This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), General Law Division (GLD).
The Primary purpose of this position is to provide legal advice, counsel, and to litigate cases in the area of labor and/or employment law for DHS Headquarters activities. To do so effectively will require in depth knowledge and understanding of internal policies and practices and expertise in labor and/or employment law.
This is a permanent appointment in the Excepted Service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, Interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Job Interview Correspondence As you may be aware, the President has ordered a government-wide hiring freeze subject to certain limited exceptions. Although we are moving forward with the consideration of candidates, we may not make a selection for this vacancy announcement. In addition, any offers of employment made will be contingent upon that offer's consistency with applicable authorities concerning hiring, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive guidance and government-wide plans.
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), General Law Division (GLD).
The Primary purpose of this position is to provide legal advice, counsel, and to litigate cases in the area of labor and/or employment law for DHS Headquarters activities. To do so effectively will require in depth knowledge and understanding of internal policies and practices and expertise in labor and/or employment law.
This is a permanent appointment in the Excepted Service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, Interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Job Interview Correspondence As you may be aware, the President has ordered a government-wide hiring freeze subject to certain limited exceptions. Although we are moving forward with the consideration of candidates, we may not make a selection for this vacancy announcement. In addition, any offers of employment made will be contingent upon that offer's consistency with applicable authorities concerning hiring, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive guidance and government-wide plans.
As a Attorney Advisor (General) GS 0905 13/14/15, your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision:
Perform legal analysis and research, conduct necessary conferences and consultation to provide litigation support, legal advice and counsel to the Department's senior leadership on the full spectrum of Federal employment-related issues.
Represent the Department before various administrative tribunals to include the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the Federal Service Impasses Panel, and the Office of the Special Counsel.
Assist Department of Justice Attorneys in litigation involving labor and/or employment matters in the U.S. Federal district and appellate courts.
Prepare briefs, memoranda, and opinions related to various labor employment law issues.
Maintain continuing liaison with clients and component counsel.
Work with the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer on disciplinary and adverse action proposals and decisions, workforce policies, and other personnel related matters
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must be able to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance.
This position may be subject to random drug testing.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
You must successfully pass a background investigation
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Secret clearance as a condition of placement in this Non-Critical Sensitive Level position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements: GS-13: 1. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); or 2. The second professional law degree (LL.M.) AND 3. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of two years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position or two years of judicial clerkship. GS-14 or GS-15: 1. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); or 2. The second professional law degree (LL.M.) AND 3. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization.
Specialized Experience: The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) will evaluate eligible candidates based on the following criteria: OGC will rate qualified applicants by comparing each candidate's qualifications to those pertinent to the position. OGC will consider relevant skills and experience, education and training, performance, and awards. The skills and experience listed immediately below are of particular importance to the position, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas, where applicable, as part of their application.
For this position, specialized experience is experience providing legal advice and support on matters related to labor and/or employment law matters.
Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Homeland Security considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD form 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.
All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
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.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must
send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's
interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to
conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive
credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign
education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage
Additional information
Promotion Potential: This position has promotion potential to GS-15.
This position may be filled at the GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 level. If selection is made at the GS-13 level, promotion to the GS-14/15 level may occur without further competition. If selection is made at the GS-14 level, promotion to the GS-15 level may occur without further competition.
Selectee may be required to serve a two-year trial period Selectee will be required to complete an OGE 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Form. Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
Veterans,Peace Corps / VISTA volunteers, and people with disabilities possess a wealth of
unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS
mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to
compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility and to
understand the documentation that would be required with your application,
click on the links above and contact the Servicing Human Resources Office
listed at the bottom of this announcement.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. 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 this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Multiple selections may be made from this announcement.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm
the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and
responsibilities.
All applicants tentatively selected for employment at
DHS Headquarters are required to submit to a drug test to screen for illegal
use of drugs prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of
employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive
benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care
insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible
Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid
federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules;
telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance;
health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee
development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental
opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website
and select "Employee 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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation
to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the
minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be
rated using a job questionnaire based on the following competencies or
knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job:
Ability to conduct and direct complex legal research, engage in sound legal analysis, and present the results in a clear, precise, and persuasive manner, both in writing and verbally.
Ability to work collaboratively with legal and policy professionals and staff from other backgrounds to clarify agency policy objectives and program goals.
Ability to assist the Department of Justice with employment law litigation in the Federal courts.
Knowledge of the law, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations impacting Federal employment.
Ability to engage with senior level officials, whether within the Executive Branch, the Congress, or the private sector.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you will be removed from consideration.
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.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive
benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care
insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible
Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid
federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules;
telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance;
health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee
development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental
opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website
and select "Employee 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.
1. Your résumé. 2. Your responses to the job questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire 3. A brief statement of interest, which explains why the applicant is interested in the position and why the applicant is competitive for the position.
4. Legal Writing sample
5. Submit a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Prior to appointment, an official college transcript may be required.
6. Proof that you are a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
7. Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have held your current grade level.
8. Are you a veteran? Submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that shows your type of discharge and character of service and/or documentation of service connected disability. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for form) and provide the required documentation (e.g. VA letter) listed on the back of the form.
Applicants who are active duty service members and apply for federal employment shall be considered for competitive service positions and granted tentative veteran's preference status when they submit a certification, in lieu of a DD-214, when applying to a federal job.
A certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days from the date of certification is submitted. Click here for more veterans' information.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online
will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application
is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite
your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you completed the occupational questionnaire online
and are unable to upload supporting document(s):
To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1876199.
Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
If you cannot complete the Application Package online,
you may fax all of your materials. The complete application package must be
submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, March 25, 2017 to receive
consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification
is needed.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via
fax:
Fax all six pages of the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the
occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the
Required Documents section below.
The
complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, March 25, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link 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.
Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
DO NOT SEND POSTAL MAIL
Washington, DC 00000
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your
experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer
those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and
interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been
completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process.
To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on
"Application Status," and then click "More Information."
If you are selected, we will
conduct a suitability/security background investigation. For more information on applying for Federal employment,
please click here.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Your résumé. 2. Your responses to the job questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire 3. A brief statement of interest, which explains why the applicant is interested in the position and why the applicant is competitive for the position.
4. Legal Writing sample
5. Submit a copy of your law school transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Prior to appointment, an official college transcript may be required.
6. Proof that you are a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
7. Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows competitive service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have held your current grade level.
8. Are you a veteran? Submit a copy of your Member 4 DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) that shows your type of discharge and character of service and/or documentation of service connected disability. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out the SF-15 (click here for form) and provide the required documentation (e.g. VA letter) listed on the back of the form.
Applicants who are active duty service members and apply for federal employment shall be considered for competitive service positions and granted tentative veteran's preference status when they submit a certification, in lieu of a DD-214, when applying to a federal job.
A certification is any written document from the armed forces that certifies that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days from the date of certification is submitted. Click here for more veterans' information.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online
will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application
is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite
your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
If you completed the occupational questionnaire online
and are unable to upload supporting document(s):
To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1876199.
Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.
If you cannot complete the Application Package online,
you may fax all of your materials. The complete application package must be
submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, March 25, 2017 to receive
consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification
is needed.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit via
fax:
Fax all six pages of the completed 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the
occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the
Required Documents section below.
The
complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, March 25, 2017 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link 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.
Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
DO NOT SEND POSTAL MAIL
Washington, DC 00000
Next steps
Once you submit your application, we will assess your
experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer
those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and
interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been
completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process.
To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on
"Application Status," and then click "More Information."
If you are selected, we will
conduct a suitability/security background investigation. For more information on applying for Federal employment,
please click here.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
