Remote Forensic Document Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement.
Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in McLean, Virginia.
This is a bargaining unit position.
This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the National Capital Region.
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Duties
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As a Forensic Document Examiner, you will perform the following duties:

• Serves as a nationally recognized subject matter expert, providing court testimony and authoritative advice in the field of forensic document examination, most specifically as it pertains to travel and identification documents;
• Serves as the case manager to plan, coordinate, and implement forensic document examination activities, such as performing program planning to adapt to an expanding organizational mission;
• Demonstrates a mastery of determining appropriate methodology and analytical techniques necessary to examine physical evidence while considering a variety of complicating factors (e.g. legal requirements, evidence preservation, etc.); AND
• Complies with all laboratory policies and procedures.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Time in Grade: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade in the Federal service. Time in grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited college or university and have no less than 5 years' experience preforming duties as they pertain to the analyses of documents.
• Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, or otherwise possess a current professionally recognized equivalent certification

Qualifications
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In order to be considered for this position, you must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), position requirement, certification requirement and specialized experience requirement for this position.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE GS-1397 JOB SERIES: Undergraduate and Graduate Education:

• Possess a degree in physical and biological sciences, graphic arts, police science, criminology, or law.

OR

• Possess specialized experience performing duties such as examination and comparison of handwriting, printing, typewriting, and other mechanical impressions in order to make determinations of identity or genuineness; analysis of inks, papers, and other recording instruments and materials by chemical, microscopic, and other methods in order to develop information useful in determinations of genuineness, integrity, security, origin, validity of date, or for restoration of mutilated or obliterated matter; specialized document photography and preparation of photographic exhibits to be used for court demonstration purposes, or supervision of such work.

Certification Requirement: Must be certified by the American Board of Forensic Document Examiners, or otherwise possess a current professionally recognized equivalent certification
The incumbent is to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and have no less than 5 years' experience performing duties as they pertain to the analyses of questioned documents; a master's degree is preferred.
You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one of the following:
Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Demonstrating a mastery in all aspects of the science of forensic document examination;
• Analyzing and interpreting examination findings; preparing technical reports or evidentiary findings;
• Reporting and communicating forensic examination results and conclusions to law enforcement officials, attorneys, courts, or other stakeholders; and
• Using forensic digital photography and the knowledge associated with forensic programs utilized in the processing of digital images.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
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 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.
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.
Additional information
This position is at the full performance level.
E-Verify: 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.
Suitability: 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.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, 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.
Benefits: 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.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport.usastaffing.gov/hc/en-us/sections/28980686389652-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
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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.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.