The Diversion Investigator position is a core series position within the DEA. Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate, uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public.
DEA is seeking individuals with qualifying education and/or experience that demonstrates the following:
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Ability to perform investigative work
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Ability to gather data from multiple sources
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Ability to research and analyze data
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Ability to identify significant factors related to investigative work
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Ability to evaluate information and develop solutions
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Skill in interpreting regulations, rules and laws
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is a must for a successful candidate.
These abilities and skills may have been acquired through a variety of backgrounds such as:
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Pharmacology, Chemistry
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Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice
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Nursing and/or Medical Technical
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Military
TRAVEL REQUIRED
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Occasional travel - 3-4 days per month
RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
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Yes—Relocation and PCS Authorized
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The DEA stores assessment results for one year and applies assessment scores to other job announcements applicants apply to that require the same assessment. If a candidate has completed the equivalent DEA assessment in the previous 12 months, the DEA will refer to the previously earned score and the applicant will not be asked to re-test prior to test score expiration or to participate in the structured interview.
Positions will be filled in multiple geographic locations nationwide. Selectees may be required to relocate as a condition of employment. Selectee placement will be based on requirements of the agency to effectively meet goals and objectives.
Diversion Investigators enforce the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act (CDTA) regarding the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of legally produced controlled substances and listed chemicals in order to prevent diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market, while ensuring an adequate uninterrupted supply of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals to meet the legitimate medical, commercial and scientific needs of the public.
The incumbent will perform the following duties:
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Conducting investigations to ensure compliance with the CSA and its implementing regulations involving the procurement, manufacture, distribution, security, and record-keeping activities of the pharmaceutical and listed chemical regulated industry.
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Collecting and analyzing information and evidence; conduct interviews and prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations for regulatory, civil, and/or criminal actions.
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Researching and preparing a variety of written materials and reports which support possible administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; answer both routine and technical correspondence and telephone inquiries; provide expertise and consultation to divisional personnel and provide guidance to other State, Local, and Federal Investigators.
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Developing and maintaining working relationships with Federal, State and Local agencies in order to promote information and intelligence collection exchanges.
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Planning, implementing, and participating in multi-jurisdictional special programs impacting the diversion of pharmaceutical controlled substances and listed chemicals from legitimate distribution; evaluate the results of investigations and the registrant's input and prepare corresponding statements setting forth the alleged violations.
Conditions of Employment
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Must be a U.S. Citizen.
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Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
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Successful completion of a one-year probationary period is required (unless already completed).
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This position requires that the incumbent must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
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Successful completion of written assessments and a structured interview is required.
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Successful completion of a mandatory 12 week in residence Basic Diversion Investigator Course located in Quantico, Virginia.
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Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance.
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Medical examination required.
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Polygraph Required.
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Drug testing designated position.
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Must sign a mobility agreement that confirms your understanding and agreement to accept relocation to any location depending on the needs of the DEA and the Diversion Control Program.
GS-07: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Drafting documents to summarize information, incidents, or investigations for review by a supervisor; 2) Responding to questions from government officials or the general public on frequently used, rules, regulations, or laws; 3) Gathering and organizing information from databases, online resources, or documents; and 4) Evaluating information to identify potential violations of rules, regulations, or laws. -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-7 level may be met by at least one year of graduate level education. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-
SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor's degree in a field or expect to complete all requirements within the next nine months; and education meets at least one of the following requirements for superior academic achievement: 1) class standing in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses; 2) grade point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; 3) grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; OR 4) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than one year. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)
GS-09: Must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level or pay band in the Federal service that includes performing the following duties: 1) Writing reports to document incidents or investigations for potential use in criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings; 2) Providing guidance on the application of rules, regulations, or laws to government officials or the general public; 3) Analyzing data from various sources to identify trends and verify the accuracy of information; 4) Organizing and evaluating information to identify potential violations of rules, regulations, or laws and determine appropriate action(s); and 5) Participating in meetings, briefings, or hearings to provide information about investigative activities. -OR-
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: The experience requirement for the GS-9 level may be met by master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. (Degrees in fields of study such as accounting, pharmacy, chemistry, pharmacology, nursing, or criminal justice are desired, but not required.) Candidates not holding desired degrees will be considered. -OR-
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed education and experience may be used to meet the experience requirements if you have the specialized experience, but less than one year; and have some education, but less than two years. The computed percentages of requirements were met, and the total is at least 100%. (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond one year by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.)
Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:
- Accountability
- Arithmetic
- Attention to Detail
- Decision Making
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Memory
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
- Reading
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Stress Tolerance
- Teamwork
- Writing
- Motor Vehicle Operation
A job applicant study guide for the assessments used to evaluate you on these competencies is available here: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/DEA%20Diversion%20Investigator%20Applicant%20Preparation%20GuideCOMP.pdf
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DEA's Category Rating and Selection Procedures.
Category Rating Procedures: If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the three categories:
- Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
- Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis
- Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
The Category Rating Process does not add veteran's preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Veteran preference eligibles will receive selection consideration before non-preference eligibles within each quality category.
Based on your responses, you will receive a score from the Assessment Questionnaires. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible.
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/)
PASS/FAIL COURSES: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One year of graduate education in considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
There are four evaluation phases used to determine the applicants who are Best Qualified for the position:
Phase 1: Diversion Investigator (DI) Assessments
Candidates who meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to complete the DI Assessments. The DI Assessments will be completed online and include the Assessment Questionnaire and Biographical Data Questionnaire. These assessments measure the following competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Oral Communication, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, Technology Application, and Writing.
Phase 2: Proctored Testing
The best qualified candidates from Phase 1 will receive an email invitation to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 2 of the recruitment process. Phase 2 requires candidates to complete the Judgment Assessment, Mathematics Assessment, and the Writing Assessment at a proctored testing center. Applicants will select their proctored testing center location from over 600 available locations across the United States. These assessments measure the following competencies: Arithmetic, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Writing.
***You will not be able to retake Phase 1 and Phase 2 for one (1) year, regardless of whether you pass or fail. ***
Phase 3: Minimum Qualifications and Conditions of Employment
The best qualified candidates from Phase 2, will have their resume and supporting documents reviewed to determine whether they meet the minimum qualification and eligibility requirements of this position. The evaluation team may exclude a candidate from consideration if the candidate's self-ratings are higher than supported by the application materials. Errors or omissions may impact eligibility.
Phase 4: Structured Interview
Candidates who pass Phase 3, will be contacted to schedule an appointment to complete Phase 4 of the recruitment process. Phase 4 requires candidates to complete the in-person Structured Interview. A panel of interviewers will evaluate candidates on each of the following competencies: Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communication; Problem Solving, Self-Management; Stress Tolerance; and Teamwork. Candidates must complete and pass the oral assessment to receive consideration. The DEA stores oral assessment results for one year and applies assessment scores to other job announcements applicants apply to that require the same oral assessment. If a candidate has completed the equivalent DEA oral assessment in the previous 12 months, the DEA will refer to the previously earned score on the oral assessment and the applicant will not be contacted to schedule an oral assessment.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION: You must successfully pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.
To view a copy of the Assessment Questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12230960.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement OR at 11:59 PM (EST) on the day we reach 4,000 applications, whichever comes first to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, click here.
When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below. If you meet minimum qualifications based on the initial online questionnaire responses that you submit, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Assessments. The invitation to the USA Hire Assessments will be sent from email address: Assessments@USAHire.opm.gov Please plan to set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time.
You must complete the USA Hire Assessments within 48 hours after the close of this Job Announcement to be eligible for this position. Your results will be kept on record for use when applying for future jobs that require the USA Hire Assessments. You will not be allowed to re-take them for one year.
If you accidentally deleted the invitation to the USA Hire Assessments or otherwise need the information re-sent (e.g., you feel you have not received it due to a SPAM filter), you should contact https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket to request the invitation to be re-sent. Requests to re-send invitations to the USA Hire Assessments must be received by https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket BEFORE the close of the Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA).
Before attempting to take the USA Hire Assessments, you should visit the sample items at https://usahire.opm.gov/assess/default/sample/Sample.action . While the sample items are not the same type of items as those you will complete for this job, viewing the sample items should provide an indication of whether the computer you are using is likely to experience any presentation or performance issues during testing. You can also use this site to determine if you may wish to request a Reasonable Accommodation to take the assessments. Please note the assessments you will be completing do NOT include a video or audio component. They include ONLY text-based questions and response options. If you have questions about the computer requirements or require technical assistance, please contact https://apply.usastaffing.gov/HelpTicket
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Assessments, click here for more information about the request process: http://www.usajobs.gov/content/pdfs/USAHireReasonableAccommodation.pdf.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.
All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.
It is highly suggested that you complete the Drug Questionnaire form when submitting your application package. However, if you do not complete and submit this form with your application package, it will not disqualify you from the application process. You will be asked to complete the Drug Questionnaire form before extended a conditional offer. Click here to access the Drug Questionnaire.
To submit your completed Drug Questionnaire please follow the instructions for uploading in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.
Click the below links for additional information.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
How to Claim Veterans' Preference
Selective Service: MALE APPLICANTS BORN AFTER 12/31/1959 must certify prior to job offer that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.
The Drug Enforcement Administration participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
Benefits
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. Learn more about federal benefits.
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The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
