This position is located within Refugee, Asylum and International Operations, Asylum Division, in the following locations: Arlington, VA Bethpage, NY Boston, MA Chicago, IL Houston, TX Miami, FL Newark, NJ New Orleans, LA San Francisco, CA Tampa, FL Tustin, CA

Duties

Adjudicate complex asylum cases through non-adversarial interviews and make determinations as to whether an individual qualifies for asylum, statutory withholding of removal, or withholding or deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture. Conduct research of specific Country Conditions in coordination with RAIO Research Unit as part of the adjudications process, using appropriate databases and other electronic and written resources. Identify noncitizens believed to be involved in defrauding the U.S. Government. Analyze new or amended legislation, and interpret policy covering USCIS programs, activities, or functions for which the agency has responsibility. Develop relevant lines of questioning and elicit testimony on likelihood of persecution according to the higher withholding of removal standard of proof and any potential Convention Against Torture claim according to the higher standard of proof. Elicit testimony to determine the possibility of deferral of removal under Convention Against Torture, which will be granted if the person meets all eligibility requirements. Write well-organized, logical, and complex legal decisions that cover essential issues and are consistent with adjudicative standards and legislation and are applicable to the facts of the case or which communicate USCIS policies and procedures. Adjudicate other complex affirmative asylum and prescreening cases such as those involving national security and egregious public safety concerns, high profile cases that have high visibility.

Requirements

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 01/26/2024. 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. As an Asylum Officer, you will determine whether an individual qualifies for asylum, statutory withholding of removal, or withholding or deferral of removal under the CAT; and work in collaboration with FDNS to identify individuals and organizations who seek immigration benefits by fraudulent means. GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-12 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: Preparing written legal analysis or other written memoranda relating to asylum, refugee, or other immigration cases; Recommending determinations on or representing applicants on asylum, refugee, or other immigration cases; Researching or interpreting immigration laws, policies, or procedures as they relate to an individual's eligibility for asylum, refugee, or other immigration benefits; Interviewing or eliciting information from applicants for asylum, refugee, or other immigration benefits. 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 01/26/2024.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 this grade level.

Contacts

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