Summary

This assignment is a 1-year non-reimbursable assignment.

This assignment is within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), External Affairs Directorate (EXA)

We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application.

Position Title: Community Relations Specialist

This is not a Virtual/Remote JDA

Series: Requested: 0301

Security Clearance: Secret

Assignment Location: local commuting areas of Boston, Chicago or Philadelphia

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.

Clarification from the agency

This detail opportunity is for current competitive and excepted service employees only. If
you are not a current federal civilian employee you will not be eligible for this position.DHS Joint Duty Assignments do not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Duties

The detailee will join the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), External Affairs Directorate (EXA), Office of Citizenship, Partnership and Engagement (OCPE), Public Engagement Division (PED)as a field Community Relations Specialist (CRS). The individual will serve in an assigned geographic region and is responsible for research and program planning that support mission-related community relations efforts on the local level in coordination with USCIS business units and key external stakeholders such as community- based organizations, professional associations, intergovernmental partners, etc. They will 1) promote programs and initiatives related to USCIS policies, programs, and operational procedures and (2) establish and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders that provide support to immigrant communities and (3) build stakeholder relationships. They will work independently to develop partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to identify specific community needs and appropriate outreach channels. Examples include working with local USCIS staff and local organizations to provide information on a USCIS program that is relevant to that specific community or working with another government agency at the state/local/federal level to organize a USCIS briefing for their staff on a relevant topic. They will seek feedback about USCIS policies and programs by leading stakeholder engagements, listening sessions, community meetings, and leadership and staff level meetings with national immigration associations or advocacy organizations. They will apprise PED leadership and provide on specific obstacles, tensions, and/or crises that may impact the delivery of USCIS programs and policies in the field and works independently to resolve these adverse situations.

They are responsible for developing public-facing materials such as PowerPoint presentations,frequently asked questions, or web content. The CRS will develop strategic outreach plans for local stakeholder outreach, when applicable, on new USCIS policies and programs to ensure that the information reaches various groups. Partners in these efforts may include national advocacy groups and associations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, colleges and universities, and state and local agencies.

They will provide information to stakeholders when complicated issues arise that might threaten to compromise stakeholder understanding of new USCIS policies and procedures and works closely with all parties to ensure that efforts are made to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of those impacted.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Must be a current permanent Federal employee
Must have supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment.DHS 250-2 Application Form under "required documents" section.
Must NOT have any pending/outstanding disciplinary actions
Must have achieved a minimum of "meet expectations/proficiency" on latest performance appraisal/evaluation
Must be currently at the grade level of the detail.*No Temporary Promotion Opportunity*
The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.

Qualifications

Qualifications required:

Thorough knowledge, understanding and demonstrated experience of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of strategic communications and outreach.
Demonstrated flexibility in presenting, selecting, and managing competing demands and uncertainties within compressed time frames.
Excellent oral and written communications skills (including the ability to edit documents for clarity and succinctness as well as the ability to speak in public in various settings)
Analytical skills to gather and analyze stakeholder feedback and to identify strategic engagement opportunities.
Ability to track data and metrics to monitor outreach efforts.
Ability to take initiative and work remotely during the joint duty assignment with minimal supervision.
Independently plans, develops, and implements outreach plans.
Establishing and maintaining effective collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Prior experience working in community relations is preferred.

Please read the following important information to ensure we have everything we need to consider your application:

It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this Joint Duty assignment opportunity announcement.

Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated based on your resume.

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

Job Title (Include series and grade of Federal Job)
Duties (Be specific in describing your duties)
Name of Federal agency
Supervisor name, email, and phone number
Start and end dates including month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution for this position.

Additional information

**DHS does not offer any additional benefits beyond that which the Federal employee is already receiving.

If the position requires a security clearance, employees must have a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance to placement AND must maintain that level of clearance while performing in the position.

Selected applicants for a JDA are requested to fulfill the items below during the JDA:

Complete the DHS Training Course 15 days prior to the arrival to the JDA.
Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Progress Plan to include:
- Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the JDA.
- Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the JDA.
- Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the JDA.

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.
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 basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated using a job questionnaire based on the competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this Joint Duty Assignment.

If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination will be made. You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Note: DHS continues to take necessary steps to keep our workforce safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If you receive a final Joint Duty Assignment offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding requirements and/or forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed.

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.
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.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
1. Resume: Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) i.e., home address, social security number, or date of birth. Your resume must clearly demonstrate you have experience which meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section.
2. SF-50: Submit a copy of your official SF-50 (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document which shows the following information:
1. Your appointment in the Federal service
2. Tenure
3. Grade and Step
4. Full performance level
If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
3. DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form signed by your supervisor. Please click on the following link to access the required form DHS Form 250-02.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/30/2024 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents, and complete the questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
DHS Joint Duty Program
Email
JointDutyProgramOffice@hq.dhs.gov
Address
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
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 selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. 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 final JDA offer within 90 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Telework: Telework eligibility is based on the needs of the office and is subject to change.
Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the closing date of the Joint Duty Assignment vacancy announcement; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Criminal history inquiries
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request

Required Documents

1. Resume: Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) i.e., home address, social security number, or date of birth. Your resume must clearly demonstrate you have experience which meets the requirements of this position as outlined in the "Qualifications" section.

2. SF-50: Submit a copy of your official SF-50 (no text version) or other official "Notification of Personnel Action" document which shows the following information:

Your appointment in the Federal service
Tenure
Grade and Step
Full performance level

If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.

3. DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form signed by your supervisor. Please click on the following link to access the required form DHS Form 250-02.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/30/2024 to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and other supporting documents, and complete the questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

DHS Joint Duty Program

Email

JointDutyProgramOffice@hq.dhs.gov

Address

Department of Homeland Security Headquarters

OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170

6595 Springfield Center Drive

Springfield, VA 20598-0170

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 selecting official for further consideration and a possible interview. We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. 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 final JDA offer within 90 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Telework: Telework eligibility is based on the needs of the office and is subject to change.

Additional information pertaining to your interest and availability for this position may be needed after the closing date of the Joint Duty Assignment vacancy announcement; therefore, a timely response to these requests must be adhered to in order to remain in consideration.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Reasonable accommodation policy
Criminal history inquiries
Financial suitability
Selective Service
New employee probationary period
Signature and false statements
Privacy Act
Social security number request