Applications will only be accepted from current and former Federal Administrative Law Judges who meet applicable requirements under 5 CFR 6.3(b). This position is being filled in the excepted service. However, a current competitive service ALJ with the Department of Homeland Security will remain in the competitive service if selected for this position.
Serve as a Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned to the New York ALJ Field Office. Coast Guard ALJs preside over formal proceedings involving the suspension and revocation of a Merchant Mariner’s Credential pursuant to Chapter 77 of Title 46 of the United States Code. Coast Guard Investigating Officers initiate these proceedings against individual mariners for misconduct, negligence, incompetence, violations of law or regulation, or use of dangerous drugs. Coast Guard ALJs perform their adjudicative functions pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and agency regulations which provide ALJs with decisional independence within the parameters of the regulations and applicable law. The proceedings are adversarial trial-type hearings and are generally open to the public. The hearings are held throughout the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories; therefore, travel is required. Pursuant to interagency agreements, Coast Guard ALJs also adjudicate cases for the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., Transportation Security Agency) and other agencies outside the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., Merit Systems Protection Board, Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Internal Revenue Service). Coast Guard ALJs serve as independent and impartial triers of fact. They are granted decisional independence in cases but are subject to the Commandant’s policy and the policy of the Chief ALJ. Coast Guard ALJs adjudicate matters in accordance with the Constitution, applicable law, and agency regulations as well as agency final decisions.
ALJ duties include adjudicating cases in which the parties are given advance notice of the hearing, an opportunity to submit evidence, arguments, offers of settlement, and an opportunity to be accompanied, represented, and advised by counsel or other qualified representatives. ALJs rule on preliminary motions, conduct pre-hearing conferences, issue subpoenas, conduct hearings (which may include written and/or oral testimony and cross-examination), determine witness credibility, rule upon offers of proof, review briefs, and prepare and issue initial or recommended decisions, enter an appropriate sanction, along with written findings of fact and conclusions of law. Oral or documentary evidence may be received, but irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence is excluded. Decisions are issued upon consideration of the whole record, or those parts of it cited by a party and supported by and in accordance with reliable, probative, and substantial evidence.
Coast Guard ALJs will draft and issue numerous written orders that are concise, well reasoned, and promote confidence in the administrative adjudication process. Excellent writing skills that clarify legal issues and agency policy concerning a case shall ensure parties recognize they have been dealt with fairly.
All applicants will be evaluated on the Mandatory Qualifications requirements and the Desirable Qualifications for the position described in this vacancy announcement. Qualifications and suitability will be determined from review of the applications, writing samples and interviews (if held).
Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications: To qualify for this position, an applicant must have served at least two years as a Federal Administrative Law Judge.
All applicants will be evaluated on the Mandatory Qualifications requirements and the Desirable Qualifications for the position described above. Qualifications and suitability will be determined from review of the applications, writing samples, and interviews.
Education
At the time of application and any new appointment, the individual, other than an incumbent administrative law judge, must possess a professional license to practice law and be authorized to practice law under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any territorial court established under the United States Constitution.
Additional information
Applicants will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. Certain responses on the form could pose a problem with suitability for employment determinations. If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete/make updates to the OF-306 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, or imprisonment.
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 at click here
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons 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 for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.
More than 1 selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 45 days from the date the certificate was issued.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact 410-636-7212. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to ALJ appointments in the excepted service; however, the United States Coast Guard considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor consideration in the ALJ hiring process. If you are eligible for veterans' preference in hiring, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation, e.g., SF-15, DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other supporting documentation.
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 development opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits”. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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.
Desirable Qualifications:
Ability to write clear and concise decisions and orders the public understands and accepts as correct, fair, and well-reasoned.
Ability to tactfully control administrative hearing proceedings despite complex issues that arise during the pending administrative case.
Knowledge regarding engagement and appropriate actions taken with regard to pro se parties.
Knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act, related statutes, and case law.
Ability to lead and provide mentorship to a small support staff consisting of an attorney, paralegal specialist, and attorney adviser.
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 development opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select “Benefits”. Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.
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 receive consideration, you must complete and submit the information listed below. If the information is incomplete, you may be excluded from consideration.
1. A resume in written format which clearly identifies: the announcement number, title, and grade of the job you are applying for to include full name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, country of citizenship (U.S. Citizenship required), salary and grade/step if federal civilian position currently or previously held, job title and occupational series if federal civilian position, dates held (month and year) for each grade level, and summary of relevant work experience (% of time breakout of major areas of concentration is helpful). Be brief and concise, but inclusive in the description of your experience. Please include current and former supervisor names and phone numbers. Also include information on relevant updates to training and education.
2. Former federal employee's, must submit copies of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing position, title, series, grade and eligibility and proof of licensure in accordance with 5 CFR 930.204(g).
3. Current federal employee's must submit copies of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing position, title, series, and grade.
4. A narrative addressing the desirable qualifications that will be used to help determine your relative ranking under this announcement. The statement should be formatted so that each desirable qualification is individually addressed, but no more than 4 pages in length.
5. Applicant must submit one significant decision authored by the candidate.
If you have questions contact Megan H. Allison, Director of Judicial Administration, (202) 372-4442, Megan.H.Allison@uscg.mil.
All application materials must be received by the closing date in order to receive consideration.
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.
Resume, writing sample, narrative addressing the desirable qualifications, and cover letter for this vacancy must be received on-line by 11:59 p.m ET on the closing date of the announcement. There are several parts of the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to you, the Help Desk listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. You must contact the Help Desk prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, excluding Federal holidays.
To receive consideration, you must complete and submit the information listed below. If the information is incomplete, you may be excluded from consideration.
1. A resume in written format which clearly identifies: the announcement number, title, and grade of the job you are applying for to include full name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, country of citizenship (U.S. Citizenship required), salary and grade/step if federal civilian position currently or previously held, job title and occupational series if federal civilian position, dates held (month and year) for each grade level, and summary of relevant work experience (% of time breakout of major areas of concentration is helpful). Be brief and concise, but inclusive in the description of your experience. Please include current and former supervisor names and phone numbers. Also include information on relevant updates to training and education.
2. Former federal employee's, must submit copies of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing position, title, series, grade and eligibility and proof of licensure in accordance with 5 CFR 930.204(g).
3. Current federal employee's must submit copies of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF50) showing position, title, series, and grade.
4. A narrative addressing the desirable qualifications that will be used to help determine your relative ranking under this announcement. The statement should be formatted so that each desirable qualification is individually addressed, but no more than 4 pages in length.
5. Applicant must submit one significant decision authored by the candidate.
If you have questions contact Megan H. Allison, Director of Judicial Administration, (202) 372-4442, Megan.H.Allison@uscg.mil.
All application materials must be received by the closing date in order to receive consideration.
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.
Resume, writing sample, narrative addressing the desirable qualifications, and cover letter for this vacancy must be received on-line by 11:59 p.m ET on the closing date of the announcement. There are several parts of the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application.
If applying on-line poses a hardship to you, the Help Desk listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted on-line by the closing date. You must contact the Help Desk prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, excluding Federal holidays.
