Diplomatic Security Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) (FP-2501)

Department of State - Agency Wide

Russia, OH

JobSummary

The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Foreign Service Special Agent (SA) vacancies based on the needs of the Department. Learn more about a career in the Foreign Service and about the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Joining the Foreign Service is more than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation. This is a 2501 Foreign Service position equivalent to the 1811 Civil Service series.

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

OrganizationCodes

ST/ST00

Relocation

True

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

NatSec

AgencyMarketingStatement

TravelCode

DetailStatusUrl

https://jobs.monstergovt.com/dos/ros/rosDashboard.hms?O=1&J=118278&S=1

MajorDuties

Diplomatic Security (DS) Special Agents (SA) are sworn federal law enforcement officers who are responsible for the security of personnel, property, and sensitive information throughout the world. DS SAs also are responsible for the protection of the Secretary of State, certain foreign dignitaries during their visits to the U.S., and others as designated by the Secretary of State. DS SAs investigate passport, visa, and document fraud, as well as federal crimes in the Special Territorial and Maritime Jurisdiction. Depending upon assignment, DS SAs are responsible for U.S. Department of State security policies, provision of a range of security services, management of security operations, supervision of subordinate staff, and the performance of some, or all, of the following functions: Conducting protective security services for the Secretary of State, other U.S. government officials, and visiting foreign dignitaries. Leading and managing U.S. diplomatic mission security programs at overseas posts to include protection of personnel, facilities, and sensitive information, along with oversight of the U.S. Marine Security Guard and local security guard programs. Conducting investigations, to include administrative investigations, criminal investigations, counterintelligence and counter-terrorism inquiries, and investigative work preparing for court appearances, and testifying in court and other legal proceedings. Conducting or implementing programs involved with safeguarding classified and sensitive information and materials, as derived from Presidential Directives or Executive Orders. Assessing physical security threats against U.S. interests, properties, systems, and other diplomatic installations and personnel abroad, as well as investigating actual or potential hostile intelligence attempts to subvert U.S. personnel and interests overseas. Leading, managing, or implementing security-related aspects of new office building construction; developing and implementing counter-terrorist access controls for existing and new buildings. Conducting, leading, and managing security-related training, and training assistance programs for U.S. foreign affairs agencies' personnel, and police / security officials of designated foreign governments. Responding to emergency situations, which may include the use of firearms, defensive tactics, and medical procedures. Communicating and coordinating with others in Diplomatic Security, the U.S. Department of State, other government agencies, local and foreign security and law enforcement, non-government agencies, and the American public overseas, including cultivating and maintaining contacts. Preparing and reviewing written documents, attending meetings, delivering briefings, making recommendations, answering questions, and participating on committees and task forces. Performing managerial work such as determining staffing requirements, assigning work, monitoring and supervising, evaluating performance, resolving complaints, procuring supplies and services, budgeting, maintaining internal controls, and other administrative tasks. Keeping informed of current events, updating knowledge and skills, and maintaining mental and physical fitness to do the job. Domestic SA duties can entail long hours and extended periods of travel, including overseas travel. Domestic assignments include criminal investigations related primarily to the enforcement of statutes protecting the integrity of U.S. passports and entry visa documents. Throughout their careers, SAs can expect to work substantial overtime, and occasional irregular schedules that require duty on weekends and holidays. When assigned abroad, which is about half a typical career, SAs serve as security program managers at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts. At overseas posts, DS SAs are referred to as Regional Security Officers (RSO) and are responsible for the leadership and management of a broad range of security programs to protect personnel, facilities, operations, and information against foreign intelligence, criminal, and terrorist activities. DS also conducts overseas investigations for the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies. DS RSOs are assigned regional responsibilities and may serve Foreign Service posts in several countries, which may require frequent travel.

Education

At the time of application, candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation. Foreign Education Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services (NACES or AICE) in order to be given credit towards qualification. The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts. Foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service will not be accepted and the candidacy will be terminated. For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service. OPM: www.opm.gov U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov Please refer to the Required Documents Section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.

Requirements

Diplomatic Security (DS) Special Agents (SA) manage a range of security programs worldwide. SAs live and serve at U.S. diplomatic or consular posts abroad, as well as in the Washington, DC area or at eight field offices and 20 resident offices in locations throughout the U.S., according to the needs of the service. As members of a diplomatic team, SAs help to accomplish the mission of the U.S. Department of State and represent the United States to people of other nations. The Foreign Service is more than a job – it is a career. Foreign Service Specialists generally spend at least half of their careers assigned to our overseas missions and may, at times, live away from family and/or in hardship conditions. Once newly hired SAs have successfully completed their required training, they generally will be assigned to one of eight domestic Field Offices for their first two years of service. There may, however, be occasions when new SAs will be assigned to other domestic units, support temporary duty assignments, or sent directly overseas. Needs of the service will have a significant bearing on SA assignments; sometimes domestic assignments will be shortened for re-assignment to a Regional Security Office at an overseas post. SAs must be willing and able to travel extensively, and on short notice, throughout the world using whatever means available. Traveling and assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited. SAs may be required to travel to locations of civil unrest, where conditions are potentially hostile, and where performance of duties is conducted under hazardous circumstances.

Evaluations

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of demonstrated merit. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the greatest merit and requisite qualifications. REQUIRED TRAINING Selected candidates will complete approximately seven months of specialized initial training and orientation. About three months of that training will occur at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia. Orientation will take place in the Washington, DC area and additional training will be pr ovided in Blackstone, VA. During their careers, SAs must serve both overseas and domestically, for assignments of one to three years in duration. Additional training, including training for high risk and high threat assignments, will be periodically required throughout a Special Agent's career. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) program develops and tests proficiency in job-related subjects that include criminal law, federal court procedures, use of firearms, physical readiness, personal defensive tactics, driving skills, emergency medical procedures, protective security techniques, and criminal investigations. Proficiency is measured through a series of scored practical exercises, as well as subject matter-specific and comprehensive written examinations. Upon satisfactory completion of FLETC, students will continue with approximately four additional months of DS Basic Special Agent training. Failure to successfully complete any portion of the overall training program is grounds for separation. Within one year after graduating from the Basic Special Agent Course, newly hired SAs will be required to enroll in the “Advanced Tactics, Leadership, and Skills” (ATLaS) course offered through the Diplomatic Security Training Center. The ATLaS course is 11 weeks long and focuses on enhanced tactics, training and leadership skills. All SAs are required to take this course and complete a refresher course every five years. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

HowToApply

The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of announcement. It is the candidate's responsibility to complete and submit the application and all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions. Submit your application and register to take the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) as indicated in step 1 below. Do not apply through USAJobs. 1. Visit https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/dssat.html. 2. Create a web account. Follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application. Applications are automatically saved. Candidates may pause the application process and return as many times as needed until the application is submitted. 3. Answer all self-assessment questions. Include work history with a description of your work duties, accomplishments, skills, and knowledge for the past ten (10) years. Complete, review, and submit the application. Submitted applications cannot be edited. Application packages must be complete before candidates can register for the DSSAT test. The submitted application will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this. Candidates have six months to register for and take the DSSAT after submitting their eligibility verification. Candidates must restart the application process if they have not taken the DSSAT within six months of submitting their eligibility verification. 4. Select an appointment to take the DSSAT at one of Pearson Vue's test centers. The test is an important part of the selection process, covering the Job Knowledge, English Expression, and Situational Judgment necessary to perform the functions of this position. Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application process must contact Pearson Vue's Customer Service Desk by calling 1-866-389-8339 (toll free), 1-201-366-9530 (toll), or by utilizing the Chat function on www.pearsonvue.com. The Department of State does not have access to the Pearson Vue system. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time; closed on local holidays. For more information on the Diplomatic Security Special Agent hiring process, please visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/foreign-service-specialist/diplomatic-security-special-agent/.

WhatToExpectNext

If your DSSAT results qualify, you will receive an email from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's Workforce Engagement Office requesting documentation by a specific deadline. Please add the U.S. Department of State domain name (*.state.gov) as a trusted sender and check your spam/junk mail folder to ensure receipt of email messages regarding your candidacy. Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your application. For more information on the selection process, visit https://careers.state.gov/career-paths/foreign-service/foreign-service-specialist/diplomatic-security-special-agent/ or email DSFSApplicants@state.gov.

RequiredDocuments

It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure the application is complete. Candidates must answer all questions, including 10 years of work history. Applications missing any responses will be terminated. 1. Education Documents Candidates with qualifying DSSAT scores must submit the following documentation to demonstrate they possess the educational level required for this position when requested. Candidates should add *@state.gov as a trusted sender. Neither the Department of State nor Pearson Vue are responsible for the failure of candidates' internet service provider to deliver messages. Official/unofficial college/university transcripts. Do not submit university diplomas in lieu of higher education transcripts. Transcripts must comply with the following requirements: Must be in PDF format. Other formats will be rejected. Must be an attachment. Documents sent via link, secured message, or other non-attachment format will be rejected. Must include candidate's name, school's name, degree and date awarded/conferred. Must have no missing pages. Must be legible. Accredited foreign education transcripts must conform to the requirements above. Documents received directly from credential evaluation services will be rejected. (See Education Requirements) 2. Veteran's Preference Documentation (submit when requested) Veteran's Preference documentation is required for candidates aged 37 to 64. If claiming Veteran's Preference a copy of the DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" that must include the candidate's Character of Service, or a Certification of Service must be submitted. If claiming a 10-point Veteran's Preference, the candidate's VA letter and SF15 (available here) must be submitted with the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days after the Certification is submitted and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.

Benefits

Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing overseas, tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and represent the United States of America. Special Agents assigned domestically are eligible for situational telework. The salary range listed is from the Foreign Service Overseas and Washington pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by education level or commensurate experience achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee, up to FP-6, step 14. Newly hired agents will begin earning an additional 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP) once they have started the Basic Special Agent Course, which commences after the Department's orientation course. For information on Foreign Service salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/benefits/fs-entry-salaries/.

BenefitsUrl

https://careers.state.gov/benefits/foreign-service-specialist-benefits/

OtherInformation

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) Verification of employment eligibility in the U.S. is required. U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency uses E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee's information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated. **By authority of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act, the Department requires that all career candidates (except for preference-eligible veterans) be at least 21 years old to be appointed and must be appointed prior to the month in which they reach age 37. There is no waiver for current GS-1811s seeking a 2501 appointment at or above age 37 (except for preference eligible veterans.) For more information about Veteran's Preference and how it is applied in the selection process, visit: ***The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: https://fam.state.gov/. No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, or §610 or §612 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no candidate will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof. A Foreign Service Specialist separated pursuant to Sections 306 607, 608, 610, 612, may not re-apply to be in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist. A Foreign Service Generalist separated pursuant to Sections 306 607, 608, 610, 612 may not re-apply as a generalist but may apply to a Foreign Service Specialist vacancy. Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 2302(b)(2) from soliciting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of public officials may not be appointed, employed, promoted, or advanced in or to a position if such employment is advocated by their relative. It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors. The U.S. Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodation in advance. For more information visit https://careers.state.gov/about/reasonable-accommodations/. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.

KeyRequirements