IMMIGRATION OFFICER

Duties

The Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS) was established within USCIS to strengthen national security and the integrity of the country's legal immigration system by closely aligning the adjudication of immigration benefits and services with the identification of potential threats to national security and/or public safety, the detection and deterrence of fraud, and the use of law enforcement and intelligence information to ensure optimal security for U.S. communities. FDNS systematically identifies, updates, and records indicators of fraudulent activities; manages fraud cases; identifies vulnerabilities and other weaknesses that compromise the integrity of the legal immigration system; and coordinates and provides logistical support in law enforcement and national security matters. FDNS is the primary conduit for information sharing and collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

As an IMMIGRATION OFFICER, you will:

• Responsible for enhancing the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) program and identifying and addressing issues relative to immigration fraud, public safety, and national security concerns.
• Identify, articulate, and pursue suspected immigration benefit fraud, public safety, and national security concerns by conducting administrative investigations to obtain documents, conduct interviews, and make observations that assist decision-making.
• Conduct liaison with law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Participate on inter-agency task forces and participate in partner agency investigations.
• Track agency fraud, public safety, and national security casework through resolution, preparing regular reports and summary reports. Develop, document, and disseminate internal intelligence and training materials. Facilitate the dissemination of inter-agency and partner agency materials.
• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of anti-fraud, public safety, and national security systems and protocols. Review agency policies and procedures to verify compliance and advise USCIS on deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Conduct research, agency liaison, and site visits in support of USCIS decision-making. Prepare analyses and reports that describe findings and state recommendations. Assist and represent USCIS in related court proceedings.

Qualifications

GS-11: You qualify at the GS-11 level you must possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

• Making final determinations on non-sensitive,routine immigration benefit requests that involve
  determining applicant admissibility and credibility;
• Analyzing evidence and applying statutory requirements,regulations and judicial and administrative
  precedents;
• Preparing written reports detailing the detection of immigration fraud and pertinent patterns; OR
• You may substitute a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarters hours.

GS-12: In Addition to the requirements at the lower grade level(s), to qualify at the GS-12 level you must possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

• Determining admissibility and reviewing documentation of those seeking admission to the U.S.;
• Reviewing evidence by those applying for immigration benefits and conducting liaison with law enforcement/intelligence agencies; and,
• Planning and implementing policies and procedures relating to the detection of immigration fraud.

GS-13: In Addition to the requirements at the lower grade level(s), to qualify at the GS-13 level you must possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties:

• Conducting portions of studies on the impact or implementation of new immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies;
• Preparing analytical data, reports, and responses to inquiries regarding existing immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies; and,
• Developing procedures for implementing immigration enforcement/anti-fraud programs or policies.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable), as it relates to this job opportunity. Please be clear and specific when describing your work history as we cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will also be rated and ranked among others based on your responses to the online questions.

Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information:

• Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job)
• Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
• Employer's name and address
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008)
• Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position.
• Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
• Salary

Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible.

Federal Experience
If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position.

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 criteria 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 service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at GS-12 or GS-13 grade levels.

OR

COMBINING QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: If you do not qualify based on experience or education alone, you may be able to qualify based on a combination of your experience and education. For more information on combining education and experience, visit the following website: General Schedule Qualification Standards.