Congressional Liaison Specialist

Duties

This is a Recent Graduate appointment in the Pathways Program. Selected individuals are placed in a dynamic one year development program in the excepted service designed to lead to a competitive civil service career in the Federal government. At the successful conclusion of this program, the agency may non-competitively convert individuals to a term (position lasting 1-4 years with an extension up to 120 days) or permanent position within the competitive service. Conversion to a Federal competitive service position will be at the discretion of the agency and is neither guaranteed nor implied.

The Congressional Liaison Specialist serves to support the link between CBP and Congress. This position provides assistance to the Office of the Assistant Commissioner and Staff Members by planning, directing, and coordinating congressional liaison activities, developing and maintaining a continuing awareness of the philosophies, mission, special interests, and areas of concern for the Office of Congressional Affairs.

This position starts at a salary of $57,164.00(GS-7, Step 1) to $90,898.00 (GS-9, Step 10) with promotion potential to $90,898(GS-13 Step 10).

Typical duties include:

• Researching and developing background information/statistics on Agency/DHS programs for senior management to provide solid and logical justification to Congress in the advocacy of Agency/DHS goals and views. Researches and outlines the impact of proposed legislation to assist in developing and implementing legislative strategy and attends hearings to monitor House and Senate committee/floor action.
• Receiving congressional inquiries. Researching area of concern and recommends most advantageous course of action to resolve conflict. Disseminates information to Members of Congress and their staffs concerning the application of CBP and DHS laws, regulations and practices to specific cases. Establishes and maintains accurate files of all legislation concerning CBP and DHS including committee actions, House and Senate floor actions, etc., and informs appropriate officials of status.
• Promoting and publicizing the activity of the office throughout CBP and DHS and encourages CBP-wide awareness, input, suggestions and information through preparation of legislative articles for publications. Writes and/or edits submissions for management briefs.
• Reviewing testimony to be given before Congress by the component head and other key officials for content, clarity, potential conflict with previous testimony, adherence to CBP and DHS policy, etc.
• Ensuring that proposed testimony is cleared with DHS and OPM prior to its presentation. Reviews congressional correspondence for subject content, responsiveness, etc., as well as adherence to established policies governing preparation of congressional correspondence.

Qualifications

Experience GS-7: You qualify for the GS-7 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Researching areas of concern and recommends course of action to resolve conflict.
• Reviewing testimony to be given before Congress.
• Reviewing congressional correspondence for subject content.

Education Substitution: Have successfully completed one or more years of full-time graduate education from an accredited college or university; or Have completed all of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and claim eligibility for superior academic achievement bases on one of the following: a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, class standing in the upper third of my graduating class or major subdivision, or membership in a national scholastic honor society.

Combining Experience and Education: Have a combination of successfully completed education and experience that is at least 100% as described in the Combining Experience and Education statement in the announcement posting. I understand that I am required to submit proof of my educational claim.

Experience GS-9: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Attending Congressional/state legislative hearings or summarizing key issues;
• Responding in verbal & written format to requests for information from Congressional staff or community leaders related to agency programs & projects;
• Preparing Congressional correspondence for signature on routine, non-complex, & non-policy matters

Education Substitution: I have successfully completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education at an accredited or pre-accredited college or university leading to such a degree or related LL. B. or J.D.

Combining Experience and Education: I have successfully completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education at an accredited or pre-accredited college or university leading to such a degree or related LL. B. or J.D.

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.

You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process by 02/21/2025.