The DHS Joint Duty Program is an intra- and inter-departmental program which offers civilian personnel professional and developmental opportunities. Joint Duty Assignments enhance operations and mission execution through unity of effort and collaboration.
The DHS Joint Duty Program offers non-reimbursable Joint Duty Assignments up to one year, both inside and outside the National Capital Region. These multi-component, multi-faceted assignments cross DHS and federal agency operations to build employee skillsets, increasing value to their agency and the federal government as a whole. The DHS Joint Duty Program connects federal employees across the government to professional development opportunities at DHS.
Supervisors may apply to post a joint duty assignment opportunity by completing the DHS Assignment Opportunity Form 250-01 and providing the following:
- Assignment Type: virtual or traditional (onsite). In a virtual Joint Duty Assignment, the employee works from the employing office (physically) or teleworks from home full-time, a standard 40-hour work week.
- Assignment description and required job qualifications.
- Digital signatures from a first-line and second-line supervisor. Note: Supervisor’s approval is required to submit an opportunity.
Send completed forms to jointdutyprogramoffice@hq.dhs.gov.
View current DHS Joint Duty Opportunities on USAJOBS and follow the instructions below to apply:
- Prepare your application package. The application package should include:
- DHS Application Form 250-02
- Résumé
- SF-50
- Submit a complete application package for each assignment you apply to in USAJOBS.
On a virtual joint duty assignment, an employee may either telework from their employing office or from home full-time. Hiring managers have the option to advertise virtual joint duty assignments for the duration of a detail or until local offices reopen for employees.
Yes, an employing organization supervisor can apply to post a joint opportunity to backfill the position of an employee on a Joint Duty Assignment. Complete the DHS Assignment Opportunity Form 250-01.
The DHS Joint Duty Program offers distinct career benefits for Federal employees, including rewarding experiences, leadership development, and networking. The program offers participants with opportunities:
- to enhance mission execution;
- to expand professional networks through agency collaboration thus supporting unity of effort and enhancing collaboration between agencies; and
- to amplify leadership and professional development.
Upon satisfactory completion of a Joint Duty Assignment, the employee will receive an official Certificate of Achievement from the Director of the DHS Joint Duty Program.
To apply for a Joint Duty Assignment, interested applicants must:
- be a GS-12, 13, 14, 15 or equivalent;
- have supervisory approval;
- be a permanent, full-time federal employee;
- have an “achieved expectations” or “proficient” rating on their most recent performance evaluation; and
- have no outstanding disciplinary action or grievance.
The DHS Joint Duty Program does not apply to members of the military service or contractors.
Interested federal employees can view current DHS Joint Duty Assignment Opportunities on USAJOBS or visit the Open Opportunities website (login with a USAJOBS account is required).
Federal employees selected for a joint duty assignment are responsible for any costs related to meals, and or housing/lodging. A participants employing organization may pay for a temporary change of station. Travel funding related to the joint duty assignment is the responsibility of the host organization.
The employing organization supervisor is responsible for overseeing the performance evaluation that the participant already has in place at his or her permanent duty location.
The participant's supervisor at his or her permanent duty location is responsible for certifying time and attendance.
After a federal employee is selected for an assignment, the DHS Joint Duty Program Office sends the Memorandum of Agreement to the employing organization, the gaining organization, and the participant. The Memorandum of Agreement includes a start date for the selected employee and the roles and responsibilities for the the employing organization, the gaining organization, and the employee. The signature blocks in the Memorandum of Agreement must be signed off and returned to the DHS Joint Duty Program Office within 5 business days.
During a joint duty assignment, participants must:
- Complete the DHS Joint Duty Program Training Course 15 days prior to starting an assignment.
- Complete the DHS Joint Duty Program Assignment Progress Plan:
- Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the assignment;
- Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the assignment; and
- Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the assignment.
The DHS Joint Duty Program training course provides selected employees with the knowledge, resources, and information to successfully complete a Joint Duty Assignment.
The three phases in the DHS Joint Duty Program Assignment Progress Plan are:
- Phase 1: Establish assignment objectives within the first 30 days of the assignment;
- Phase 2: Complete a self-assessment of the duties performed at the mid-point of the assignment; and
- Phase 3: Complete a final review within the last 30 days of the assignment.