Job Announcements at DHS Highlight Customer Experience Focus
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching a “technologist” hiring initiative as part of its effort to digitize services and reduce the administrative burdens in accessing public services. Through this initiative, DHS aims to advance President Biden's Executive Order (E.O 14058) on enhancing customer service and rebuilding trust in government.
“Together, we can improve the customer experience for the millions of individuals with whom we interact every day, while advancing equity, protecting individuals’ rights and liberties, and increasing our openness, transparency, and accountability,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in a press release.
“I left Silicon Valley for government service to be able to use my skills to serve my country and help those in need,” said DHS Chief Information Officer (CIO) Eric Hysen. “We are asking technologists from across the country to consider the call of public service to make a significant impact in the lives of travelers, disaster survivors, those accessing citizenship and immigration services, and the many other customers who depend on DHS for critical services.”
DHS intends to improve a variety of customer experiences within its subcomponents, including improving air travel through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); redesigning and simplifying online disaster assistance applications at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and digitizing dozens of forms to help streamline an immigration system at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The department is looking to hire “hundreds of mission-driven technologists with product management and customer experience expertise” at the GS-14 and GS-15 levels. Postings on USAJOBS.gov will close on 9/21 or when 500 applications are received.
Applicants need only submit one application, and if they opt-in to share their information, they may be considered for many opportunities at DHS and at other agencies through a shared hiring certificate.
