Mission Support Specialist

Summary View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Congressional Relations, in Washington, District of Columbia. This is a non-bargaining unit position. Learn more about this agency Duties As a Mission Support Specialist, at the full performance level, you will perform the following duties: Serves as a lead or senior specialist in program operations, providing expert guidance and troubleshooting complex issues with innovative solutions that may require deviation from established methods. Independently manages highly complex projects and issues, developing and implementing recommendations characterized by their breadth, complexity, and impact on both ICE and U.S. Congressional requirements. Develops and recommends modifications to procedures and processes to accommodate evolving program needs, legislative mandates, and organizational growth. Provides technical guidance and mentorship to lower-grade specialists, analysts, and assistants, ensuring consistent application of agency policies and procedures. Oversees OCR budget formulation and execution, analyzes contracting and procurement issues, coordinates acquisition timelines, and ensures effective management control over program operations. Coordinates the acquisition timeline on assigned project(s) to include anticipated contract award date. Oversee activities and provide guidance to P-Card holders and approving officials. Responsible for role(s), project(s), or requirement(s) relating to Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) budget formulation and budget execution program areas. Plans, organizes, conducts, participates, and maintains business processes that contribute to effective management control over program operations. Conducts high-level analysis of information, precedent cases, statutes, and regulations to identify issues, recommend actions, and reengineer business processes for improved efficiency. Exercises sound judgment in resolving logistical matters related to OCR space acquisition, renovation, or redesign, and prepares project papers and briefings for management. Prepares project papers and staff reports and organizes and delivers briefings to managers to encourage understanding and acceptance of findings and recommendations. Knowledge of a wide range of security concepts, principles, and practices to review independently, analyze, and resolve difficult and complex security problems. Provides instruction and facilitates the operation of process improvement teams. Utilizes human resources principles/concepts, relative to recruitment and placement of competitive and excepted service positions. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. You must successfully pass a background investigation. You must successfully pass a drug screen. Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service. Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period. Qualifications Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following: Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Maintaining records and data related to the administrative functions of an organization; Preparing routine correspondence, reports, and documentation for management review; AND Assisting with scheduling and coordinating meetings, travel arrangements, and training activities for staff. OR Successfully completed a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree 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 perform the work of the position, such as public administration, political science, business administration, management, public policy, or a closely related field. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) Specialized experience as described in A, but less than one year; and I have at least two years of graduate education as described in B, but less than the required three years. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.). (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) Experience as described in A AND the education described in B. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed education and experience. This will be calculated using your resume and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application. You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Executing a variety of mission support activities, including travel, training, logistics, budget, payroll, and contracting functions; Analyzing data to identify patterns or trends and preparing management reports to inform decision-making; AND Coordinating and overseeing the implementation of new administrative procedures and process improvements. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Leading or supporting administrative projects related to workforce management and program evaluation, with an emphasis on accuracy and process improvement; Preparing comprehensive status reports, summaries, and briefings for multiple administrative support programs; AND Advising senior leadership on complex administrative issues and recommending solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness. Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. 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 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: 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. 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information) Additional information Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval. E-Verify: 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. Suitability: 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. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. 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. A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. Expand Hide  additional information 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. 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.