What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Science Research Specialist position at US Secret Service?

Summary

Joining the United States Secret Service, National Threat Assessment Center will allow you to apply a wide range of behavioral and social science research principles, concepts, and methods which are related to the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior and protective intelligence.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation Veterans' preference does not apply.

For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) eligibles and Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) employees.

Duties

The selectee will serve as a Social Science Research Specialist in the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, National Threat Assessment Center. Typical work assignments include :

Utilizes conventional research techniques to evaluate, synthesize, and summarize data and information in support of research, training, and consultative initiatives the areas of targeted violence prevention and threat assessment.

Under the guidance of senior staff, conducts comprehensive open-source analysis on specific topics or issues to identify pertinent theories or data in scientific literature, government reports, news media, internet sites, and other information systems on targeted violence, threat assessment, and related concepts.

Prepares written incident analysis summaries and case summaries and assists with the preparation of other reports summarizing the research process, findings, and implications, which enhance and / or contribute to scientific and professional knowledge of targeted violence and threat assessment.

Delivers presentations to internal and external partners on behavioral threat assessment and targeted violence, which may require travel as directed.

Apply for this exciting opportunity to be able to support research, training, and consultative initiatives on the prevention of targeted violence and to the field of behavioral threat assessment, which significantly impacts and informs the agencies approach to preventing potential threat to persons and facilities protected by the agency. This Social Science Research Specialist position starts at a salary of $69,923 (GS-9, step 1) or 84,601 (GS-11, step 1), with promotional potential to $156,755 (GS-13, step 10).

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)

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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This announcement is being filled using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Direct-Hire Authority. Agencies may appoint candidates directly to jobs, without regard to the provisions of Title 5 U.S.C.3309 through 3318. Therefore, Veterans' preference does not apply when appointing individuals. For more information on Direct Hire Authority please visit : Direct Hire Authority.

Upon review, your resume and / or supporting documents need to support your answer choices to the assessment questionnaire. Your resume must also reflect the one year of specialized experience requirement, in order to be considered. If the one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower grade level cannot be identified in your resume, you will be considered not qualified. The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are :

Attention to Detail

Computer Skills

Customer Service

Flexibility

Influencing / Negotiating

Integrity / Honesty

Interpersonal Skills

Learning

Oral Communication

Reading Comprehension

Research

Self-Management

Stress Tolerance

Teamwork

Written Communication

Applicants who meet the basic requirement and specialized experience for the position will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants do not apply to the announcement.

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 eligible under ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement.

Veterans : Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (See Required Documents section for information on substantiating documents).

An interview may be required for this position. If an interview is required, failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. If you are called for an interview, you must submit three items :

1) A writing sample - can be a document you authored, co-authored, or contributed that best represents your writing style.

2) work sample #1 - complete a work sample to evaluate your ability to assess information from multiple sources and construct an accurate timeline of events pertaining to an act of targeted violence; and

3) work sample #2 - develop a 10-15-minute presentation on a topic of your choice that is relevant to the field of social and / or behavioral sciences and be prepared to provide a verbal briefing during the interview.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

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.

In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation :

Resume - In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history should show work experience in month / year format (MM / YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date, and include the number of hours worked per week. Click here for what to include in your resume.

Are you qualifying based on education or the position has an education requirement, or you are qualifying based on a combination of education and experience? Submit a copy of your college / university transcript (unofficial is acceptable) it must show school name, student's name, credit earned, degree, and date awarded. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. Those with Foreign education, click here.

Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? Submit a copy of your agency notice, copy of your most recent performance appraisal (with at least a satisfactory rating), and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Are you a veteran? Veterans' preference does not apply to selections made using Direct Hiring Authority however, if you would like to submit your military records for benefits you may receive after selection, please submit the following : a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4). If a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4) is not available, other documentation listing the beginning and ending dates of active service and the type of discharge must be submitted to verify eligibility. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." For more information view Veteran Information.

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment : Position title, Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee) Agency, Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.

PLEASE NOTE : If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available, and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application. The application process is as follows :

Click the Apply Online button

Answer the questions presented in the application and submit the required documents.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11 : 59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.

Access to USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.

Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

To view the required online assessment questionnaire please visit https : / / apply.usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12699408. The online assessment questionnaire is required in additional to the USA Hire assessments.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources : https : / / help.usastaffing.gov / Apply / index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.

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 here : https : / / help.usastaffing.gov / Apply / index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

To update your application, excluding External Assessment responses, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account. Find your application record and click edit my application . This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. For information on what each Announcement Status means, visit : https : / / www.usajobs.gov / Help / how-to / application / status / .

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact theAPT Talent Management Division at HRSupport@usss.dhs.gov OR by calling (202) 406-6420 between the hours of 9 : 00 am and 5 : 30 pm EST (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance.

The Secret Service provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.

Agency contact information

APT Talent Management Division

HRSupport@usss.dhs.gov

Next steps

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. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Best-qualified applicants will be referred for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability / security background investigation. For more information on applying for Federal employment, please click here.

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

In addition to addressing the vacancy specific questions, you must also submit the following documentation :

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

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

Click the Apply Online button

Answer the questions presented in the application and submit the required documents.

Click the Submit Application button prior to 11 : 59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.

Access to USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.

Agency contact information

APT Talent Management Division

HRSupport@usss.dhs.gov

Next steps

Fair & 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

Salary : $69,923 - $84,601

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