This position is located in Refugee, Asylum and International Operations, Asylum Division, in the following locations: Arlington, VA Atlanta, GA Bethpage, NY Boston, MA Chicago, IL Houston, TX Miami, FL Newark, NJ New Orleans, LA San Francisco, CA Tampa, FL Tustin, CA As an Asylum Officer, you will adjudicate asylum applications, conduct credible/reasonable fear and other screenings, and adjudicate other benefit applications managed by the asylum program.

Duties

The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity. Adjudicating complex and highly sensitive asylum applications and other adjudications managed by the asylum program; conducting credible/reasonable fear screenings. Reviewing applications and supporting evidence, conducting interviews, performing security checks, and researching information provided by the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations Directorate; the Department of State; and other sources. Interpreting and applying appropriate policy, regulations, statutes, and precedent decisions to make eligibility determinations. Producing written determinations supporting adjudications, such as asylum, NACARA, credible fear and reasonable fear decisions. Establishing and maintaining liaison with external federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and/or private sector stakeholders involved in asylum benefits.

Requirements

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 12/15/2023. Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants. This announcement is issued under the Direct Hire Authority to recruit for positions for which the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has a critical hiring need. The Asylum Division within USCIS is responsible for interviewing asylum seekers to determine whether they qualify for protection in the United States due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. These determinations are made while protecting national security, combating fraud, and protecting the legal immigration system through careful screening, vigilant interviews, and sound adjudications. Every day, Asylum Officers change lives while ensuring the integrity of our country's immigration system. Ideal Asylum Officer candidates have strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as a steadfast commitment to administer and uphold laws and regulations. GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Assisting individuals applying for immigration benefits by examining supporting documentation for authenticity or relevance, as well as researching and analyzing appropriate information for eligibility; or Interpreting and applying immigration laws, policies, and procedures as they relate to an individual's eligibility for immigration benefits. OR You may substitute a Master's or equivalent degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a J.D. or L.L.B degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. Such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours. GS-11: You qualify at the GS-11 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Recommending determinations on or representing applicants in non-sensitive, routine hearing or appeal requests involving immigration matters that includes determining applicant credibility, analyzing evidence, or applying statutory requirements, regulations or judicial and administrative precedents; or Researching or preparing formal recommendations or other written memoranda according to the provisions of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA). OR You may substitute a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent degree) or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or L.L.M. if related, for experience at the GS-11 grade level. Such education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours. GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the following duties: Making final determinations on complex asylum, refugee, or other immigration cases such as those providing eligibility for protection, resettlement or other immigration benefits; or Preparing written legal analysis or other written memoranda that advocate for sensitive or complex cases, administrative proceedings, benefits, or appeal cases. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 12/15/2023.Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. USCIS will only 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. Please note that your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employer's name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible. Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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 criteria 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 service. Please provide the dates and amount of time/hours worked earning this experience.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at the GS-12 grade level.

Contacts

• Address
• Name: HROC Staffing Help Desk
• Phone: 952-697-8380
• Email: [email protected]