Job Description
The Mission Support Specialist (Generalist) serves at U.S. Border Patrol's Laredo Sector Headquarters in Laredo, Texas. This position is the primary point of contact for employees on many administrative programs, including personnel actions, benefits guidance, and workforce management policies.
You will contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies affecting sector workforce management and position management. The role involves initiating timely personnel actions related to promotions, reassignments, transfers, retirements, awards, timecards, and leave.
You will also provide local agency direction and facilitate the creation, acceptance, modification, and transfer of personnel records.
Qualification
To qualify for this Mission Support Specialist position at U.S. Border Patrol in Laredo, TX, you must be a current CBP employee in a permanent competitive service position. You must meet the specialized experience or education requirements for the GS-7 or GS-9 grade level.
- You must be a current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employee working in a permanent competitive service position.
- GS-7: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 performing duties such as paying invoices and resolving issues, reviewing and reconciling conflicting data, gathering metrics for reports, and verifying accuracy of information.
- GS-9: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 performing duties such as running reports and updating trackers, preparing briefing materials, applying knowledge of federal benefits programs (FEGLI, FEHB, BENEFEDS, FLTCIP, FSA, TSP), and assisting with pay and leave administration.
- Education substitution for GS-7: One year of full-time graduate education or a Master's degree in a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA).
- Education substitution for GS-9: Two years of full-time graduate education or a Master's degree (or higher) in a related field.
- Combination of education and experience may also qualify.
- All applicants must meet Time-in-Grade requirements: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level by the closing date.
- Volunteer work is credited as qualifying experience.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Role Responsibilities
Provide direct advice and guidance to employees on mission support programs.
- Develop new or modified program work methods, approaches, or procedures.
- Contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies related to sector workforce management and position management.
- Initiate timely and accurate personnel actions for promotions, reassignments, transfers, retirements, awards, timecards, and leave.
- Provide local agency direction and facilitate the creation, acceptance, modification, and transfer of personnel records.
- Run various reports, update trackers, monitor tickler reports, and maintain staffing tables.
- Gather information and prepare briefing materials for supervisors or senior management.
- Apply knowledge of federal benefits programs to guide employees on coverage options.
- Assist higher-graded specialists with managing base pay, premium pay, overtime, and leave entitlements.
- Reconcile conflicting data and verify accuracy and completeness of information.
Conditions & Requirements
Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years.
- All pre-employment processes conducted in English.
- Must pass a background investigation.
- Subject to DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan drug testing.
- Must adhere to government ethics standards.
- DHS uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
- This is a bargaining unit position (NBPC).
Benefits
Complete federal benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance.
- Retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401(k)).
- Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
- Personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
- Possible flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, uniform allowance, and fitness centers.
- Disabled veteran leave available for eligible veterans hired on or after November 5, 2016.
Additional Information
This announcement is open to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees in permanent competitive service positions.
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) eligible CBP employees may also apply.
- The open period may be extended to allow for a sufficient applicant pool.
- Tentative job offer expected within 60 days after the close of the announcement.
- If selected, you must complete Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment.
- False statements may result in withdrawal of offer, dismissal, fine, or imprisonment.
- DHS may share your application with other DHS components for similar positions.
- For inquiries, contact the CBP Hiring Center at 855-500-3722 or [email protected].
- The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits requesting criminal history before a conditional offer, with certain exemptions.
About Company
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. Its mission is to protect the nation's borders from threats while facilitating lawful trade and travel. CBP employs over 60,000 personnel including Border Patrol agents, officers, and mission support staff. The U.S.
FAQs
What is the work schedule for this Mission Support Specialist position?
This is a full-time, permanent position. The work schedule is full-time, and telework is not eligible. The role is located at the Laredo Sector Headquarters in Laredo, Texas.
Can I apply if I am not a current CBP employee?
No, this announcement is only open to current U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are working in a permanent competitive service position. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) eligible CBP employees may also apply.
What if I don't have the specialized experience but have a degree?
You may qualify based on education. For GS-7, one year of graduate education or a Master's degree, or a Bachelor's with Superior Academic Achievement, can substitute. For GS-9, two years of graduate education or a Master's degree can substitute. A combination of education and experience may also qualify.
How long does the hiring process take?
CBP expects to make a tentative job offer within 60 days after the close of the announcement. The process includes application review, USA Hire assessments, possible interview, background investigation, and drug testing.
What are the USA Hire Assessments and how long do they take?
The USA Hire Assessments are online competency-based tests measuring skills like attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork. Set aside at least 3 hours, though most finish sooner. You must complete them within 48 hours after the announcement closes.
Is this position eligible for telework or remote work?
No, this position is not telework eligible and is not remote. You will work onsite at the Laredo Sector Headquarters in Laredo, Texas.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You need a resume (2 pages or less, PDF preferred), responses to the job questionnaire, and if applicable, SF-50s for federal experience, transcripts for education, CTAP documentation, or reasonable accommodation requests. Ensure all documents are in English.
What benefits are available for federal employees in this role?
Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; paid holidays and leave; and possible tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, and fitness centers. Disabled veteran leave is also available for eligible veterans.