Social Science Research Specialist

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required.
  
  

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 to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
• Submit to a polygraph examination prior to your appointment.
• Undergo occasional travel.
• Submit a credit check after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.
  
  

NOTE: The person selected for this position may be subject to a one-year probationary period.

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.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below:

Basic Requirements

Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position (e.g. psychology, criminology, behavioral science; social psychology; criminal justice; sociology; intelligence and security studies) (Transcripts required)

OR

Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field (e.g., degree plus relevant experience in the field of behavioral or social science; or related disciplines to the position outlined in the job posting). (Transcripts required)

OR

Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field (e.g., only relevant experience in the field of behavioral or social science, or related disciplines to the position outlined in the job posting).

IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

GS-9

You qualify for the GS-9 level (starting salary $69,923) if you possess one of the following:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level performing duties such as:

• Performing routine tasks and assignments to support research projects to include collecting and analyzing data, that develops an understanding for the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, and criminal behavior;
• Applying behavioral and social science research principles, concepts, and methods which contribute to the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and protective intelligence;
• Performing routine and basic activities related to research analysis, compilation, and the interpretation of research data; and
• Summarizing and interpreting data that contributes to the development of training resources and/or materials to advance the scientific and/or professional knowledge in the field of behavioral and social science.
  
  

OR

Master's or equivalent graduate degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position; 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.

OR

A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirements 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.

GS-11

Duties

You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $84,601) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level performing duties such as:

• Conducting open-source analysis on specific topics associated with the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and protective intelligence;
• Applying standardized behavioral and social science research principles, concepts and methods to execute research tasks which contribute to the field of behavioral threat assessment and prevention of targeted violence;
• Evaluating, synthesizing, and summarizing data and information in support of research, training, and consultative initiatives;
• Drafting sections of reports, and briefing materials which enhance and/or contributes to scientific and professional knowledge of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, criminal behavior, and related concepts.
  
  

OR

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position; or 3 full years progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position.
  
  

OR

• A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position if the computed percentage of the requirements 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) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.
  
  

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 HRsupport@usss.dhs.gov.
  
  

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).

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.

Read more

• Help Help 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.
  
  

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.