Program Specialist

Citizenship and Immigration Services•Phoenix, AZ

32d•Onsite

About The Position

Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As a Program Specialist, you will be responsible for federal oversight of off-site biometric collection and identity information management in immigration systems to support national security, public safety, and the integrity of lawful immigration.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure.
Must pass a drug screening.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Residency Requirement: 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.
GS-07: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level, performing duties such as: Providing guidance and oversight to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as approved disability accommodations during home visits; Assisting in gathering and reconciling identifying information and documentation, referring discrepancies to supervisors; Compiling routine findings and reporting observed issues to supervisors; Performing administrative tasks such as completing travel vouchers, logistics coordination, and supply management for off-site assignments.
GS-07 Substitution: Successful completion of one year of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university.
GS-07 Substitution: Superior academic achievement (e.g., upper third class standing, GPA of 3.0 or higher, GPA of 3.5 or higher in major, or membership in a national scholastic honor society).
GS-09: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level, performing duties such as: Conducting and/or overseeing off-site biometric collection operations, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and quality standards; Serving as a point of contact for contractors and internal stakeholders, providing guidance and resolving routine and moderately complex identity issues; Identifying and documenting potential fraud or discrepancies, initiating referral procedures and preparing supporting materials in accordance with internal policies; Coordinating and managing logistics for off-site assignments such as travel arrangements, supply management, and completion of administrative documentation.
GS-09 Substitution: A Master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree.
GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level, performing duties such as: Leading and overseeing off-site biometric collection operations, providing expert guidance to staff to ensure procedural compliance; Conducting comprehensive quality assurance reviews, developing improved procedures and guidelines for biometric collection; Advising and mentoring staff in fraud detection referral, and supporting leadership on complex and sensitive cases; Participating in planning sessions and process improvement initiatives to enhance program effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance.
GS-11 Substitution: A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent degree) or three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or L.L.M. if related.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Serve as the federal oversight authority, ensuring that all offsite biometric collection and verification activities comply with established federal requirements.
Compile and submit detailed reports that outline each visit, findings, and any actions taken. Daily reporting will serve multiple purposes, tracking the progress of the off-site collection of biometrics, travel details and noted trends.
Implement and maintain quality assurance protocols and standards specifically tailored for off-site biometric collection processes.
Resolve outstanding identity cases, leveraging analytical skills and comprehensive knowledge on identity resolution.
Analyze case details, review documentation, and employ problem-solving skills to resolve identity discrepancies within the system of records.