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Do you desire to be a part of the vibrant United States immigrant admission process, to protect American interests and to secure our nation while building a meaningful and rewarding career? If so, United States Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS), and its Office of the Chief Counsel are calling!
The Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC), is seeking an attorney for an Associate Counsel position with the Commercial and Administrative Law Division (CALD) located in Camp Springs, MD.
12/06/2024 to 12/20/2024
$117,962 - $191,900 per year
GS 13 - 15
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
15
No
Yes
COU-12633407-CIS PJN
822647000
The selectee for this vacancy will serve as a senior attorney providing advice to the Chief of the Commercial and Administrative Law Division (CALD), the Chief Counsel, the National Records Center (NRC) in Lee's Summit, MO, and USCIS officials in USCIS Headquarters. The attorney would report to the Deputy Chief of the Commercial and Administrative Law Division. This position has a particular focus on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), disclosure, and records law, and the Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) and Bivens. Among other duties, this position involves supporting the United States Attorney's Office and other Department of Justice attorneys in federal district court FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) litigation (e.g. drafting declarations and Vaughn indices, preparing and/or reviewing court pleadings, etc.), responding to administrative appeals of FOIA/PA requests, advising the NRC and USCIS Headquarters program offices on FOIA, records, and other disclosure issues, and responding to federal, state, and administrative court subpoenas . This position also involves supporting federal court district court FTCA and Bivens litigation (e.g. preparing litigation reports, drafting declarations, preparing and/or reviewing court pleadings) and responding to administrative tort claims under the FTCA). This position involves substantial written work product and requires outstanding writing and editing skills. The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and excel at managing multiple priorities, meeting difficult deadlines, and working cooperatively with both attorneys and non-attorneys. The attorney will provide oral and written legal advice and develop and conduct training. The attorney will also need to demonstrate the ability to represent and advocate for USCIS interests in federal court litigation. An attorney with demonstrated experience in FOIA, records, and disclosure law and FTCA and Bivens is highly desirable. Additionally, knowledge of and experience with Touhy matters is also desired. In addition to the other required documents specified below, applicants must submit a writing sample related to the FOIA and/or the FTCA.
U.S. Citizenship: Candidate must be a United States Citizen and present proof of citizenship, if selected.
Qualifications by Closing date: You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Background Security Investigation: A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
A Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (SF-450) will be required for certain positions. You may be asked to complete the necessary Financial Disclosure Report to meet that requirement.
Drug Testing: If position has been identified as a Testing-Designated position under DHS's Drug-Free Workplace Plan, any individual tentatively selected will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Selective Service Registration: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, will be required to certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Residency Requirement: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The residency requirement states that candidates must have, for three of the last five years immediately prior to applying for this position(s);
You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position. The candidate selected will be required to obtain a "Secret" clearance and continued employment is contingent on being able to maintain at least a "Secret" clearance.
Probationary Period: The candidate selected is required to serve a probationary trial period of two (2) years.
Promotional Potential: This position starts at the 13/14/15, depending on such factors as the selectee's experience and current salary, and has promotion potential to the GS-15/10. When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.
Telework: USCIS provides voluntary telework opportunities for eligible employees serving in positions conducive to working at an alternate work site in accordance with agency policy. Please Note: You may be required to telework from your personal residence or another location due to the needs of an office or an emergency situation such as severe weather, natural or manmade disasters or for public health, safety or emergency preparedness measures.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated based upon your resume, citing qualifications and work experience, your writing sample, and, if selected for interview, your responses provided during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome.
All information you provide may be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through means, such as the interview process. The verification could occur at any stage of the application process. An exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or firing you after you begin work.
In addition to completing an online questionnaire, the following supporting documents must be received by the closing date of this announcement:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Your application must be received by 11:59PM EST on 12/20/2024. To begin, click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register or sign into USAJOBS, take the online questionnaire, and submit the required documents. See Required Documents section.
Applications will NOT be accepted by mail, email or fax.
Relocation expenses will NOT be reimbursed for this position.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. If you are among the candidates found minimally qualified, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/822647000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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