About this role
Job SummaryProtect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As a Special Assistant, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance on an array of complex, sensitive, and critical issues essential to advancing the agency and HCT's mission.
QualificationsThe qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 06/05/2026. Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 06/05/2026. GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-13 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 majority of the following duties: Leading large-scale analytical projects on the administration and implementation of Human Resources programs to detect operational deficiencies. Advising senior leadership on areas of weakness and recommending long-range solutions for improvement. Interpreting ambiguous legislative, regulatory, and policy guidance as it pertains to various HR programs to formulate policy improvements. Recommending and implementing revisions to existing policies, guidance, and procedures. Maintaining regular and effective communication with internal and external agency contacts to keep stakeholders informed of major program changes. 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 06/05/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted 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.
Major DutiesAdvises Human Capital and Training (HCT) senior leadership on the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of USCIS and HCT programs, policies and projects.Directs complex matters regarding the budget, human resources, procurement, logistics, travel, and administrative needs of the agency.Provides subject matter expertise and interpretation of relevant legislative or judicial matters to HCT senior leadership for the formulation and implementation of policies, programs, plans and procedures.Manages and coordinates with HCT senior leadership a wide-range of sensitive and confidential special assignments of great interest and concern to HCT, and communicates and collaborates with leadership across the organization.Establishes and fosters effective working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the planning and directing of critical agency-wide programs.Researches and prepares written correspondence, memoranda, briefings or other relevant documentation that provide guidance on complex program issues.Guides the analysis and resolution of complex programmatic issues.RequirementsConditions 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. LOCAL COMMUTING AREA: This job is for individuals who currently reside within the local commuting area or, if selected, are willing to establish their permanent residence within the local commuting area of the announced duty location(s) you are applying for. 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.