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This position is located in the Defense Legal Services Agency, Office of Military Commissions, Military Commissions Defense Organization. The General Counsel is the principal legal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on, and has final authority and responsibility for, legal policy and determinations and the delivery of legal services within DoD and its components. The position serves as a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist on a Military Commissions Defense Organization defense team.

Learn more about this agency

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

10/31/2024 to 11/05/2024
Salary

$117,962 - $153,354 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 13
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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Arlington, VA 1 vacancy
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

75% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes—PCS expenses may be authorized in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Appointment type

Term - Term Appointment not to exceed 4 Years and maybe extended up to 8 years in one-year increments without further competition.
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

None
Job family (Series)
- 0950 Paralegal Specialist
Supervisory status

Yes
Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
- National security
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

DE-12573178-25-GH
Control number

816897600

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Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens and Nationals are eligible for consideration; Subject to provisions of the Department of Defense (DoD) Priority Placement Program (PPP)

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Incumbent typical work assignments may include the following:

Advises team defense counsel on all paralegal and administrative support requirements and capabilities and takes actions necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Military Commissions Defense Organization.
Oversees paralegal and support staff activities and assignments as they pertain to all phases of trial preparation, mitigation efforts, investigation, discovery management, legal research and writing, team travel and other delegated responsibilities.
Assists in developing strategic plans in defending the assigned case through the pre-trial, trial and penalty phases.
Mentors military and civilian paralegals to enhance productivity, teamwork, and personal development.

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Conditions of Employment

U.S. Citizenship is required
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)
Subject to provisions of the Department of Defense (DoD) Priority Placement Program (PPP)
May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period
Must be determined suitable for federal employment
Required to participate in the direct deposit program
This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing
This position may require you to obtain and maintain a TOP Secret with access to Special Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
This position may require you to work other than normal hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or overtime
This position may require travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations, in both military and civilian transportation modes, may be required 62% of the time. Travel is sometimes required on weekends and holidays
This position requires the incumbent to reside within the National Capital Region commuting area
This position may require a one-year supervisory probationary period

Qualifications

For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the length of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.

Read more about what should I include in my federal resume? at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to:

1. Providing legal support for hearings, litigation, and/or advisory services for a defense team;
2. Analyzing legal reference sources to prepare legal documents such as motions, notices, affidavits, requests, correspondence, and briefings; And
3. Managing the work of subordinate paralegals and support staff in litigation environment for hearings, trials, appeals or advisory services.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience.

Additional information

Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 85, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Submit a copy of your SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
- Position title;
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
- Agency; and,
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, assuming the service member is otherwise eligible. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of "veteran" under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1). The "certification" must reflect the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of submission. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Further, under paragraph (h) of the rule, agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD-214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible." Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.
Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.

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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.

Review our 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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Eligible candidates will then be placed for selection consideration into 3 categories as described below:

Best Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates experience as an expert in the field or recognized as a senior specialist, team lead, etc.
Highly Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates full-performance level experience based on responses to occupational questionnaire.
Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualifications and demonstrates minimum experience and/or training only based on responses to occupational questionnaire

The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Only the highest category is issued to management for consideration. Applicants in lower categories may be considered only if there are insufficient candidates in the highest category.

The Category Rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

The assessment questionnaire link can be found under the 'How To Apply' section, and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:

Attention to Detail
Automation Tools/Technology
Developing Others
Legislation, Policy and Procedure Research
Oral Communication
Writing

Help
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.

Review our 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.
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.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.
Cover Letter: Although not required, you may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. It will not be used to determine your qualifications or eligibility.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status:

1. Transcripts and/or Certifications: All applicants to include current agency employees, must submit proof of education if the job announcement requires education to meet the basic qualification requirements, or if substituting education to meet the specialized experience requirements. Many applicants must also submit documentation for proof of meeting the basic education requirement. All education and/or certifications must also be described in your resume.
2. Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference, and will possibly impact your placement on the certificate.
- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability.
- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
3. ICTAP Eligibles: You must submit an SF-50 confirming Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF); A RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or a RIF notice declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM); and, a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Retained Grade PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement (11/05/2024) to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
- To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12573178
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login) all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Washington Headquarters Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please send an email to WHS.JOB.APPLICATION.ASSISTANCE@MAIL.MIL. You will be contacted regarding your request.

We will not accept applications sent to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed on 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. Only reasonable accommodation requests, as described above will be considered.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.
Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services

Email

whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil

Address

Defense Legal Services Agency
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications?

The Term Appointment does not confer competitive status, reinstatement rights, or eligibility for non-competitive conversion to a permanent job to the individual(s) selected. You may be promoted or reassigned to another term position within DoD Office of Military Commissions; however, you may not be non-competitively appointed to another Federal position.

We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

NOTE: "Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be considered".
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Resume
Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.

Cover Letter: Although not required, you may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. It will not be used to determine your qualifications or eligibility.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status:

1. Transcripts and/or Certifications: All applicants to include current agency employees, must submit proof of education if the job announcement requires education to meet the basic qualification requirements, or if substituting education to meet the specialized experience requirements. Many applicants must also submit documentation for proof of meeting the basic education requirement. All education and/or certifications must also be described in your resume.
2. Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference, and will possibly impact your placement on the certificate.

You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.
If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability.
If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.

3. ICTAP Eligibles: You must submit an SF-50 confirming Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF); A RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or a RIF notice declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM); and, a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Retained Grade PPP Eligibles: You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Help

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement (11/05/2024) to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To view the assessment questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12573178

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login) all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Washington Headquarters Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please send an email to WHS.JOB.APPLICATION.ASSISTANCE@MAIL.MIL. You will be contacted regarding your request.

We will not accept applications sent to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed on 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. Only reasonable accommodation requests, as described above will be considered.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Washington HQ Services

Email: whs.job.application.assistance@mail.mil
Address: Defense Legal Services Agency
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Stay informed of changes to your application status by signing up for automatic email alerts at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Applicant/Application/ListApplications?

The Term Appointment does not confer competitive status, reinstatement rights, or eligibility for non-competitive conversion to a permanent job to the individual(s) selected. You may be promoted or reassigned to another term position within DoD Office of Military Commissions; however, you may not be non-competitively appointed to another Federal position.

We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.

Washington Headquarters Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

NOTE: "Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be considered".

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

10/31/2024 to 11/05/2024
Salary

$117,962 - $153,354 per year
Pay scale & grade

GS 13
Location

1 vacancy in the following location:
- Arlington, VA 1 vacancy
Remote job

No
Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required

75% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed

Yes—PCS expenses may be authorized in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Appointment type

Term - Term Appointment not to exceed 4 Years and maybe extended up to 8 years in one-year increments without further competition.
Work schedule

Full-time
Service

Competitive
Promotion potential

None
Job family (Series)
- 0950 Paralegal Specialist
Supervisory status

Yes
Security clearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug test

Yes
Position sensitivity and risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
- Suitability/Fitness
- National security
Financial disclosure

No
Bargaining unit status

No
Announcement number

DE-12573178-25-GH
Control number

816897600

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/816897600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

SUPERVISORY PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Summary

Overview

Open & closing dates

Salary

Pay scale & grade

Location

Remote job

Telework eligible

Travel Required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type

Work schedule

Service

Promotion potential

Job family (Series)

Supervisory status

Security clearance

Drug test

Position sensitivity and risk

Trust determination process

Financial disclosure

Bargaining unit status

Announcement number

Control number

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Duties

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Education

Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

How to Apply

Agency contact information

Next steps

Fair & Transparent