Joining the U.S. Secret Service, Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) will allow you to apply a wide range of behavioral and social science research principles, concepts, and methods which are related to the prevention of targeted violence, threat assessment, terrorism, criminal behavior, and protective intelligence. This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation. Veterans' preference does not apply.
To be considered qualified for this position you must meet the following qualification requirements for the respective grade level in which you are applying. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Basic Requirements AND Minimum Qualification requirements as listed below: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position (Transcripts required) OR Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field (e.g., degree plus relevant experience in the field of behavioral or social science; or related disciplines to the position outlined in the job posting). (Transcripts required) OR Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. (e.g., only relevant experience in the field of behavioral or social science, or related disciplines to the position outlined in the job posting). AND GS-9: You qualify for the GS-09 level (starting salary $70,623) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level performing duties such as: Performing routine tasks and assignments to support research projects to include collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and interpreting data results that develops an understanding for the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, and criminal behavior. Applying behavioral and social science principles, concepts, and methods in support of research projects. Assisting in the task of open-source analysis on topics associated with the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, protective intelligence, criminal behavior, and terrorism. Maintaining records and documentation to provide updates to staff. OR Master's or equivalent graduate degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of graduate education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application. GS-11: You qualify for the GS-11 level (starting salary $85,447) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level performing duties such as: Supporting the task of open-source analysis on specific topics associated with the prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, protective intelligence, criminal behavior, and terrorism. Assisting with tasks related to applying behavioral and social science research principles, concepts and methods to execute research tasks to include identification of study samples, analyzing qualitative data using thematic analysis, data entry, executing statistical analyses, and interpreting data results. Assisting with the development of instructional material. Maintaining complete records and documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate, ensuring it properly communicates updates to staff. OR Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position; OR 3 full years progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR A combination of graduate education and experience. This will be calculated using your résumé and unofficial transcripts or a list of courses/course hours submitted with your application. GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 level (starting salary $102,415) if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing such duties as: Executing detailed analysis of defined objectives associated with targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, protective intelligence criminal behavior, and terrorism, with little oversight. Conducting open-source analysis on specific topics or issues to identify pertinent theories or data in scientific literature, reports, news media, and other information systems on targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, and related concepts. Utilizing conventional research techniques to evaluate, synthesize, analyze, interpret, and summarize data to communicate these methods and findings in briefings and written reports, as well as communicate these findings in support of training and consultative initiatives in the areas of targeted violence prevention and behavioral threat assessment. Preparing incident analyses and other reports summarizing the research process, findings, and implications, which enhance and/or contribute to the scientific and professional field of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, protective intelligence, criminal behavior, and terrorism. The qualification requirements listed above must be met by the closing date of this announcement. 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. 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 selectee will serve as a Social Science Research Specialist in the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information (SII), National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC). Typical work assignments include: Performing routine tasks to support research projects by applying behavioral and social science research principles to include collecting and analyzing data, interpreting data results, using thematic analysis, data entry, and executing statistical analysis on topics including prevention of targeted violence, behavioral threat assessment, terrorism, and criminal behavior. Prepares comprehensive written analyses for internal and external distribution that summarize the research process, findings, and implications; that contribute to scientific and professional knowledge of targeted violence and behavioral threat assessment. Develops training material and delivers presentations to internal and external partners, which enhance and/or contribute to the scientific and professional knowledge on behavioral threat assessment and preventing targeted violence. Participates in consultation meetings with internal and external partners, which enhance and/or contribute to professional knowledge of behavioral threat assessment and preventing targeted violence. Manages administrative tasks for project and division efforts, overseeing documentation and coordination that may involve multiple phases. Apply for this exciting opportunity to be able to support research, training, and consultative initiatives on the prevention of targeted violence and to the field of behavioral threat assessment, which significantly impacts and informs the agency's approach to preventing potential threats to persons and facilities protected by the agency. This Social Science Research Specialist position starts at a salary of $70,623.00,GS-9, step 1, with promotion potential to $158,322 GS-13 step 10.