How Can I Join Homeland Security Today?
Whether you're an adrenaline junkie who can keep your cool in dangerous situations, or you prefer to serve your country in a less nerve-wracking environment armed with nothing more lethal than a computer and a phone, the Department of Homeland Security has a career for you. The main brief of the DHS is to secure our borders, waterways and airports. You could be a homeland security agent analyzing intelligence reports, developing and researching new surveillance techniques, or responding to terrorist threats.
You might also find yourself responding to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, public health crisis, wildfire or mudslide. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, joined the DHS Emergency and Preparedness Directorate in March 2003 and employs upwards of 3,000 people.
Range of jobs
At the sharp end of homeland security are careers in law enforcement. Choose between a career in the secret or federal protection services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Placements within the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services also have a significant public facing component. Working for FEMA or the U.S. Coast Guard are also very hands-on and as far away from a desk as you can get.
If bomb squads, hurricanes and rogue waves aren't your cup of tea, then you may consider a career in Mission Support, where there are dozens of possibilities. This branch of the Department of Homeland Security includes the offices of Health Affairs, Legislative Affairs, the Military Advisor, and Intelligence and Analysis. The National Cybersecurity Center has assumed an increasingly high profile position in the battle to keep our nation's information systems secure.
Benefits of working at DHS
In addition to a competitive starting salary, you can expect medical and dental benefits, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and a variety of available savings and retirement plans. At the discretion of their individual agencies, federal employees are also entitled to a variety of leave periods, including sick leave, annual leave, military leave, family leave, and time off for special circumstances.
Flexible work schedules help DHS staff maintain a desirable work/life balance, while Employee Assistance Programs are designed to help employees meet life's challenges while remaining healthy, productive, and engaged. The Department of Homeland Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
What are some of the requirements for homeland security?
Requirements for individual jobs vary, and that is why the department recommends that prospective applicants carefully review the job opportunity announcements. This will help you determine if your education and interests qualify you for the role. It will also tell you about the necessary qualifications, eligibility, salary, duties, security requirements and benefits. At a minimum, most DHS jobs require you to have U.S. citizenship and pass a full background check, including drug screening.
How can someone join the department?
Your first port of call is the 'How to Apply' page of the careers section on the DHS website. Here, you will find a four-step plan that begins with finding the right job, studying the job announcement, applying for the job, and what to expect at the interview. You may be hired based on an in-person or telephone interview. In exceptional circumstances, candidates are hired based on their application alone.
Interviews measure a number of different competencies, among them leadership, decision-making, problem solving, team-building, oral communications, and interpersonal skills, among others, depending on the particular demands of the role for which you are interviewing.
How can education help you get ahead in this field?
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice is one way to prepare yourself for a career at the Department of Homeland security. It will also prepare you for careers in law enforcement, emergency planning, terrorism and counter-terrorism, multi-cultural communication and international ideologies.
- Security and surveillance principles
- Policies and procedures at DHS
- Legal issues around homeland security
- Role of intelligence gathering in protecting the country's vital infrastructure
- NIMS (National Incident Management System) as it applies to DHS
While the core curriculum is devoted to more than a dozen topics relating to criminal justice, such as crime scene management, criminology, organized crime, and ethics in criminal justice, you will also be expected to study algebra, physics, statistics and psychology as part of your Arts and Sciences curriculum.
Do You Need the Education to Join the DHS?
Are you interested in becoming a part of homeland security, but want the education to go along with it? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Focus in Homeland Security, ECPI University offers this program in an accelerated format. To find out more about this exciting degree program, connect with one of our helpful admissions counselors today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Homeland Security - Bachelor’s
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