U.S. Department of State – Visa Specialist

Job Title: Visa Specialist
Department: Department Of State
Agency: Department Of State – Agency Wide

SALARY RANGE:
$.74,872.00 to $97,333.00 / Per Year
Close Date: 5/15/13
Location:  Washington, DC

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Open to all U.S. Citizens.

"You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined."

"More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade and unit occur."

JOB SUMMARY:
The men and women of the US Department of State with their skills, character and commitment to public service, are the backbone of America's diplomacy. Civil Service employees support the foreign policy mission from offices in Washington, DC and worldwide. Join us in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world as we formulate, represent and implement US foreign policy. Choose from hundreds of career possibilities - there's something for everyone!
This position, located in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Visa Services Office, Information Management and Liaison Division (CA/VO/I), coordinates Visa Office policy on automated systems and interagency data exchange. The office establishes policies regarding the content of the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) and classified consular website (CACLI), sends guidance to posts on CLASS and system operations, coordinates with the directorate of Consular Systems and Technology (CA/CST) on the technical maintenance and modernization of the consular systems (NIV, IV, IVIS, DVIS, PIVOT, CST Tables, 1CA…), and serves as a contact point for queries from other agencies regarding specific entries in the system.  The office also coordinates access to the CCD and data exchange with other member agencies, including DHS via TECS and represents the Department of State in the DHS/State Datashare program, which exchanges data on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa cases.  In addition CA/VO/I is the DOS liaison with DHS/TSA to address Travel Redress Inquiry Process (TRIP) inquiries. VO/I is the custodian of all final versions of CA/VO’s MOUs and letters of intent.  CA/VO/I, with CA/PPT, represents CA at DHS forums on US-VISIT.   This office, which includes the Archives Records (CA/VO/I/CR), also works closely with the National Archives and specializes in Visa Records Administration.  VO/I is the main POC for visa CCD adhoc search requests.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
•You must possess U.S. Citizenship or be a U.S. National.
•You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Clearance.
•Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
•Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.
•One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.                                 
DUTIES:
Serves as CLASS Visa lookout system analyst resolving CLASS-related matters and cases with overseas and domestic personnel, as well as other agencies.  Takes responsibility for quality assurance of visa lookout data and prepares and updates field guidance in coordination with the Senior Program Analyst.
Researches and develops functional operational characteristics of these systems that meet the global business, political, statutory and technical needs of Visa Services.  Assists in the definition of functional requirements and operational design concepts for visa processing-related systems and programs.  Participates in regular liaison with the CA Consular Systems and Technology (CST) division to develop and improve the overall design plan for visa systems.
Analyzes inquiries and coordinates responses to the Department, posts, and other agencies requesting information pertaining to visa policies, procedures, and records, particularly traveler redress (TRIP) inquiries.  Conducts extensive research and analysis of records and relevant information.  Develops and utilizes comprehensive knowledge of CLASS, CCD and other established systems’ functionality.  Analyzes and supports the business related programs of the Visa Office.
Identifies data sets held by other agencies that would be useful for officers processing visas and develops strategies to obtain those data sets and integrate them into automated visa systems.  Develops and maintains useful contacts with data-share partners.  In coordination with the Senior Program Analyst, coordinates with interagency partners on the development of MOUs, LOAs and similar for data sharing between CA/VO and other partners.  Reviews standing agreements for necessary changes and ensure regular meetings to review and discuss agreements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements, including education and any selective placement factors described below by the closing date of this announcement.  Education may only be substituted in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, please visit http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/,  in order to be credited towards qualifications.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.  It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.  Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations, please visit http://www.naces.org/members.htm, recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.  Qualifying specialized experience may have been gained in work such as developing, examining, investigating, adjudicating, or authorizing claims arising under the immigration and/or nationality laws of the United States.

U.S. Department of State will only accept applications submitted via USAJobs. To view the full job description and apply online, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetail/342696700