About

Overview

Hiring Path:

• Open to the public

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

For USEFM - FP is 07. Actual FP salary determined by Washington D.C.
Open-to category: All Interested Applicants / All Sources

Security Clearance Required:

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:

Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period.

Marketing Statement:

We encourage you to read and understand the Eight (8) Qualities of Overseas Employees before you apply.

Summary:

The U.S. Consulate General Sao Paulo is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for 5 positions Visa Assistants in the Consular Section.

The work schedule for this position is: Full Time (40 hours per week).

Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time of receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Travel Required:

Not Required

Duties

The primary role of the incumbent is to screen incoming documentation and information from a variety of sources; data-enter, track, and organize electronic visa applications and files in accordance with complex laws and procedures and within a specialized computer system; Print visas while maintaining strict accountability for controlled visa foils. The incumbent also responds to public inquiries; captures and analyzes metrics on section activities; provides written and oral translation; delivers extemporaneous remarks for presentations at outreach events; and acquires familiarity with complex visa categories, including investor visas.  The incumbent must be familiar with complex official documents in both English and Portuguese and use this knowledge to provide the first line of defense to U.S. national security and combat visa fraud and human trafficking.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (% of time)

1. (50% of time) Nonimmigrant Visa Application Management: Review, perform data-entry, and track visa applications that include sensitive and personally-identifiable information.  Maintain log-in and log-out systems for passports received; check documents in both English and Portuguese for accuracy; use analytical skills and local knowledge to identify trends and fraud indicators; and notify officers of unusual or priority cases. Record large volumes of data quickly and accurately into the specialized a computer system and assemble documentation for review by consular officers. Collect biometric data including photos and fingerprints using specialized equipment.  Print visas while focusing on accuracy, quality control, and accountability of all issued and spoiled machine-readable visa foils. Organize processed visas and passports and match them with receipts to ensure visa passback accountability. Safeguard all controlled consular equipment and supplies; ensure proper handling of all sensitive material and information.                                                                                                                                             


2. (15% of time) Communication Responsibilities: Accept visa applications from the public, elicit information, and update computer records to reflect changes in biographical data. Act as an interpreter for consular officers for complex visa interviews and/or meetings with outside contacts; translate documents from Portuguese to English as requested. Communicate effectively through email and telephone to clarify and request information from applicants, businesses, and government organizations to support timely and complete visa adjudications. Draft requests for Security Advisory Opinions to confirm qualification for a U.S. visa and protect national security. Review and track incoming correspondence and draft accurate and professional responses to public inquiries in Portuguese and English on a rotating basis. Help coordinate visa interviews for large groups and high-profile delegations. Coordinate with contract greeters and consular management to facilitate visa applicant flow and visa delivery. Provide excellent customer service to visa applicants and others in fast-paced, high-stress work environment.


3. (15% of time) Unit Cross-training and Rotational Assignments: Cross-train in other consular positions to provide rotational and back-up support as required. Other consular units may include Fraud Prevention Unit, American Citizen Services, Consular Communication and Outreach. On a rotating basis, the incumbent is also assigned responsibilities, which may include:Visa appointment scheduling, database monitoring, review and analysis of investor visa applications, troubleshooting passport delivery problems, coordinating communication and scheduling for cases recalled for interview, student visas, diplomatic visas, Lawful Permanent Resident services, visits to offsite applicant service centers, and other duties as assigned.


4. (20% of time) Special Committees and Projects: Implement other special projects as designated by managers. Projects may be post-specific or mission-wide in scope. Projects may include: Assisting in the preparation and execution of consular or mission outreach events; reviewing the unit’s Portuguese language material; coordinating comprehensive training for onboarding of new officers and local staff; maintaining rigorous training and professional development plans and schedules for staff; assisting in data collection, analysis, and reporting; and logistics projects to include changes to workflow and facilities. Respond to a broad spectrum of questions posed by mission personnel, host-country and third-country government officials, and visa applicants. Exercise sound judgment in deciding which inquiries should be referred to  consular managers.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent is required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: Progressively responsible work experience in a professional environment that includes customer service.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Familiarity with the full range of Brazilian civil documentation, society, customs, and legal and social systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and basic computing and data entry. Working knowledge of applicable U.S. immigration laws, regulations, and procedures is not required, but preferred.  

Education Requirements:

Mandatory: Completion of two years of college or university studies is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: (This may be tested)

• Level III (Good Working Knowledge) in reading/writing/speaking in English is required.


• Level III (Good Working Knowledge) in reading/writing/speaking in Portuguese is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (This may be tested)

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, exercise tact in dealing with the public, and general computer knowledge. Typing and data entry skills at the professional level in terms of accuracy and speed. Ability to function in a high-pressure environment, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to draft correspondence at a professional level in English and Portuguese. Ability to apply good judgment in referring matters to higher levels of management. Utilizes high-level customer service skills, and maintains a courteous and professional demeanor with visa applicants while simultaneously reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to use common Microsoft applications.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Qualifications:

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

How to Apply

How to Apply:

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Public trust clearance. 

To apply for this position click the “Submit Application” button.  For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site.

Important notes:

• Please make sure you enter all your work experience and education through the ERA Application. Attached Curriculum files will not be considered.


• For positions that require English Fluency or Good Working Knowledge, applications MUST be submitted in English.


• USEFM Candidates must have at least one year remaining on their sponsor’s tour of duty to be considered eligible to apply for this position at the time of the announcement closing.


• This Vacancy Announcement will close at 11:59PM (Brasilia time) of the closing date and applications to this position will not be accepted after this period.

Required Documents:

To qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide requested information, or the information is insufficient to verify eligibility, may result in disqualification for this position.

All Applicants:
• Degree (not transcript)
• Certificate or License

Eligible Family Member Applicants:
• Copy of Sponsor's Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
• DD-214 - Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
• SF-50 (if applicable)

Next Steps:

Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email. 

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil.