Become an Education Program Specialist with USCIS

Are you a dedicated educator or program manager looking to impact national policy and the immigrant experience? U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently seeking an Education Program Specialist (GS-13) to join its External Affairs Directorate. This unique position places you at the heart of the agency’s mission to support adult citizenship education. You will influence how American history and civics are taught, directly supporting individuals on their journey to becoming U.S. citizens.

Job Responsibilities

As an Education Program Specialist, your primary objective is to lead the design and implementation of educational initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

Project Leadership: Oversee priority projects, such as the maintenance and updating of the naturalization test.
Content Development: Create and refine classroom and self-study materials that assist students in learning about the American naturalization process.
Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as a resource for best practices in civics education and assessment design.
Strategic Communication: Liaise with internal leadership and external stakeholders to provide guidance on citizenship education protocols.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Education/Experience: A degree with at least 24 semester hours in a related field (including 9 in education) or a combination of specialized experience and education.
Experience: Applicants must demonstrate specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal government.
Residency: Must meet specific residency requirements related to living in the U.S. or serving abroad in a federal capacity.

Comparison: GS-13 Requirements at a Glance

Criteria	Requirement
Federal Experience	52 weeks at GS-12 level
Education	24 semester hours (9 in Education)
Drug Screening	Required
Security Clearance	Not required (but background check required)

Salary Overview

The GS-13 position offers a highly competitive salary range from $90,925 to $118,204 per year, depending on the selected duty location and locality pay adjustments. Salaries are structured according to the federal government's general schedule, ensuring consistency across geographical areas.

Benefits

USCIS is committed to supporting its workforce through a comprehensive benefits package that promotes both financial security and work-life balance:

Retirement & Savings: Participation in FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Insurance: Wide-ranging health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Work-Life Balance: Access to telework options, flexible schedules, and paid federal holidays.
Growth: Continuous professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.

Application Tips

Refine Your Resume: Ensure it is two pages or less and formatted with 11pt font or larger for clarity.
Be Data-Driven: Clearly list your previous employers, specific duties, hours worked per week, and salary history.
Leverage the Questionnaire: Answer the online assessment questions thoughtfully; your rating determines your eligibility for referral.

Serving as an Education Program Specialist with USCIS is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational values of the United States. If you possess the experience, expertise, and desire to shape the educational landscape for new citizens, we encourage you to review the full details and apply to join our mission today.

Why This Education Program Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of American civic education and safeguard the integrity of the naturalization process at the federal level.

Education Program Specialist Job Overview

Join U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an Education Program Specialist. In this vital role, you will lead high-impact projects dedicated to the design and delivery of educational resources for adult learners and instructors navigating the U.S. citizenship process. This position is central to the Office of Citizenship’s mission to foster understanding of American history and government. You will act as a subject matter expert, shaping curricula and training initiatives that directly influence the naturalization experience.

Requirements for Education Program Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Required to pass a drug screening test.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must meet residency requirements for federal employment (3 of the last 5 years in the U.S. or overseas in federal/military capacity).
Current federal employees must possess 52 weeks of experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
Possess at least 24 semester hours in a field related to the work, including 9 semester hours specifically in education, or a relevant combination of education and professional teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications for Education Program Specialist

Demonstrated expertise in adult citizenship education and classroom pedagogy.
Strong background in assessment theory, curriculum development, and education materials creation.
Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage resources, and coordinate with diverse management teams.
Experience in identifying and communicating high-impact, sensitive findings to organizational leadership.
Established history of building and maintaining professional networks with governmental and non-profit stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement savings).
✓Flexible Spending Accounts.
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave.
✓Opportunities for telework and flexible work schedules.
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development training.

💡 How to Apply Education Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Education Program Specialist Job

Review the full announcement details and requirements on the official job portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages with standard formatting.
Submit your application through the online portal, ensuring all required documentation is uploaded.
Complete the online questionnaire and any necessary USA Hire assessments.
Monitor your status through your applicant dashboard for updates and interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume highlights specific, quantifiable achievements that mirror the job description's duties.
Use specific dates (month/day/year) for every experience entry to avoid disqualification.
Do not exceed the two-page limit; prioritize the most recent and relevant experience.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly display your name and the educational institution.
Submit your application well before the deadline to accommodate potential technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this appointment?

This is a temporary position not to exceed one year, though it may be extended for up to a total of five years. There is potential for conversion to a permanent role.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, USCIS offers episodic telework opportunities in accordance with agency policy and the needs of the office.

Can I apply for multiple locations?

No, applicants are restricted to selecting only one location during the application process.

What if I am a former political appointee?

*A: You must disclose this information during the application process, as certain roles require OPM approval.*

Is there a probation period?

*A: Yes, individuals may be subject to a one-year probationary period upon selection.*

Job from Citizenship And Immigration Services

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the component of the Department of Homeland Security responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. Our mission is to secure the promise of America as a nation of immigrants while protecting national security and public safety. We foster a culture of opportunity and growth for our employees, providing a meaningful environment for professionals who are committed to public service.