Document Analyst

Summary Joining the Secret Service, Office of Field Operations, Forensic Services Division will allow you to utilize your document examination skills to support criminal investigations and forensic science activities carried out by the division. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here. Duties The selectee will serve as a Document Analyst in the Office of Field Operations, Forensic Services Division. Typical work assignments include: ing maintain and expand the laboratory's technical resources, including specialized databases and laboratory instruments. Reviewing scientific literature, participating in forensic conferences and training workshops, and contributing to ongoing research initiatives to remain current in the field. Conducting a full range of complex forensic document examinations to determine authenticity, authorship, and possible alterations. Performing detailed analysis of handwriting and hand printing, typewriting, indented impressions, paper and ink composition, obliterations, and other document features using recognized forensic methodologies. Presenting findings in briefing to internal and external stakeholders and may serve as an expert witness in administrative hearings or court proceeding, testifying under oath and explaining the scientific basis of results during direct and cross examination. Providing technical guidance to stakeholders in various types of analysis performed by the branch, including, but not limited to handwriting, instrumental analysis, document authentication, and document examination. Apply for this exciting opportunity to impact the Secret Service's dual investigative and protective missions. This Document Analyst position starts at a salary of $69,923.00, GS-9 step 1, with promotion potential to $156,755.00 GS-13 step 10. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship is required. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. If selected for this position, you will be required to: Obtain and maintain a top secret Tier 5 clearance. For more information visit OPM Mythbuster Page. Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. Submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying. You qualify for the GS-9 level (starting salary $69,923.00) if you possess one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level performing duties such as: Assisting in document examinations to identify alterations, obliterations, forgeries, and counterfeit documents. Assisting in handwriting, hand printing, and signature comparisons between unknown and known bodies of writing. Assisting in processing documents for the presence of indented writing. Utilizing scientific equipment in a laboratory environment. Assisting with completing scientific reports. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree, LL.B. or J.D. or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as physical and biological, graphic arts, police science, criminology, or law. OR A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirement is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $84,601.00) if you possess one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level performing duties such as: Conducting document examinations to identify alterations, obliterations, forgeries, and counterfeit documents. Conducting handwriting, hand printing, and signature comparisons between unknown and known bodies of writing. Processing documents for the presence of indented writing. Utilizing scientific equipment in a laboratory environment to examine and analyze ink, paper, and security features incorporated into documents. Completing scientific reports, following writing policies and procedures. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, LLM., or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work the position. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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 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. Education For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for a position by substituting education or training for experience, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. 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. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. Additional information 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. 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. 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 [email protected]. More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. 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. The Secret Service prohibits employees from having visible body markings (including but not limited to tattoos, body art, and branding) on the head, face, neck, hand and fingers (any area below the wrist bone) (exception: a single conservative and unobtrusive tattoo in the form of a ring is authorized on one finger). 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.