USCIS worksite. I would have to coordinate such details within 14 calendar days of approval under a local remote work agreement or within 60 calendar days of approval under a long-distance remote work agreement.
21.
I acknowledge that remote work is not a substitute for dependent care and understand that I must arrange for dependent care during my scheduled work hours.
22.
I understand that I must designate one work area at my remote worksite suitable for performing official government business.
23.
I agree to give USCIS representatives access to my remote work location for routine worksite inspections during normal working hours. This is to ensure that my worksite meets acceptable safety standards; proper GFE and property maintenance, in compliance with local policy; and this agreement. I understand that failure to permit access to the alternative worksite (or designated work area) may result in suspension or termination of my participation in the Remote Work program.
Assessment 1
1.
GS-07 - Which of the following statements best describes your experience and/or education?
2.
You must provide the position title(s) and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates the experience related to your response.
3.
GS-09 - Which of the following statements best describes your experience and/or education?
4.
You must provide the position title(s) and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates the experience related to your response.
5.
GS-11 - Which of the following statements best describes your experience and/or education?
6.
You must provide the position title(s) and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates the experience related to your response.
7.
GS-12 - Which of the following statements best describes your experience?
8.
You must provide the position title(s) and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates the experience related to your response.
9.
This position has a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement to qualify at the GS-07. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-05 grade level or equivalent?
10.
This position has a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement to qualify at the GS-09. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-07 grade level or equivalent?
11.
This position has a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement to qualify at the GS-11. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-09 grade level or equivalent?
12.
This position has a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement to qualify at the GS-12. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-11 grade level or equivalent?
The following section contains a multitude of question types. If you see a radio button, you can only select one response. If you see a checkbox, you may select all that apply.
13.
Describe your experience developing and delivering presentations to colleagues or diverse audiences of professionals in your field?
14.
Describe your experience analyzing and evaluating data sources.
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
15.
Do you have experience performing quality assurance checks on serialized forms and identification documents (e.g., driver's licenses or birth certificate forms) after personalization?
16.
Do you have experience verifying the accuracy and completeness of submitted documents (e.g., instructions, procedures)?
17.
Select the applications you have used independently to complete work assignments.
18.
Select the customer service activities you have performed to administer employee benefits.
19.
Select the activities you have performed as an administrator for a Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
20.
Have you built strong relationships with customers that created return business and additional projects?
21.
Select the actions you have completed when counseling employees and/or beneficiaries about benefits due to survivors of employees who died in service.
22.
Select the ways in which you demonstrate being open and courteous to opinions from people with varied backgrounds.
23.
Select the Human Resources functions you have performed to provide administrative support to customers (e.g., managers, administrative officers, selecting officials, applicants, employees, union officials).
24.
Which statement best describes your reaction when work processes frequently change?
25.
Select the benefits-related activities you have performed
26.
I represented my office by presenting on program/policy matters at cross-functional meetings.
27.
Select the statements that best describe your experience leading or participating as a team member on specific projects.
28.
If you are a Federal employee, is your most recent performance rating equivalent to a "pass," "satisfactory," or better?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
29.
Your ratings in this Occupational Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents and references you submit. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your ratings. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency. It is your responsibility to provide the responses, information, and documentation regarding your work history for us to determine your eligibility and qualifications for this position. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you: 1) understand this warning, 2) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy, 3) verify that your responses accurately describe your current level of experience and capability, and 4) that you have provided all of the information and documentation needed for us to determine your eligibility and qualifications for this position.