This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/518647000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Organizational Location: This attorney position is located in the District Court Litigation Division (DCLD), Washington, D.C.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
NOTE: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
Salary: General Schedule locality pay tables may be found, please click on this link Salaries & Wages.
12/06/2018 to 12/20/2018
$68,036 - $164,200 per year
GS 11 - 15
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
DE-10364227-19-WJJ
518647000
The ICE Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is seeking an attorney for a position within the District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) in Washington, D.C. DCLD attorneys serve as part of a dynamic team whose work contributes to activities that are integral to ICE's overall mission. The incumbent of this position will directly support the missions of the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, the ICE Office of Homeland Security Investigations, and other ICE components charged by Congress to enforce the immigration and customs laws of the United States. Assignments within DCLD typically are fast-paced and involve work of a high-profile nature.
The work of DCLD is diverse and includes oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) involvement in a variety of federal district court matters including Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and Bivens actions, medical malpractice defense and litigation that involves complex medical issues, class action relief, declaratory and injunctive relief, and high-profile challenges to ICE enforcement authorities. DCLD attorneys play an integral role in managing litigation matters for the agency and its personnel, including through close liaison with the Department of Justice (DOJ), managing discovery and review of documents produced for litigation, and addressing requests for representation by agency employees. DCLD is also responsible for adjudicating administrative claims filed under the FTCA, providing legal advice to ICE operational clients regarding potential litigation risks, and representing the agency's interests in discussions with other U.S. Department of Homeland Security components, DOJ, and other federal agencies related to federal litigation matters. The selected applicant will be given significant responsibilities on an immediate basis.
Applicants must possess superior legal research and writing skills, demonstrated experience showing the ability to advise ICE operational components effectively, a proven track record of managing complex legal matters, and strong advocacy skills. Knowledge of immigration or customs law and experience handling federal court matters is preferred.
Applicants must be a graduate of a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association and an active 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.
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.
BUS: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
E-Verify: 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.
Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of 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.
Promotion Potential: The full performance level of this position is GS-15. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced (GS-11, GS-12, GS-13, GS-14 or GS-15) for which an applicant is qualified. Applicants selected below the full performance level of GS-15 will have promotion opportunity to the full performance level without further competition when the incumbent is eligible and recommended by management for promotion. 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
Trial Period: New attorneys to the Federal government will be required to serve a trial period of 2 years.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Notice to Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the Excepted Service; however, the OPLA 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 documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at https://www.opm.gov/
Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be thoroughly reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Your resume, cover letter, and other applicant information should reflect the breadth of your experience, expertise, demonstrated ability, and/or training.Your resume and other applicant information should reflect the breadth of your experience, expertise, and/or training in the following areas in the following areas:
(1) Ability to research, draft, and present timely legal opinions for clients, management, and senior leadership at various levels of the agency.
(2) Ability to prioritize multiple assignments; exercise sound legal judgment; efficiently produce quality legal analysis of complex legal issues; be detail-oriented and work effectively (both independently and as part of a team).
(3) Ability to take initiative and work in a reliable, decisive and professional manner.
Your qualification for this position will be evaluated based upon the responses you provide on the job specific questionnaire and other required documentation as part of the application process for this position.
The cover letter is required as part of this application. It must specifically address - item by item in separate, numbered or bulleted paragraphs - the applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for each of the relevant duties listed above and must also discuss his or her characteristics and competencies for the position.
All the 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 other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
Applicants should possess an ability to prioritize multiple assignments; exercise sound legal judgment; efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex legal issues; be detail-oriented and work effectively, both independently and as part of a team. They should also be able to demonstrate an ability to take initiative and work in a reliable, decisive, and professional manner.
Applicants also must possess the following characteristics and competencies: integrity, judgment, organizational skills, communication skills, reliability, perseverance, decisiveness, initiative, professionalism, interpersonal relationship skills, and outstanding written and oral advocacy skills. The selectee will be required to have or be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. You must include the documentation below (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in the vacancy announcement) to receive consideration for this position. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Resume: A resume that includes announcement number, education and training. Work experience should include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
Transcript: You must submit a copy of your transcript and grade-point average or class ranking, to prove that you possess a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar (ABA)-accredited law school if you graduated within the past five years. If you have five years or more practicing law, your transcript is not required.
Bar Membership: You must submit proof of your current membership (card or other documentary evidence) or certificate of good standing from the bar to which you are licensed. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Certificate of Good Standing: If you are selected, before you enter on duty you must submit 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. If you do not have a bar card or other documentary evidence as proof of your current membership, you must submit a certificate of good standing. The proof must be dated within six months of the date this application is submitted.
Writing Sample: A writing sample must be submitted as part of your application package. It should not exceed ten (10) double-spaced pages. Please do not submit attachments. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Cover Letter: You must submit a cover letter detailing the skills, legal experience, and interests that qualify you for the position with your application package. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
It must contain the following information:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10364227 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/20/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, please contact the OPLA representative listed on this announcement.
Notification Process: Once the online questionnaire is 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 rating and/or if you were referred to the hiring official for further consideration.
After review of the application packages is complete, highly qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews. All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The process of consideration of applicants may take several weeks. You will be notified of the outcome. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. If you are selected, a suitability/security background investigation will be conducted.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, 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.
NOTE: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
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/518647000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the second largest investigative agency in the Federal government. Created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE now has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and 46 foreign countries around the world. ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting our nation. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities go to www.ice.gov.