Lead Legal Administrative Specialist - Join the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Embark on a rewarding federal career with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Legal Administrative Specialist to join our team in Tampa, Florida. This critical role offers an opportunity to provide administrative oversight, lead a team, and contribute significantly to the mission of ensuring national security and managing lawful immigration processes. If you are a seasoned administrative professional with a passion for public service and possess strong analytical and leadership capabilities, this position offers a challenging and fulfilling path forward.

About the Agency: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stands as the frontline defense in managing lawful immigration to the United States. The agency is dedicated to upholding America's promise as a nation of immigrants, fostering a culture of opportunity, and facilitating growth. USCIS plays a vital role in addressing national security concerns, preventing fraud, and ensuring public safety within the immigration benefit process. Our proud and dedicated workforce is essential to safeguarding the nation's immigration system. Joining USCIS means becoming part of an organization committed to integrity, efficiency, and service.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Legal Administrative Specialist (GS-11), you will be instrumental in the smooth operation of the Asylum Division. Your responsibilities will include:

• Team Leadership and Oversight: Provide administrative oversight to a team of subordinates, ensuring the efficient distribution and balancing of workloads and tasks.
• Strategic Communication: Effectively communicate the organization's strategic plan, mission, values, and vision to your team, fostering a shared understanding and commitment.
• Compliance and Protocol Management: Ensure strict adherence to background check and decision service protocols. Provide critical updates on case status and progress to appropriate Asylum Division, ICE, and CBP personnel, as well as the public.
• Training and Mentorship: Train the Legal Administrative Specialist (LAS) team in selecting and applying appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques. Offer guidance on work methods, practices, and procedures.
• Coordination and Consensus Building: Serve as a mentor, facilitator, and negotiator to coordinate team initiatives and build consensus among team members.
• Reporting and Communication: Develop comprehensive briefings, presentations, reports, and other communication materials for management.

Requirements

To be considered for this Lead Legal Administrative Specialist position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Background Investigation: Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including a financial disclosure.
• Drug Screening: Must pass a drug screening.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Telework Policy: The position adheres to the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010.
• Residency Requirement: For three of the last five years immediately preceding the application date, you must have resided in the United States; OR worked for the U.S. Government overseas in a Federal or Military capacity; OR been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or Military employee serving overseas.
• Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period may be required.

Minimum Qualifications (GS-11)

To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must meet one of the following criteria by November 2, 2026:

1. Specialized Experience: Possess at least one year of specialized experience that is equivalent to the GS-09 level in the federal government. This experience should equip you with the skills to perform the duties of the position, including:
   • Conducting program file reviews and determining appropriate actions or deadlines.
   • Monitoring, tracking, or responding to inquiries in accordance with established procedures and timelines.
   • Preparing documentation or reports related to immigration cases.
   • Communicating immigration eligibility determinations to customers.
2. Education Substitution: Alternatively, you may substitute a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree (including an LL.M. if related) for the specialized experience.

Note: If you are qualifying based on education, an official transcript must be submitted upon selection.

Time-in-Grade Requirements

If you are a current federal employee, you must have completed at least 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level (or equivalent grade band) within the federal service by November 2, 2026.

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this position ranges from $74,678 to $97,087. The specific salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and federal pay scales.

Benefits

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families:

• Health and Insurance: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement and Savings: A robust retirement plan and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k).
• Financial Wellness: Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counseling and resources.
• Leave and Holidays: Generous personal leave days and paid federal holidays.
• Work-Life Balance: Opportunities for flexible work schedules and telework, depending on position and agency policy.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, and access to extensive training and development programs.
• Wellness Programs: Health and wellness programs and fitness centers are often available.
• Specialized Leave: Disabled veteran leave is available for eligible veterans.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the Lead Legal Administrative Specialist position:

1. Apply Online: Click the "Apply Online" button on the USAJOBS announcement page.
2. Complete Questionnaire: Thoroughly answer all questions in the application questionnaire.
3. Submit Documentation: Upload all required supporting documents, including your resume (maximum two pages) and transcripts (if applicable).
4. Meet Deadline: Ensure your complete application package is submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 2, 2026.
5. USA Hire Assessments: If required, you will receive instructions via email and on your USAJOBS application status page to complete USA Hire assessments. Complete these within the given deadline.
6. Update Application: You can update your application and supporting documents through your USAJOBS account until the announcement closes.

Important Notes:

• Resumes exceeding two pages will result in removal from consideration.
• Ensure your resume clearly highlights relevant experience and qualifications.
• Federal employees must include detailed information about their federal service, including series, grade, and tenure, on their SF-50.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to directly address the qualifications and duties listed in the announcement. Use keywords from the job description.
• Be Specific: Provide detailed descriptions of your duties, accomplishments, and the skills you utilized in each position. Include employer name, address, supervisor contact, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
• Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information is accurate and truthful. Misrepresenting your qualifications can lead to disqualification.
• Review Thoroughly: Before submitting, review your entire application for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to all instructions.
• Transcripts: If using education to qualify, ensure your transcript is legible and includes your name and the institution's name.
• Federal Applicants: Precisely document your federal service history, including grade levels and lengths of employment, as this is crucial for determining eligibility and qualifications.

This Lead Legal Administrative Specialist position at USCIS in Tampa, Florida, presents a significant opportunity to contribute to vital national security and immigration functions within the federal government. By leveraging your administrative expertise and leadership skills, you can make a tangible difference in safeguarding the nation and supporting lawful immigration processes. If you are ready to take on a challenging and impactful role, we encourage you to apply and join the dedicated team at USCIS.