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Applications for this job opportunity will be accepted from 03/09/2026 to 03/18/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.  This may be different than the open period of this job bulletin. Additional application instructions are included below.

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, within the Verification Operations Center located in Lincoln, NE.

The actual salary will be set based on the grade, step, and location of the selectee(s) and/or position. View the 2026 Locality Pay Charts (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/) for more information.

As a Program Specialist, you will adjudicate time-sensitive referrals and provide accurate immigration status and employment eligibility determinations for customers participating in the SAVE and E-Verify Programs in accordance with immigration law, DHS policy and operational guidelines.

Duties

  • Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, within the Nebraska Verification Operations Center and are assigned based on the need of the agency.
  • The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity.
  • Resolves casework by researching, evaluating, adjudicating, and providing responses to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supported employers and a wide range of state and federal agencies.
  • Exercises a comprehensive understanding and application of immigration law, classification, forms, records, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies when researching and resolving verification referrals.
  • Communicates directly with customers via telephone, and computer regarding employment-related or immigration benefit-related casework.
  • Conducts research and in-depth reviews of immigration documents to confirm applicant identity in determining a person's legal status and work authorization eligibility.
  • Participates in various studies, working groups, and testing of new business systems.
  • Develops background information for studies, compiling statistical data from testing and evaluation, and gathers, summarizes, and reviews information for incorporation into final reports.
  • Uses available resources to manage sensitive files and documents to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
  • Safeguards personally identifiable information (PII) and ensures those standards are maintained in all aspects of work.

Qualifications

The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 03/18/2026.

Time in Grade does not apply to Delegated Examining Announcements, any reference to Time in Grade in the questionnaire will not apply to the rating and ranking of applicants.

GS-05: You qualify at the GS-05 level if you possess three (3) years of general experience, one (1) year of which was equivalent to at least the GS-04 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:

  • Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions;
  • Plan and organize work; and
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing. OR
  • You may substitute successful completion of a Bachelor's degree or a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a Bachelor's degree for the experience required at the GS-05 grade level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester or 45 quarter hours.

GS-07: You qualify at the GS-07 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-05 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:

  • Reviewing and verifying the accuracy and completeness of submitted documents;
  • Conducting research and organizing findings to support an operational or administrative program or initiative;
  • Compiling information from documents and databases to create spreadsheets and reports. OR
  • You may substitute successful completion of one year of fulltime graduate education for the experience required at the GS-07 level. This education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work of the position. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise a year of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 18 semester or 27 quarter hours. OR
  • You may also substitute superior academic achievement for the experience required at the GS-07 level. You must have completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with either: (1) class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision; or, (2) a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on four (4) years of education or the final two (2) years; or, (3) a grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum; or, (4) membership in a national scholastic honor society.

GS-09: You qualify at the GS-09 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-07 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:

  • Providing technical expertise in using systems and databases to determine case status related to an operational or administrative program or initiative;
  • Researching and interpreting laws, policies, or procedures related to casework or other operational program or initiative;
  • Applying evaluative methods and techniques to resolve case discrepancies;
  • Evaluating work processes through participation in working groups/studies to improve operational efficiency. OR
  • You may substitute a Master's degree or two (2) full years of graduate education leading to such a degree in any field, or a J.D. or L.L.B. degree for experience required at the GS-09 grade level. 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 two years of graduate education. If that information is not available, use 36 semester or 54 quarter hours.

 

How to Apply:

Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS to be considered.

1. Visit www.usajobs.gov and log in to your user account, or create an account if you do not have one.

2. Once you have created an account and logged in, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/job/859780500 to view the full job opportunity announcement and apply. 

3. Review the entire announcement for any additional requirements of the position and the required documents. 

4. Follow all directions in the "How To Apply" section of the USAJOBS announcement referenced above. Your complete application and all supporting materials must be received by 11:59pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the job announcement listed in USAJOBS.