Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation)

Summary Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As an Immigration Services Assistant (Office Automation), you may conduct in-person interviews to adjudicate applications for immigration benefits and assist other federal agencies in identifying those who pose a threat to national security and public safety. Duties Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, within Helena Field Office and are assigned based on the need of the agency. The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity. Screening and vetting to grant or deny complex applications and petitions for immigration benefits based on electronic or paper applications, petitions, and in-person interviews. Research and interpret sources including immigration laws and regulations, operating instructions, legislative history, precedent decisions, state and local laws, and international treaties to determine adjudicative decision. Plan and conduct independent research concerning the eligibility and entitlement of persons seeking benefits, employment, and/or legal status under the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended. Conduct preliminary fact-finding and initiate further action where information indicates fraud has been detected. Use government systems to perform security checks in accordance with all applicable DHS/USCIS laws and policies; conduct file searches for aliases, dates of birth, and criminal behavior. Write well-organized, logical, often complex legal decisions and opinions that are clear, consistent with adjudicative standards and legislation, and are applicable to the facts of the case or which communicate USCIS policies and procedures. Complete and update administrative reports, systems, and security reporting requirements in accordance with applicable regulations and procedures. Conduct in-person interviews (screening and vetting) to elicit information or statements to assess credibility and identify inconsistencies. Provide direct support and assistance to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and officials of other federal agencies. Requirements Conditions of employment Conditions of Employment: You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure You must pass a drug screening Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program This position IS NOT considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed. Residency Requirement: 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; (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. Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year. Typing Certification: Applicants must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. You can self-certify by submitting a statement that you can type this speed. General Office Skills: Applicants must possess knowledge of general office automation software, practices, and procedures. Physical Demands: Applicants must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Qualifications The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 03/06/2026. Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants. GS-06: You qualify at the GS-06 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Performing office automation duties requiring different methods/approaches for a variety of assignments. Reviewing and screening applications or files to ensure validity of documentation submitted. Answering routine questions and providing assistance on applications. Maintaining subject matter files, technical instructions, and/or operating procedures. GS-07: You qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-06 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Managing data and files in various software applications to retrieve and prepare reports. Collaborating and/or supporting in the adjudicative/decision making process. Communicating technical information concerning applications with internal and external contacts. Analyzing and verifying cases where expedited processing is requested. GS-08: You qualify at the GS-08 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Reviewing documents to ensure consistency and validity of submitted data. Delivering guidance, training, and/or mentorship to various work units or groups on records management and/or immigration application processing. Providing customer service to include researching inquiries received by customers in order to provide accurate and timely responses to resolve issues and/or concerns. Managing appointments in a electronic scheduling system. Ensuring official records are maintained and compliant with records management system (to include existing policy, guidance, and laws). GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-08 level in the federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Overseeing workload distribution to include reviewing and maintaining quality control over final work products. Serving as a liaison by providing immigration records management support and answering case inquiries. Managing file room, mail room, and/or appointment scheduling operations to monitor movement of records and case processing. Creating, maintaining, and reconciling physical and electronic records. Providing direct instructions and/or additional information needed in regards to applications and/or petitions. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 03/06/2026. Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked 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. Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. 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. Education Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP): Per 5 CFR 576.202, An employee who receives a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) and later accepts employment for compensation with the Government of the United States within 5 years of the date of the separation on which the VSIP is based, including work under a personal services contract or other direct contract, must repay the entire amount of the VSIP to the agency that paid it (proof of payment is required) before the individual's first day of reemployment. EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at these grade levels. Additional information 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) Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include 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. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page. If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position. 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. It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service. Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity. 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 our Staffing desk. 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. 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.