Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) is a standalone agency within Department of Justice (DOJ) that plans, develops and coordinates the implementation of access to justice policy initiative of high priority to the Department and the executive branch. ATJ works to break down barriers to the founding principles and enduring mission of the DOJ: equal justice under law. ATJ's mission is to ensure access to the promises and protections of the civil and criminal legal systems for all communities.
Summary
Office for Access to Justice (ATJ) is a standalone agency within Department of Justice (DOJ) that plans, develops and coordinates the implementation of access to justice policy initiative of high priority to the Department and the executive branch. ATJ works to break down barriers to the founding principles and enduring mission of the DOJ: equal justice under law. ATJ's mission is to ensure access to the promises and protections of the civil and criminal legal systems for all communities.
THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING EXTENDED TO 09/29/2023 TO ALLOW FOR THE RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS.
The work of the Office for Access to Justice is guided by three guiding principles: (1) Expanding Access. We expand access to legal systems by increasing the availability of legal assistance, supporting public defense, and eliminating barriers that exclude people based on economic, demographic, or geographic factors; (2) Accelerating Innovation. We support research, data, and innovative strategies to improve fairness and efficiency in legal systems and to ensure Justice Department services and programs incorporate modern, evidence-based practices to further equal access to justice; (3) Safeguarding Integrity. We promote policies and reforms that improve the accountability, fiscal responsibility and integrity of legal systems and process.
The Deputy Director (Policy) serves as a deputy to the Director for the Office for Access to Justice (Director) who is responsible for managing and directing all access to justice functions and initiatives for the Department.
Major Duties:
Supervises the work of employees within the Office of Policy for at least 50% of the time. Requires the accomplishment of work by these employees through combined technical and administrative direction.
Assesses policy and project feasibility and determines goals and sets control standards to manage the overall effectiveness of each workstream.
Provides high-level counsel, advice and recommendations to the Director regarding access to justice programs, as well as the general operation, functioning, strategic planning, staffing and budgeting for the Office.
Monitors work status through formal and informal means to evaluate progress toward objectives and goals; assesses overall effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of the Office of Policy and the organization at large; identifies problem areas related to implementation and goal achievement and makes decisions on alternative courses of action.
Reviews staff recommendations on policies developed to affect the organization's mission; considering political, social, economic, technical, and administrative factors with potential impact on the recommended policies; and approving the policies, projects and priorities.
Oversees design, development, continuous improvement and implementation of all ATJ policy work. Ensures priorities and mandates are executed in a high-quality manner by ATJ staff, and that deadlines for deliverables are met in a timely fashion. Reviews all work product by ATJ policy staff. Determines strategies for achieving ATJ policy objectives and analyzes problems requiring the development of creative and pioneering solutions.
The Deputy consults with and advises the Director, the Attorney General (AG), the Deputy Attorney General (DAG), the Associate Attorney General (Associate) on controversial, sensitive or high-priority matters. Represents the Director with Members of Congress, the White House, senior officials of other departments or agencies, and leaders in the community.
Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position.
You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed.
You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed.
This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.
As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.
Note regarding COVID-19: 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. 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.
Qualifications
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. The applicant must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) within their resume. Your responses to the MTQs should be addressed/embedded within your resume not to exceed seven (7) pages.
We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Deputy Director (Policy). Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.
MTQ 1: Demonstrated experience and expertise in program development, management, design, and execution with demonstrated knowledge and experience in access to justice policy, initiatives or programs.
MTQ 2: Demonstrated experience and expertise in developing, managing and directing new or innovative policies, programs and initiatives across a large and diverse organization.
MTQ 3: Demonstrated ability to communicate concisely and effectively in advising and making recommendations to leaders and senior officials on sensitive and complex strategy and policy matters.
Additionally, your demonstrated leadership ability and the evidence of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) must be clearly shown in your resume. A separate narrative statement will not be accepted.
Note: Applicants who have completed the SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. Candidates must still satisfy the MTQs of the position.
ECQ1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
**Please be advised for individuals entering the Senior Executive Service for the first time, you will not have to submit a separate ECQ narrative at this phase in the application process. If you are selected for the position once the Executive Review Board (ERB) and Interviews have concluded, then you will need to provide the separate ECQs not-to-exceed 10 pages per the OPM requirements for Case Documentation under Criterion A-Resume Based Qualifications Review Board (QRB) submission. **
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes
Additional information
DIVERSITY STATEMENT: As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
EEO Policy Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. The complete DOJ EEO Statement/Policy is found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1394116/download.
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number may be requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you.
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
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.
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.
Only experience obtained by the 11:59pm EST on the closing date (09/29/2023) of this announcement will be considered.
Once this announcement closes the following will occur:
A review of your resume, ECQs, MTQs, and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist.
Applicants deemed minimally qualified will be referred to an Executive Resources Board (ERB) to further evaluate applications.
The ERB will further evaluate applications to determine the best qualified applicants for referral to the hiring official.
Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring official and may be invited to participate in a structured interview. Interviews may be in a virtual setting or in person at DOJ offices.
The selected individual will be further evaluated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as required by law. OPM must review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment.
NOTE: You MUST address all MTQs as required above, but do not need to address the ECQs if you:
Are currently serving under a career SES appointment;
Are eligible for reinstatement into the SES; or
Have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and been certified by Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Proof of Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification must be provided in your application.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Complete Resume that addresses the MTQs and ECQs. Your resume must not exceed 7 pages.
- Recent SF-50 that shows Official Title, Salary, Grade Level, Status and (for current or former federal employees)
- Recent Performance Appraisal (for current or former federal employees)
- Provide certification of OPM QRB approval (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs)
- Proof of Active Bar Membership.
- Other supporting documentation as required.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 09/29/2023 may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Office for Access to Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Complete Resume that addresses the MTQs and ECQs. Your resume must not exceed 7 pages.
- Recent SF-50 that shows Official Title, Salary, Grade Level, Status and (for current or former federal employees)
- Recent Performance Appraisal (for current or former federal employees)
- Provide certification of OPM QRB approval (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs)
- Proof of Active Bar Membership.
- Other supporting documentation as required.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 09/29/2023 may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
Office for Access to Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
