Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As a Supervisory Legal Administrative Specialist, you will share responsibility for the management and technical direction of a USCIS Asylum Office, including preparation, research, resolution and processing in the office's administration of applications for asylum and other benefits.
The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 01/30/2026. Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 01/30/2026 Application Limit: This vacancy is limited to the first 50 applications received. All applications received prior to midnight 11:59 PM (ET) of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, all applications received during the open period will be considered. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. If you choose to edit your application after it has been submitted, it will be removed from consideration until you re-submit your application. The date your application is last submitted will be used to determine whether you meet the cut-off criteria. GS-12: You qualify at the GS-12 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-11 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: Evaluating workflow processes and implementing ways to improve operational efficiency. Researching or analyzing immigration documents to determine subsequent action. Applying immigration policy or law to workplace operations. Assessing customer needs and taking action related to immigration applications or inquiries. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 01/30/2026. Your resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employer's name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible. Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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 criteria 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 service.
Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Asylum Division in New York, NY (Manhattan), and is assigned based on the need of the agency.
Oversees all adjudicative support and operations support functions and directs the activities of assigned staff responsible for case status tracking, the handling of public case inquiries.
Make decisions and resolves problems involving interpretation of the law or unusual situations requiring interpretation and application of CIS policy to include resolution of complicated issues where decisions cannot be reached.
Recommends changes, plans, goals, objectives, and milestones for substantive changes in the administration of case management with the potential for national implementation.
Provides guidance and recommendations to a team of Legal Administrative Specialist responsible for responding to in person, telephonic or written customer inquiries; make jurisdiction determinations by analyzing appropriate information and documents.
Coordinates, plans, and adjusts work in collaboration with supervisors from other units to ensure that the work is accomplished in a consistent and timely manner to meet established priorities, goals.