What are the responsibilities and job description for the Writer-Editor Job at Office of the Inspector General in Oakland position at Office of the Inspector General?

Summary

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent office whose mission is to promote excellence, integrity, and accountability throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In our dynamic environment, the OIG conducts investigations, audits, evaluations, and inspections to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and mismanagement in DHS programs and operations.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Individuals with disabilities

Military spouses

Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

Land and base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current federal employees who hold or held a non-temporary career or career-conditional appointment.

Persons eligible for reinstatement.

Persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special hiring authorities.

Veterans' preference eligibles or veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing at least 3 consecutive years of active duty.

Military Spouses.

Duties

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Audits. The OIG conducts and supervises independent audits, investigations, and inspections of the programs and operations of DHS, and recommends ways for DHS to carry out its responsibilities in the most effective, efficient, and economical manner possible. The OIG also seeks to deter, identify, and address fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and waste of taxpayer funds invested in Homeland Security.

The Office of Audits oversees financial and performance audits, as well as attestation engagements. These audits cover multiple functional and program areas, such as financial statements, cyber security, acquisitions, grants, critical infrastructure, disasters, law enforcement and terrorism, immigration, and transportation security. Auditors examine DHS programs or activities in a formalized, detailed, and in-depth way. As a Communications Analyst, the incumbent helps project teams produce reports and other written products that present the results of OIG audits and reviews persuasively, comprehensively, and understandably to stakeholders, Congress, the media, and the public. The incumbent uses communications strategies, analytical methods, critical thinking, knowledge of language and writing principles, and a general knowledge of audit methods to understand and improve the delivery of complex information to diverse audiences. Duties include :

Using knowledge of language and writing principles and analytical methods to help project teams create, revise, and finalize reports and related documents that clearly explain and present the results of audits and reviews of Department of Homeland Security programs and operations, which generally include substantive issues with policy implications. Assisting as needed with other written products, such as testimony, memorandums, correspondence, communications suitable for digital media, briefing material for oral presentations, and mandated semiannual and annual reports.

Working cooperatively and tactfully with diverse project teams, as well as managers, giving advice and guidance and ensuring teams' analytical techniques, project findings, and conclusions are described in well-organized, clear, concise, and easily understood reports and other relevant documents. Helping teams use "plain language" to convey technical and sensitive information clearly and concisely, thus ensuring reports are understandable to a wide audience without sacrificing thoroughness, accuracy, and nuance. Helping teams select pertinent information to include in written products; determine the most logical and effective organization; ensure narrative is fair and balanced; identify and resolve deficiencies in writing; create visual aids to better convey analysis; and increase interest in, and attention to, reports.

Consistently applying OIG's writing guidelines and other style practices, plain language principles, and grammar and punctuation rules to reports and other documents. Editing reports to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph structure.

Using expert oral communication skills to explain, advocate, or negotiate with individuals and groups, internally and externally, to resolve complex problems and arrive at a common understanding of issues.

Advising and helping develop and / or conducting informal and formal training to improve staff writing skills. This may include developing and presenting, virtually or in person, training materials and guidance to promote professionally written products.

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 be able to obtain secret security clearance

You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing

Selective Service registration required

Completion of one year probationary period may be required.

Submission of Performance Appraisal is mandatory

Qualifications

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

If you are a current federal employee, you must meet all time-in-grade and time-after competitive appointment qualifications by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. To make an accurate determination, you will need to include on your resume your federal position title, pay plan, occupational series, grade level, agency, dates for which you held the grade level (stated as MM / YYYY to MM / YYYY, OR MM / YYYY to PRESENT), and total hours worked per week. 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).

You must meet the "Specialized Experience" to qualify for the Writer-Editor position, as described below :

Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service.

Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Specialized experience for this position include : 1) Using communications strategies, analytical methods, critical thinking, knowledge of language and writing principles, and a general knowledge of audit methods to help organizations and project teams draft, revise, and produce written products, such as report outlines, draft and final reports, congressional testimony, correspondence, briefing materials, and products suitable for digital media; 2) Consistently applying relevant writing guidelines and other style practices, plain language principles, and grammar and punctuation rules to reports and other documents; identifying and resolving deficiencies in writing; and editing written products to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence and paragraph structure; and 3) Ensuring an organization's and project teams' written products are clear, accurate, understandable, and accessible to a wide audience, and compliant with appropriate writing guidelines and principles.

If you are selected for an interview, a writing exercise may be administered as part of the interview process.

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 qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date 01 / 21 / 2025of this announcement.

Current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent grade band in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date 01 / 21 / 2025of this announcement.

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

There is no education substitution for this position.

Additional information

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.

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 those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Secret Clearance as a condition of placement into this 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.

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.

Additional identical positions may be filled from this announcement at a later date.

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.

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 that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job :

Advice and Guidance

Cooperation and Teamwork

Oral Communication

Written Communication

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Preview the job questionnaire .

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) : To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veterans must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note : Veteran's preference does not apply under

Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.)

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles : If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not ICTAP eligible. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under ICTAP, you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Benefits

Review our benefits

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.

The following information must be received by 11 : 59 EST on the 01 / 21 / 2025.

Content of Resume : Your resume, or other written form you choose to describe your job-related experiences are used to verify your qualifications. It is important that your resume reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM / YYYY; and total number of hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified, and you will no longer be considered for this position. To assist you with sending a complete resume, use the "What-to-Include" checklist on the USAJOBS Help Center.

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action - If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit a SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the position for which you are using to qualify. Your SF-50 must also include the Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potentia l (if applicable) to verify your status and eligibility. If you are unable to provide your most recent SF-50, you should submit a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable. This explanation should include your Position Title and Series, Step, Salary, Tenure, Position Occupied, and promotion potential. Failure to submit the required SF50 document or statement of explanation will result in an ineligible rating under merit promotion procedures.

Recent Performance Appraisal -If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your current Fiscal Year ( ex. FY2023 ) Performance Appraisal showing you have performed at an acceptable level. If you are unable to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal you must submit a written explanation as to why it was not obtainable. In this explanation you should include your final rating. Failure to submit your current Fiscal Year Performance Appraisal or a written statement explaining why it was not obtainable will disqualify you from further consideration.

DD-214 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, provide a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other equivalent documentation to prove your entitlement and to verify your type of discharge. Failure to provide this information may result in your application not receiving preference.

VA Letter and SF-15 - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference based on a Compensable Disability, Widow or Spouse Entitlement, or as a Purple Heart recipient, you must submit your DD-214 or other proof of entitlement as described above; and SF-15, and the required proof of disability, i.e., Department of Veterans Affairs letter dated 1991 or later. Failure to provide this documentation may result in your application not receiving preference. (Please see veteran eligibility documentation for more information on veterans' preference in federal hiring).

Active-Duty Service Members - If you are veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veteran Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Agencies are required to accept, process, and grant tentative veterans' preference to those active-duty service members who submit a certification (in lieu of a DD-214) along with their job application materials. Agencies must verify the individual meets the definition of 'preference eligible' under 5 U.S.C. 2108 prior to appointment. A '"certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. NOTE : If you provide a certification at the time of application, your preference eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. More information may be found at

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation , if applicable. For more information, please go to

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes 1) your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, 2) your resume, and 3) any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the required documents section).

Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.

Resume Requirements :

DHS-OIG Human Resources will review the first 5 pages of your resume to determine your initial eligibility / qualifications for a position. As such, please be sure to include content to support your eligibility / qualifications for this position within the first 5 pages . Candidate will not be disqualified if they exceed the 5-page limit, however only the first 5 pages will be considered.

Resumes should focus on the relevant, significant knowledge, skills, abilities; accomplishments and results; training and education related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement. Please be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Copying and pasting position descriptions into a resume is not acceptable.

Illegible Information and / or Documents

If your supporting documents and resume are illegible or do not provide the necessary information for the Human Resources Specialist and / or Subject Matter Expert to make a qualification determination, you may lose consideration for this position.

Last Document Uploaded

If multiple copies of the same document are uploaded / faxed and submitted with your application, DHS-OIG will only consider the last copy of the document uploaded / faxed when determining your eligibility and qualifications. For example, if you upload / fax two or more resumes only the last resume uploaded / faxed and submitted will be considered.

The completed online Application Package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (EST) on 01 / 21 / 2025.

The following applicants can be considered under Merit Promotion eligibles (also known as "status candidates") :

Current career or career-conditional employees :

30% Disabled Veterans :

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) :

Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) :

Certain Military Spouses :

Reinstatement :

Family Member Preference (Derived Preference) :

A severely physically handicapped Schedule A appointment : Please submit a certification from a State or District of Columbia rehabilitation counselor indicating that you can perform the duties of this position and are eligible for an excepted appointment based on a physical or mental disability.

A former Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteers appointment : Please submit documentation indicating your volunteer service in order to be considered.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and / or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process .

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit :

Note : It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration.

Agency contact information

Mary Bradford

Phone

202-560-9302

Mary.Bradford@oig.dhs.gov

Address

Office of Inspector General

245 Murray Lane SW

Washington, DC 20528

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 hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. 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."

If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability / security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Interview (If applicable) : Interviews are required for this position. Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration.

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 oig.hroperations@oig.dhs.gov.

Fair and Transparent

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

Criminal history inquiries

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability

New employee probationary period

Privacy Act

Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service

Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents