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Government Information Specialist

Department of Homeland Security
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Immigration Records and Identity Services, National Records Center

Summary

This position is located in Immigration Records and Identity Services, National Records Center, National Records Center Executive Staff.

As a Government Information Specialist, you will research, interpret and apply FOIA/PA statutes and regulations while processing complex FOIA/PA cases.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
07/31/2025 to 08/11/2025
Salary
$75,145 to - $97,684 per year

The actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and your location, see the "How To Apply" section of the announcement for details.

Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Lees Summit, MO
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Temporary promotion - Refer to the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section of the announcement for more details.
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
12774100-NRC-IMP-25
Control number
842058400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

LOCAL COMMUTING AREA: Current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) employees with competitive status and USCIS CTAP or RPL eligibles. This announcement will NOT be used for changing duty locations.

Duties

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  • Receive, analyze, and process complex and sensitive Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) requests.
  • Ensure compliance with FOIA/PA laws, regulations, and policies to adjudicate which information and documentation can be released.
  • Determine whether responsive records are complete by researching and interpreting legal statues, records policies, and internal procedures.
  • Provide accurate and timely technical assistance for disclosure of FOIA/PA records using automated processing systems to redact records and prepare all necessary correspondence, notices, and other documentation.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment:

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to apply for this position
  • Successfully pass a Background Investigation including financial disclosure
  • You must pass a drug screening
  • You must submit resume and supporting documentation
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service
  • Political appointees may require OPM approval before on-boarding
  • USCIS applies the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 to its telework program
This position IS NOT considered "essential" for purposes of reporting to work when the facility might otherwise be closed.


Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This residency requirement states that 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.

Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a probationary period of 1 year.

Qualifications

The Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate (IRIS) provides immigration, employment, and identity information accurately and completely to enable confident and timely decisions. Through a culture of innovation and creativity, IRIS continually evaluates and improves processes to achieve optimal performance and drives flexible and modern technology solutions and services to support evolving operational needs. IRIS fosters a "smart creative" environment for employees that empowers and encourages them to innovate, take chances, and strive to create a better way of getting the job done. This "smart creative" environment challenges employees to think creatively and create solutions for how IRIS can continuously enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operational, customer, and employee related matters.

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/11/2025.

Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 08/11/2025.


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:
  • Receiving, processing, researching, and/or verifying FOIA/PA requests
  • Providing technical assistance to management, staff, and the public on using automated systems for the disclosure of records under the FOIA and PA laws
  • Demonstrating knowledge of records systems/records policy and procedures to determine records produced by the agency are complete
  • Ensuring appropriate documentation, laws, and regulations are applied to FOIA/PA requests, appeals and litigation. OR
  • You may substitute a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent degree) or three (3) 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 or 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.
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 08/11/2025. 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.

Education

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION: There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

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 Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Common definitions for hiring terms found in this announcement.

Additional information

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The background investigation process is initiated after a selection is made. For more information visit the OPM Mythbuster Page.

If a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance is needed or the position is designated a Sensitive National Security position, all selected candidates must meet the requirements for these clearances or Sensitive National Security position prior to placement AND maintain that level of clearance or national security eligibility while encumbering the position.

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.

It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health, and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. This position may be subject to random testing as a condition of employment. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Note: If you previously retired from the Federal service and are receiving an annuity, your salary may be offset by the amount of your annuity.

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 our Staffing Helpdesk.

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.

Other benefits may include flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service- connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this position based upon information reflected in your resume. Your resume must support your responses to the job specific assessment questionnaire, level of education claimed, experience, and/or training. To remain in consideration for this position, please ensure your resume covers this requirement and that your resume has been successfully submitted as part of your on-line application package.

LOCAL COMMUTING AREA: The address listed on your USA Jobs profile or resume must show that you reside within the local commuting area of the announced duty location, unless on an approved exemption* OR currently located at an approved USCIS location**. In these cases you can apply for any location.

*An approved exemption is defined as a military spouses, approved work at home Reasonable Accommodation, or temporary long distance remote status.

**An approved USCIS location is defined as pre authorized space designated for use by the program, office or directorate.

THIS IS A TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT NOT TO EXCEED (1) ONE YEAR BUT MAY BE EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR UP TO A TOTAL OF FIVE (5) YEARS. THE SELECTEE(S) MAY BE CONVERTED WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETITION, IF THE POSITION BECOMES PERMANENT. SELECTEES WHO ARE NOT CONVERTED TO PERMANENT POSITIONS WILL RETURN TO THEIR FORMER POSITION OF RECORD OR LIKE POSITION(SAME GRADE, FULL PERFORMANCE LEVEL AND LOCATION),AFTER COMPLETION OF THE TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENT.

Creation of this package includes completing the on-line assessment(s), uploading your resume, and uploading any required supporting documents. (See the "How To Apply" section of this announcement.)

NOTE: Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. If you rated yourself higher than what is supported by your application material, you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

If you are found best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

The assessment for this job will measure the following competencies:

  • Flexibility
  • Organizational Awareness
  • Reasoning
  • Technical Competence


Special Employment Consideration: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.

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