DHS Needs Better Processes to Hire Priority Staff: GAO
The Government Accountability Office reviewed hiring timelines for priority positions at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Priority positions include border patrol agents, immigration services officers, and cyber defense incident responders.
GAO found that DHS did not meet its average time-to-hire targets in fiscal year (FY) 2022 for nine of the 13 priority positions.
In its report, GAO notes that DHS’s ability to hire quickly is hampered in part because the department has a variety data and vetting practices in its various subagencies.
“Having more accurate information could help provide additional clarity on DHS’s hiring and vetting efforts, including whether DHS is making timely hiring decisions so that it does not result in DHS losing out on otherwise qualified candidates,” noted the report.
Vetting
One of the reasons for slower hiring is vetting. Some DHS positions require significant vetting processes, including medical exams, drug testing, and background checks. DHS noted that ensuring that the vetting is done properly slows the process.
GAO also noted that DHS does not include personnel responsible for implementing hiring and vetting in its two working groups on expediting hiring decisions.
“By ensuring that DHS and component personnel tasked with implementing hiring and vetting processes are included in existing working groups and other forums, DHS could better leverage practices across components to make faster hiring decisions,” the report notes.
Discrepancies in Hiring Timelines
GAO also found that it’s difficult to give an accurate assessment on how long it takes to hire, because various DHS agencies track and report time to hire differently. Some of them track when applications are received, others track from the first job posting.
Department officials told GAO this is because some component agencies mass hire or post job announcements with indefinite application deadlines.
While the discrepancy is acceptable to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), GAO notes that DHS did not disclose the variability of tracked-to-hire data, which prevents HR leaders from properly analyzing the data to speed up hiring times.
In addition, GAO pointed out issues with the DHS system for tracking reciprocity, or when an agency accepts an existing background investigation or trust determination from another agency.
GAO found that a certain position could have multiple names and different spellings, making it hard to determine exactly who is eligible for reciprocity.
DHS is set to start using a new reciprocity tracking system in 2026, and GAO told the agency to ensure that it standardizes position titles.
GAO made four recommendations. DHS concurred with all four.
DHS Hiring Event
This comes as DHS makes a continued push to staff up in critical positions. The agency is holding a career expo at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia, June 27 and 28.
Panels include “A Day in the Life of DHS Law Enforcement,” “DHS Women (Leadership) in Law Enforcement,” and “CBP Career Opportunities.”