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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!
10/15/2024 to 10/29/2024
$117,962 - $191,900 per year
GS 13 - 15
3 vacancies 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
No
12567594-CIS-PJN-SLD
814110000
The Office of the Chief Counsel (OCC), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking an attorney for an Associate Counsel position to handle litigation issues with the Strategic Law Division (SLD) located in Camp Springs, MD. The position is telework-eligible.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing advice, coordination, and assistance on litigation matters that are novel, unique, and/or of national importance. Litigation support ranges from pre-filing to trials to appeals, including matters before the United States Supreme Court. The attorney will provide advice on litigation risk, and on the litigation process, including discovery, to the USCIS Chief Counsel, USCIS executives, and other USCIS employees. The attorney will frequently work with other USCIS attorneys, the DHS Office of General Counsel, and the Department of Justice. Matters in litigation may pertain to the Immigration and Nationality Act, Administrative Procedures Act, fraud and fraud detection, public safety, national security and other laws and procedures relating to immigration benefits.
The attorney will coordinate appropriate action on cases where the issues in the matter are novel, unique, and/or have national implications. This includes coordinating all phases of trial and appellate litigation, identifying potential litigation risks, assisting with settlement and mediation, managing discovery; ensuring compliance with court orders, judgements, injunctions, and settlements; advising on litigation strategy; and assessing litigation trends. The attorney will review policy memos, training, and draft case decisions in matters in which there is litigation or potential for litigation. The attorney will coordinate within the Office of the Chief Counsel to provide guidance and expertise on matters in litigation. The position is supervised by an SLD Deputy Chief and the SLD Chief.
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 10/29/2024. 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/814110000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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