Victim Assistance Specialist

About the role

These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in various locations. These are non‑bargaining unit positions.

Responsibilities

• Assists agents on scene when victims are likely to be encountered to provide mandated services, referrals, crisis mitigation, and information to crime victims.
• Independently establishes liaison with other field offices, DOJ components, and federal, state, and local officials and nongovernmental agencies regarding victim assistance.
• Coordinates with the United States Attorney Victim‑Witness Coordinator to transition victim assistance responsibilities following indictment.
• Participates in local, regional, and statewide victim assistance networks, such as child and family advocacy centers.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Unless otherwise noted, all requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• This is a full‑time permanent position; a one‑year probationary period may be required upon appointment.

Qualifications

Individual Occupational Requirement (GS‑0101 series):

• A degree in a behavioral or social science, or a related discipline appropriate to the position; OR
• A combination of education and experience that provides knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field; OR
• Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates acquisition of knowledge equivalent to a major in the field.

GS‑12 qualification: one year of specialized experience at the GS‑11 level performing duties such as:

• Attending client interviews to address victims’ needs and concerns and determining eligibility for victim services;
• Following policy and regulations regarding treatment and provision of services to crime victims;
• Liaising with community organizations, federal, state, and local officials regarding victim‑assistance services.

GS‑13 qualification: one year of specialized experience at the GS‑12 level performing duties such as:

• Identifying local, regional, and federal resources available directly to victims;
• Establishing relationships with other professionals, federal, state, and local agencies, victims, judges, attorneys, law‑enforcement agents, and representatives from non‑governmental service agencies;
• Providing training, technical assistance, support, and advice to office staff on