DHS/USCIS, June 2014 - Present

SCOPS Adjudications Officer (Policy)/Transformation Team Business Advisor

 

•Assist in planning, managing and directing activities related to the support of Immigrant, Non-immigrant, and Citizenship services programs.

•Provide expert advice, guidance and interpretation on policy matters relating to these services and assists in the general program management of these operations.

•Respond to inquiries from a variety of sources concerning the full range of adjudication procedures, laws, regulations and policy.

•Draft and oversee publication of regulations, field manuals and other guidance/instruction documents and interpret statutes and/or policies relating to Immigrant, Non-immigrant and Citizenship services programs.

•Analyze program needs, formulate and initiate policies and procedures, and implement changes in adjudication programs.

•Review recommendations by the Department of State in sensitive alien immigrant and non-immigrant cases and prepare appropriate decision memorandum and briefing papers.

•Review and analyze proposed legislation for its possible effect on adjudication programs and recommend changes where appropriate.

•Maintain liaison with other government agencies and furnish information, guidance and assistance to Congress persons, attorneys, diplomatic officials and organizations on matters of policy.

•Work with users, technical staff and management to support system changes and enhancements. Develops specifications to support customer needs and analyzes new requests to determine feasibility, extent of changes, resource requirements and project estimates.

 

As a SCOPS Transformation Team Business Advisor, I:

 

•Am responsible for understanding, documenting and communicating the customer needs

•Create user stories and acceptance criteria for the product backlog and assist Scrum development team through planning session

•Manage Sprint Cycles and lead daily development standups

•Work with stakeholders and development teams to prioritize and schedule new product development and enhancements

•Ensure product vision is understood by all development team members

•Create test plans and perform testing and QA

•Interface with company stakeholders to understand product expectations

•Collaborate with business users to understand product performance and customer feedback for continuous product improvement

•Understand product life cycle model thoroughly and improves as necessary

•Have Strong technical business analysis skills and experience with requirement/user story elicitation, documentation and prioritization

•Pay high attention to detail and quality

•Utilize excellent verbal and written communication skills

•Adaptable and comfortable with change

•Have the ability to manage feature changes and determine their impact to the overall product release plan

•Am goal oriented and dedicated to superior product development

 

DHS/USCIS, October 2012 – May 2014

District 1 Community Relations Officer/Immigration Services Officer

 

As a Community Relations Officer, I am responsible for establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholder communities in my jurisdiction that include nonprofit organizations, businesses, state, local, territorial and tribal government entities, adult educators, lawyer advocacy groups, and faith based groups. My duties include:

 

•Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with community organizations for the purpose of disseminating information or answering inquiries about citizenship issues.

•Determining the need for and developing information materials related to how immigrants become citizens.

•Developing appropriate communication channels, techniques and strategies for use in disseminating citizenship information to the community.

•Coordinating engagement efforts and providing resources to national stakeholder communities and intergovernmental partners, including state, local, territorial and tribal government entities, and supporting the implementation of robust mechanisms of engagement across the agency.

•Developing and maintaining relationships with national stakeholder communities and intergovernmental officials to support the implementation of USCIS programs.

•Reporting potential obstacles, crises or stakeholder initiated issues or concerns that may impact USCIS programs or reflect programmatic or policy deficiencies.

•Providing training or information sessions to stakeholders on new USCIS policies and programs.

•Ensuring that information on USCIS policies and programs reaches the widest possible immigration audience by conducting stakeholder analysis to identify key audiences and designing optimum communication.

              

DHS/USCIS, February 2008 – October 2012

Immigration Services Officer / Community Relations Officer

 

As an ISO, I interpret, apply and enforce an intricate field of Immigration and Nationality laws. This includes planning and conducting independent research concerning the eligibility entitlements of persons seeking immigration benefits, employment and/or legal status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. I make determinations and interview applicants to elicit statements and assess credibility; hear and adjudicate appeals; and decide on motions to reopen and reconsider cases. Conduct in-house peer-to-peer workshops covering a broad spectrum of subject material that include areas of Immigration and Nationality Law and Procedures.

Collateral duties include serving as the Community Relations Officer (CRO) for the eight counties within Yakima Field Office jurisdiction. As CRO, I utilize various methods to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the communities in which USCIS operate, to include:

 

•Establish/maintain contacts with U.S. governmental agencies, interest groups, and media outlets and their representatives, so as to facilitate dissemination of information on USCIS programs and activities under direction of the Field Office Director.

•Develop/maintain database of governmental, media and other stakeholder contacts within the jurisdictional area.

•Develop communication plans that identify key message, internal and external target audiences, communication objectives and strategies for USCIS. As necessary, these efforts will be undertaken in coordination with the District and Region Office.

•Prepare and disseminate press releases, presentations and a variety of communications to a wide range of audiences.

•Develop presentations, reports and other printed materials for USCIS as required.

•Disseminate USCIS information and reports as necessary, including through a variety of tools and outlets. Conduct courses, workshops and seminars covering a broad spectrum of subject material that include areas of Immigration and Nationality Law and Procedures.

•Represent USCIS at a variety of events with stakeholders.

 

Additional collateral duties include service on the USCIS District 20 EEOC Advisory Committee under the USCIS District 20 Director since 2010.

 

Since attending FDNS CARRP Training (AATC)-2010, I have served as a collateral FDNS CARRP Immigration Services Officer at the Yakima Field Office for national security and egregious public safety-related lookout-system hits, and other national security related matters. I identify, articulate, and pursue suspected immigration benefit fraud. I conduct inquiries to verify or disprove said suspicions. I have prepared analyses and reports that describe findings and state recommendations. I have conducted fraud-based field inquiries and prepared summary reports pertaining to fraud cases, identifying systemic and other specific vulnerabilities that threaten the integrity of this country's legal immigration system.

In FY 2011, served as Citizenship and Integration Direct Services Grant Program Reviewer. The purpose of this funding opportunity was to support high quality citizenship preparation programs across the nation. Received letter of appreciation from Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and time-off award for contribution to the program.

 

In FY 2012 served 120-day detail to Saipan MP in support of CNMI Federal transition. The unusual circumstances surrounding the CNMI transition spawned a multitude of fraudulent incidents that spanned every facet of immigration services and benefits. I utilized available electronic systems to process applications and petitions through verification of any number of established data points to make adjudicative decisions and/or determine appropriate level of adjudicative review; I updated databases with appropriate information and decisions. I used government systems to perform security checks in accordance with all applicable DHS/USCIS laws and policies. I conducted file searches for aliases and dates of birth and criminal behavior; reported all instances of fraud or suspected fraud, including misrepresentation of identify, submission of fraudulent or altered docs, and patterns discerned by review and analysis of submitted petitions and applications; identified and prioritized files with national security threats and public safety issues. I ensured that all records and property were maintained and destroyed in accordance with security requirements.

Furthermore, while in the CNMI, I provided substantial direct and continuing assistance to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel and officials of other Federal Agencies in identifying individuals who posed a threat to national security/public safety or in prosecuting those who committed fraud while seeking services and benefits.

              

DHS/USCIS, September 2006 - January 2008

Immigration Information Officer / Special Emphasis Program Manager

 

Provide highly technical counsel to the public about immigration and nationality law and regulations, and elicit information to serve as the foundation for administrative and/or legal action. Screen applications and petitions filed for benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act for completeness, appropriate fees and proper supporting documents; determine prima facie eligibility for applications; and dissuade aliens from filing for benefits for which they are not eligible. Explore all avenues of assistance available to clients, determine the more advantageous benefit, and assist them with information necessary to complete forms. Observe and question clients to determine if individuals are attempting to submit applications under fraudulent situations and reasons. Adjudicate applications and petitions from the general body of case work filed at the various offices which have been determined to be routine, less complex than those referred to Adjudications Officers or readily approvable. Review applications and petitions, along with supporting documentation, official files, relating policy, procedures and precedent decisions to determine prima facie eligibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

 

As Collateral Duty SEPM duties include: Monitoring employment policies, practices, and procedures to determine the existence of barriers to full participation as defined by the Agencies, and reporting findings to the appropriate officials with recommendations for corrective action. This includes participation in the development and monitoring of the organization's various civil rights programs, plans and reports. Participating in studies and compliance reviews to identify possible systemic forms of discrimination and barriers to equal opportunity in employment activities. Educating supervisors, managers and employees on the goals and objectives of SEPs through development of articles for organizational newsletters related to SEP issues, programs and activities. Assisting in identification of training needs and recruitment sources for minorities, women and persons with disabilities. Evaluating effectiveness of activities and programs toward achieving SEP objectives.

              

Department of Social and Health Services, May 2006 – September 2006

Juvenile Rehabilitation Officer

 

Provides custody, security and safety for residents, staff and visitors in a juvenile rehabilitation facility; or, provides night time supervision, safety and security for youths in a juvenile residential unit; or, provides custody and security of youths during transportation to and from as well as during appointments on or off campus.

 

Typical Work: Ensures the safety and security of facility residents, staff and visitors; Maintains security of physical plant; checks air conditioning system and other mechanical system operations; requests repairs; Conducts perimeter checks of doors, vehicles, equipment and grounds; Checks previous shift logs and logs all activities during work shift; prepares cottage forms; writes in daily sheets; files; Serves as back-up to residential units and staff; intervenes and defuses assaultive or crisis situations between residents and/or residents and staff; breaks-up altercations physically; Provides night time coverage in a cottage or unit; serves as back-up to other staff; Conducts room and contraband searches; inspects rooms for cleanliness; Conducts bed checks and hourly security calls; Monitors behavior of youths and maintains tracking system of youths’ negative and/or positive behaviors; acts as role model for residents; Conducts searches for escapees; notifies appropriate personnel and local law authority and state patrol, parents and/or guardians and community; Collects urinalysis samples for testing; transports youths to appointments and court appearances; provides security during transport and appointments/appearances; Distributes medications to youths and monitors to assure medications are taken properly; Awakens youths and assures procedures are followed; Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of: basic causes and treatment of juvenile delinquency; human growth and development; supervision of juveniles with deviant behavior patterns; objectives of a juvenile rehabilitation program/system; techniques, methods and procedures for crisis intervention and de-escalation of crisis or problematic situations; effective verbal communication.

 

Ability to: apply and implement juvenile rehabilitation methods, techniques, rules, policies and procedures; motivate youths individually and in groups and maintain organization; recognize and identify problem situations; remain calm and in control during altercations and crisis situations; intervene and de-escalate crisis and dangerous situations; gain confidence and trust of youths; use authority constructively; first aid; write and speak clearly and effectively.

              

Moon Security Services Inc., January 2006 – April 2006

Licensed Security Guard

 

Security Officer: Maintains safe and secure environment for customers and employees by patrolling and monitoring premises and personnel.

 

Security Officer Job Duties: Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. Obtains help by sounding alarms. Prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities; informing violators of policy and procedures; restraining trespassers. Controls traffic by directing drivers. Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities; interviewing witnesses; obtaining signatures. Maintains environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls. Maintains organization's stability and reputation by complying with legal requirements.

Skills/Qualifications: Lifting, Surveillance Skills, Deals with Uncertainty, Judgment, Objectivity, Dependability, Emotional Control, Integrity, Safety Management, Professionalism, Reporting Skills.

              

Central Washington University, March 2005 – June 2005

Student Advisor

 

Advisor responsibilities are to clarify university policies, regulations, programs, and procedures about which a student may have questions; to be available to meet each semester; to keep regular office hours and be adequately available to meet; to offer advice on selecting courses and to assist in developing an academic plan that satisfies degree requirements; to be a responsive listener and to refer students to appropriate support services within the university when needed; to discuss academic performance and the implications of performance for the undergraduate programs, graduate programs and professional programs a student may desire to pursue; to help explore interests, abilities, and goals and to relate them to academic majors; to be knowledgeable about career opportunities and to refer students to Career Services as needed; to offer the opportunity to participate in a mentoring relationship which will help a student to become more independent and self-directed.

 

Fred Meyer Corporation, April 2004 – August 2004

Loss Prevention Officer

 

Loss Prevention Officers monitor customer and Associate activity in the store for potential theft of company assets. They assist in monitoring store’s compliance with company policies and procedures on theft prevention and inventory control. They communicate potential theft and shortage control issues to Supervisor and Store Management. A security Loss Prevention Officer also detects and apprehends shop-lifters, monitors customers to anticipate potential thefts and writes investigative reports. Security officers may be required to attend court hearings to testify in criminal cases. Additionally, a security Loss Prevention Officer may direct investigations into employee/customer theft, inspect retail outlets or corporate offices for security breaches, conduct training sessions, and ensure that employees adhere to safety and security procedures and policies.

              

City of Selah, June 2002 – June 2003

Citywide Network Administrator

 

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

 

Design and maintain City-Wide Network. Network administrators are basically the network equivalent of system administrators: they maintain the hardware and software that comprises the network. This includes the deployment, configuration, maintenance and monitoring of active network gear: switches, routers, firewalls, etc. Network administration includes activities such as network address assignment, assignment of routing protocols and routing table configuration as well as configuration of authentication and authorization – directory services. It includes maintenance of network facilities in individual machines, such as drivers and settings of personal computers as well as printers and such. It also includes maintenance of certain network servers: file servers, VPN gateways, intrusion detection systems, etc. Network specialists and analysts concentrate on the network design and security, particularly troubleshooting and/or debugging network-related problems. Work also includes the maintenance of the network's authorization infrastructure, as well as network backup systems.

 

Washington State Employment Security, October 2000 – July 2002

East Cascade Regional WorkFirst IT Coordinator

 

Working independently and as a regional team member, serve as system administrator for all aspects of computer technology support to Cascade East Region WorkFirst and its twenty-five sites. Serving as liaison between DSHS and WorkFirst assuring adherence to agency standards, documentation, and issue resolution. Coordinate installation of hardware/software on workstations and servers with DSHS lead technicians. Perform workstation and network troubleshooting. Set up security for system access, assigning permissions and file sharing rights. Maintain virus protection and configuration management of system. Provide backup/support and technical expertise to regional staff. Serve as technical expert for WorkFirst technical work group to develop technology plans supporting state and regional sites.

 

Coordinate with Cascade East Region ITSD and DSHS Leads to evaluate issues and roll out ESD wide applications. Assist management in maintaining standards, ordering and maintaining equipment, WorkFirst regional equipment inventory and surplus, contracted repair specifications, and software licensing. Perform specialized system design, acquisition, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, problem resolution, and/or consulting insuring client/staff operational requirements are available for implementation. Researching, developing and coordinating a training program for the seventeen regional offices. Conducting courses, workshops and seminars covering a broad spectrum of subject material in support of staff applications.

 

Regional projects to include: Terminal Server, Citrix Metaframe, Athena Thin Client, and MS 2000 Server. Also, project management, architecture, support, security administration, virus protection administration, and application development impacting both regional and state WorkFirst, Work Source and ITSD.

              

Washington State Employment Security Department, March 1999 – October 2000

Information Technology Systems Specialist

 

Working independently, served as system administrator for Yakima/Kittitas County Work Source Delivery area. Coordinate with ITSD to evaluate issues and rollout statewide applications. Work with various state agencies to design LAN and WAN systems. Develop technology plans. Provide workstation and network support including: installing, configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining software/hardware. RAM, hard drives, internal boards, modems, tape backup, BIOS, sound cards, CD-ROM, CDR-RW, CPU's, SCSI devices and peripherals. Print servers, WINS, static and DHCP TCP/IP address schemes. Procurement of equipment and software, assuring agency standards. Coordinate with vendors. Analyze and implement computer interfaces while determining requirements, design, and cost analysis. Provide training: OS, word processing, electronic messaging, and database.

 

United States Air Force, January 1981 – July 2000

Technical Sergeant

 

Install system components & peripheral hardware: personal computer printers, LAN network interface cards and cable installation. Monitor system logs, run software/hardware tests to resolve problems. Assist in analysis of equipment needs, coordinating moves and installations. Analyze, install and maintain computer software applications, hardware and network infrastructure equipment. Provide user support for software and hardware applications. Develop Novell Intranet utilizing Windows 98 OS. Inventory hardware/software control and order inventory. Information Security Manager. Schedule defragmentation and virus checks. Personnel software/hardware training.

 

The Munitions and Weapons Career Field includes assembling, maintaining, storing, delivering, inventory managing, and loading nonnuclear munitions and solid propellants; and handling and aircraft loading nuclear munitions and guided aircraft missiles and rockets.

 

It includes installing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft munitions release and monitor systems, bomb racks, shackles, aircraft machine guns, and cannons; and assembling mechanical components of guided aircraft missiles and rockets. It also includes inspecting, assembling, maintaining, inventory managing, and modernizing mechanical, electrical, electronic, and high explosive components of nuclear weapons and warheads, air launched missiles, reentry vehicles, associated test equipment, and radiological survey instruments. Included in this field are functions of testing mechanical, electrical, and electronic components for acceptance; installing, operational checking, and repairing weapons, warheads, air launched missiles, missile turbojet engines, and reentry vehicle components; surveying and plotting radiation hazards; using and maintaining specialized radiac instruments; munitions disposal activities; and technical escort functions associated with chemical munitions.

 

As a Technical Sergeant, I qualified to perform highly complex technical duties in addition to providing supervision.  In addition, I was responsible for the career development of each subordinate under my supervision.  As a supervisor, it was my responsibility to ensure that all enlisted personnel had the tools, training and support they need to achieve maximum performance and to accomplish total mission effectiveness.