Summary

Joining the U.S. Secret Service, Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) 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. For definitions of terms found in this announcement, please click here.

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: Performing routine tasks to support research projects by applying behavioral and social science research principles to include collecting and analyzing data, interpreting data results, using thematic analysis, data entry, and executing statistical analysis on topics including prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, and criminal behavior Delivers presentations to internal and external partners, which enhances and/or contributes to the scientific and professional knowledge on behavioral threat assessment and prevents targeted violence. Prepares comprehensive written analyses for internal and external distribution that summarize the research process, findings, and implications; that contribute to scientific and professional knowledge of targeted violence and behavioral threat assessment. Participates in consultation meetings with internal and external partners, which enhance and/or contribute to professional knowledge of behavioral threat assessment and preventing targeted violence. Manages administrative tasks for project and division efforts, overseeing documentation and coordination that may involve multiple phases.']

Requirements

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 Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination prior to your appointment. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. After the U.S. Secret Service completes its hiring, the resumes of the remaining candidates referred for selection consideration may be shared with other DHS Components and other federal agencies. During the application process, you may choose to opt-in if you would like your name, application material, and assessment results to be shared. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements.

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: A. Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position OR B. 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 OR C. 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. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE, YOU MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-9: You qualify for the GS-09 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level performing duties such as: Performing routine tasks and assignments to support research projects to include collecting and analyzing data for the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, and criminal behavior. Collecting information for reports using open sources in accordance with behavioral and social science principles, concepts, and methods in support of research projects. Preparing written consultation summaries for distribution for senior level review. Maintaining records and documentation to provide updates to staff using automated systems. OR Education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position, such as Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Homeland Security. GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level performing duties such as: Identifying information from various open sources to inform research methodology, such as behavioral case summaries, associated with behavioral threat assessments, protective intelligence and criminal behaviors. Collaborating with senior staff in conducting evaluation and summarization of collected data and information to support research and training, in the areas of targeted violence prevention and threat assessment. Preparing written incident analysis summaries, case summaries, and other reports summarizing the research process, findings, and implications regarding targeted violence and threat assessment. Preparing training material for courses being offered to internal and external partners. Or Education: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree such as: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Homeland Security. GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 level if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing duties such as: Analyzing defined research objectives associated with targeted violence, threat assessment, protective intelligence criminal behavior, and terrorism. Conducting open-source analysis on specific topics or issues to identify pertinent theories or data in scientific literature, reports, news media, and other information systems on targeted violence, threat assessment, and related concepts. Utilizing research techniques to evaluate, synthesize, analyze, interpret, and summarize data to communicate these methods and findings in support of training and consultative initiatives in the areas of targeted violence prevention and threat assessment. Preparing incident analyses and other reports summarizing the research process, findings, and implications, which enhance and/or contribute to the scientific and professional field of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, protective intelligence, criminal behavior, and terrorism. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: 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.

Other 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. 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).