Human Resource Specialist (Drug Free Workplace Program Specialist)
Washington, DC - USA
Job Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security within U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Human Resources Management HR Policy and Programs Directorate Medical and Fitness Branch located in Washington D.C.
Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.
Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP) will allow you to utilize your expertise in supporting CBPs Drug-Free Workplace Program (DFWP) through administrative technical and regulatory duties including compliance monitoring recordkeeping and employee drug awareness initiatives. This position starts at a salary of $70623.00 (GS-09 Step 1) to $111087.00 (GS-11 Step 10) with promotion potential to $133142 (GS-12 Step 10).
GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed select the Rest of United States pay table. Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series grade level and location of the visit this link to view special pay rate charts.
Typical Work assignments include:
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
- Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
- All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
- You may be required to pass a background investigation
- CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
- As an employee of CBP you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees and to CBP employees specifically as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
- DHS uses E-Verify an internet-based system to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
- Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position represented under the National Treasury Employees Unions - NTEU. For local chapter contact information see Chapter Websites - National Treasury Employees Union - NTEU.
Experience: You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level performing duties such as:
- Maintaining and updating the CBP Drug Free Workplace program files and records for compliance with federal and agency requirements.
- Preparing reports and documentation related to drug-free workplace or similar HR programs.
- Assisting with contractor compliance monitoring including site visits and specimen collection logistics.
- Distributing program materials and responding to routine inquiries about program procedures.
- Supporting the implementation of program policies and guidelines.
- Assisting with the development and dissemination of educational materials and awareness campaigns.
- Monitoring contractor performance and compliance including participating in site inspections and assisting with specimen collection.
- Providing guidance to staff and stakeholders on the CBP Drug Free Workplace program procedures and requirements.
Education Substitution GS-09: A masters degree or equivalent graduate degree 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree a J.D. or an LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge skills and abilities necessary to do the work. 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 hours or 54 quarter hours.
Education Substitution GS-11: A Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. degree may substitute for experience required at this level. This education must demonstrate the skills necessary to do the work. Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.
Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table and may be computed by first determining the applicants total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicants education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11.
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.
You must:
- Meet all qualification requirements including education if applicable to this position subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
- Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/17/2026.
Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agencys core values of vigilance service to country and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges the use of illegal drugs (e.g. marijuana cocaine heroin LSD methamphetamines ecstasy) and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation possession sale receipt manufacture cultivation production transfer shipping trafficking or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process review the following link: Applicant Resources CBP Careers
Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:
- Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
- A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
- Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
- Working as a contractor intern consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government
Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibilityon OPMs Career Transition Resources website. To be considered well qualified under CTAP/ICTAP you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this addition you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.
Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.
Continued from Required Documents Section
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). Additionally if you are a former federal employee and have been separated from Federal service for over 52 weeks it is recommended that you submit your most recent rating of record (performance appraisal) when applying.
Contracting Officers Representative (COR): As a certified COR incumbent will need to obtain at least a FAC-COR Level II certification in their first year and will become a FAC-COR Level III after two years of being FAC-COR Level II and completing the required training for certification.
Motor Vehicle Operation: You must possess a valid state drivers license at the time of appointment.
Overtime: This position may require uncontrollable unscheduled overtime in excess of the 40-hour work week.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.
Additional Hiring and Special Appointing Authorities: See THIS JOB IS OPEN TO section above for what additional Appointing Authorities may apply. Veterans military spouses Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers and people with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents experiences and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to understand what documentation would be required with your application please click on the appropriate link below. You must provide documentation supporting your eligibility prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility please contact the CBP Hiring Center via the contact information listed at the end of this job opportunity announcement.
Positions with known promotion potential do not guarantee promotion nor is the promise of promotion implied.
Continued in Benefits Section
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Continued from Additional Information Section
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply to include persons with intellectual severe physical or psychiatric disabilities as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u) and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents experiences and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Please upload your resume under the Resume document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do notsubmit documents as a PDF Portfolios.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
IC