This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/670882600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
Join our team! The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Legal Counsel for the Public Safety Officers' Benefit (PSOB) Program. The PSOB provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Learn more about BJA and PSOB at www.bja.ojp.gov/program/psob
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Overview
- Reviewing applications
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Open & closing dates
08/12/2022 to 09/09/2022
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Salary
$148,484 - $176,300 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 15
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
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Travel Required
Occasional travel - Travel may be required for meetings, conferences, and/or training.
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
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Service
Excepted
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Promotion potential
15
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
Yes
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Security clearance
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Drug test
Yes
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Announcement number
JP-22-055
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Control number
670882600
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Duties
(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)
Legal Advice and Guidance under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Act:
Reviews claims filed under the PSOB Act to render legal advice to PSOB deciding officials as to the legal sufficiency of PSOB claims and as to whether the proposed adjudication of claims is legally supported under the PSOB Act and implementing regulations, affording due deference to the finders of fact in factual determinations. Reviews and advises on matters concerning the legality of any obligation or claim presented for approval, certification or payment, including as provided for in DOJ Order No. 2110.39A. Ensures that the language of claim determinations is legally sufficient in articulating the legal and factual grounds for the claim determinations. Assists with the PSOB deciding officials and PSOB Program staff in obtaining relevant information related to claims from state, local, and Federal agencies, as well as healthcare providers, including through the use of administrative subpoena power. Serves as the principal attorney in charge of legal matters regarding claims filed under the PSOB Act.
Legal Review and Edit of PSOB Work Products:
Oversees and manages the process for legal review of the PSOB claims. Responsible for training legal personnel assigned to the PSOB Program, and for the management, assignment, supervision and efficiency of the work of federal and contract staff. Reviews and edits the work product of legal personnel assigned to the PSOB Program, ensuring legal and factual accuracy and Program consistency. Performs legal research in connection with issues that arise in particular claims of the Program and advises on Federal laws and regulations, rules and policies of the Department of Justice and other Federal agencies, opinions of the Agency's General Counsel, the common law, administrative law, and state laws (among others). Prepares and renders well-reasoned and thorough legal advice, as required, for claims before the Program. In coordination with the BJA and PSOB Directors, recommends policies and develops procedures and regulations to implement the PSOB Act. Develops briefs, opinions, and work products pertaining to PSOB claims and determinations. Addresses extremely complex and difficult legal matters which require applying a high order of original and creative legal thought.
Legal Support and Advice on PSOB Matters:
In collaboration with the OJP General Counsel, prepares litigation reports that arise out of the processing and adjudication of PSOB claims and assists DOJ litigating divisions in bringing and defending lawsuits related to the processing and adjudication of such claims. In coordination with the BJA and PSOB Directors and General Counsel, reviews and provides guidance and advice to the OJP Office of the Chief Financial Officer on PSOB-related submissions to the provisions of the President's Budget, including Office of Management and Budget data-call submissions and DOJ spend plans. Develops policies and procedures to streamline the PSOB legal review process and improve the timeliness of PSOB claim determinations. Provides updates to national public safety organizations and survivor groups about the PSOB laws and regulations. Assists the BJA and PSOB Director in responding to inquiries and correspondence regarding the PSOB Program. Prepares materials, guide books, and updates to websites to educate stakeholders and the public about the PSOB Program and the PSOB claims process.
Supervisory and/or Managerial Responsibilities:
Supervises a group of employees performing work at the GS-14 level. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised in the PSOB Legal Counsel's Office. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures that subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the safety regulations. Ensures a continuing affirmative application of DOJ OJP policies concerning equal opportunity.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Subject to background/suitability investigation/determination.
- Submit all required documents and Online Assessment Questionnaire.
- Federal payments are required to be made by Direct Deposit.
- Requires registration for the Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov.
- Pre-employment drug testing required.
- 1-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
- This appointment is subject to completion of a 2-year trial period.
- Requires active bar membership (any jurisdiction) in good standing.
No Special Requirements.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements and Minimum Qualifications:
1. Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school;
2. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction); AND
3. Have a minimum of five (5) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, four (4) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas:
-In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures;
-In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; OR
-Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to perform legal research.
Ability to communicate in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to meet and deal with others in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to supervise.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations in a specialty legal field.
Ability to meet and deal with others.
Note: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp
Click here to see the full Qualifications Statement.
1. Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school;
2. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction); AND
3. Have a minimum of five (5) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, four (4) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas:
-In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures;
-In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; OR
-Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to perform legal research.
Ability to communicate in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to meet and deal with others in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to supervise.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations in a specialty legal field.
Ability to meet and deal with others.
Note: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Click here to see the full Qualifications Statement.
Education
See Other Information.
Additional information
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position may be eligible for telework per agency policy.
OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status: The agency may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Telework: If selected, you may be approved to telework for an undefined period, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Employees will be notified by their supervisor of a requirement to report in person to the component workplace.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.
Fitness Reimbursement: OJP offers a fitness reimbursement program for employees' individual fitness-related expenditures.
OJP also offers credit union services, a health unit, and on-site nurse for your usage.
Transit Benefits: To defray your commuting cost, we are pleased to offer the Employee Transit Benefit Program.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.
Fitness Reimbursement: OJP offers a fitness reimbursement program for employees' individual fitness-related expenditures.
OJP also offers credit union services, a health unit, and on-site nurse for your usage.
Transit Benefits: To defray your commuting cost, we are pleased to offer the Employee Transit Benefit Program.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume (must include education, including name of undergraduate and law school, degree received and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment)
3. A writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical abilities, for which you must be the principal author (It should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages)
4. Unofficial law school transcripts (degree conferred must be reflected; official transcripts will be required if selected)
5. Proof of bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction)
6. Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below for more information)
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
How to Apply
Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on https://www.avuecentral.com/casting/aiportal/control/toVacancy?referenceCode=UBDQG.
If you are unable to apply online, you may contact Avue Digital Services for alternate application procedures. Please call Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM PST at (253) 573-1877 or email at joeavue@avuetech.com.
Agency contact information
Bradley Mitchell
- Address
-
Office of Justice Programs
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, Dist of Columbia 20001
US
Next steps
Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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Required Documents
REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
1. Cover Letter
2. Resume (must include education, including name of undergraduate and law school, degree received and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment)
3. A writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical abilities, for which you must be the principal author (It should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages)
4. Unofficial law school transcripts (degree conferred must be reflected; official transcripts will be required if selected)
5. Proof of bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction)
6. Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below for more information)
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Help
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please click on https://www.avuecentral.com/casting/aiportal/control/toVacancy?referenceCode=UBDQG.
If you are unable to apply online, you may contact Avue Digital Services for alternate application procedures. Please call Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM PST at (253) 573-1877 or email at joeavue@avuetech.com.
Agency contact information
Bradley Mitchell
- Address
-
Office of Justice Programs
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, Dist of Columbia 20001
US
Next steps
Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Office of Justice Programs
Agency contact information
Bradley Mitchell
- Address
-
Office of Justice Programs
810 7th Street, NW
Washington, Dist of Columbia 20001
US