Job Title: HSI HERO Intern Program - Computer Forensic Analysts

The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program is a paid federal internship that recruits and trains veterans as computer forensic analysts to combat child exploitation. HERO interns assist HSI Special Agents in the rescue of child sexual victims, the prosecution of sexual predators, and the prevention of child sexual abuse. The HERO Program is open to wounded, ill or injured (VA/DoD Disability rating) veterans and transitioning service members.

The HERO Program is managed by the HSI Cyber Crimes Center and is an annual, federally funded program.

The HERO Program mission is to combat the growing problem of child exploitation by recruiting, training, and equipping wounded, ill, or injured veterans to become computer forensic analysts (CFAs). Although positions are not guaranteed, the goal at the end of the internship is to hire successful interns as full-time CFAs with HSI to assist Special Agents in accomplishing the mission of HSI.

HERO Program Legal Authority:

The HERO Act, signed into law by President Obama on May 29, 2015, formalized and endorsed the HERO Corps program within ICE, administered by ICE HSI's Cyber Crimes Center. Congress strengthened the HERO Program through passage of the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017, which improved the HERO program by making the HERO program a DHS agency-wide program, ensuring that the program is open to all branches of service members and providing pay for HERO Program Interns.

The HERO Corps Program entails:

13 weeks of paid HSI introductory and forensic training, leading to certifications in CompTIA A+ and other forensic tools
9 month paid internship in computer forensics labs at HSI offices throughout the U.S.

Application Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Citizen
VA/DOD Disability Rating or Statement of Service
Proof of Honorable Discharge (DD214)
Provide all requested supporting documents to include essay addressing specific topics
Pass Criminal History and Background Investigation (provided by HSI)
Pass Drug Test Screening
Obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance
Must attend all virtual and in-person interviews
Must attend all 13 weeks of training
Willing to relocate at own expense to selected office location

Program Training:

13 weeks of paid introductory and computer forensic training in Fairfax, VA, leading to certifications in CompTIA A+, and other forensic software programs
9 months of paid practical experience assisting HSI Special Agents with criminal cases and prosecutions at various HSI domestic office locations
GS 5/7 pay during the entire internship. Lodging and per diem provided during the first 13 weeks of training only

Program Benefits:

Paid internship at the GS-5 or GS-7 grade level
Paid Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Holidays
Federal Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Successful graduates of the HERO Program receive consideration for permanent full-time employment with ICE/HSI as a Computer Forensic Analyst
There are no guarantees that at the conclusion of the internship an offer of permanent, full-time employment will be made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Offers are contingent upon acceptable work performance, availability of funds, and operational needs.