Clarification from the agency

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)

Legal Advice and Guidance under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Act:
Reviews claims filed under the PSOB Act to render legal advice to PSOB deciding officials as to the legal sufficiency of PSOB claims and as to whether the proposed adjudication of claims is legally supported under the PSOB Act and implementing regulations, affording due deference to the finders of fact in factual determinations. Reviews and advises on matters concerning the legality of any obligation or claim presented for approval, certification or payment, including as provided for in DOJ Order No. 2110.39A. Ensures that the language of claim determinations is legally sufficient in articulating the legal and factual grounds for the claim determinations. Assists with the PSOB deciding officials and PSOB Program staff in obtaining relevant information related to claims from state, local, and Federal agencies, as well as healthcare providers, including through the use of administrative subpoena power. Serves as the principal attorney in charge of legal matters regarding claims filed under the PSOB Act.

Legal Review and Edit of PSOB Work Products:
Oversees and manages the process for legal review of the PSOB claims. Responsible for training legal personnel assigned to the PSOB Program, and for the management, assignment, supervision and efficiency of the work of federal and contract staff. Reviews and edits the work product of legal personnel assigned to the PSOB Program, ensuring legal and factual accuracy and Program consistency. Performs legal research in connection with issues that arise in particular claims of the Program and advises on Federal laws and regulations, rules and policies of the Department of Justice and other Federal agencies, opinions of the Agency's General Counsel, the common law, administrative law, and state laws (among others). Prepares and renders well-reasoned and thorough legal advice, as required, for claims before the Program. In coordination with the BJA and PSOB Directors, recommends policies and develops procedures and regulations to implement the PSOB Act. Develops briefs, opinions, and work products pertaining to PSOB claims and determinations. Addresses extremely complex and difficult legal matters which require applying a high order of original and creative legal thought.

Legal Support and Advice on PSOB Matters:
In collaboration with the OJP General Counsel, prepares litigation reports that arise out of the processing and adjudication of PSOB claims and assists DOJ litigating divisions in bringing and defending lawsuits related to the processing and adjudication of such claims. In coordination with the BJA and PSOB Directors and General Counsel, reviews and provides guidance and advice to the OJP Office of the Chief Financial Officer on PSOB-related submissions to the provisions of the President's Budget, including Office of Management and Budget data-call submissions and DOJ spend plans. Develops policies and procedures to streamline the PSOB legal review process and improve the timeliness of PSOB claim determinations. Provides updates to national public safety organizations and survivor groups about the PSOB laws and regulations. Assists the BJA and PSOB Director in responding to inquiries and correspondence regarding the PSOB Program. Prepares materials, guide books, and updates to websites to educate stakeholders and the public about the PSOB Program and the PSOB claims process.

Supervisory and/or Managerial Responsibilities:
Supervises a group of employees performing work at the GS-14 level. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit. Performs the administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised in the PSOB Legal Counsel's Office. Establishes guidelines and performance expectations for staff members, which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Observes workers' performance; demonstrates and conducts work performance critiques. Provides informal feedback and periodically evaluates employee performance. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Develops work improvement plans, recommending personnel actions as necessary. Provides advice and counsel to workers related to work and administrative matters. Effects disciplinary measures as appropriate to the authority delegated in this area. Reviews and approves or disapproves leave requests. Assures that subordinates are trained and fully comply with the provisions of the safety regulations. Ensures a continuing affirmative application of DOJ OJP policies concerning equal opportunity.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Subject to background/suitability investigation/determination.
• Submit all required documents and Online Assessment Questionnaire.
• Federal payments are required to be made by Direct Deposit.
• Requires registration for the Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov.
• Pre-employment drug testing required.
• 1-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
• This appointment is subject to completion of a 2-year trial period.
• Requires active bar membership (any jurisdiction) in good standing.

No Special Requirements.

Qualifications

Eligibility Requirements and Minimum Qualifications:

1. Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school;
2. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction); AND
3. Have a minimum of five (5) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, four (4) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas:
-In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures;
-In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; OR
-Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to perform legal research.
Ability to communicate in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to meet and deal with others in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing in performing supervisory or leader work.
Ability to supervise.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations in a specialty legal field.
Ability to meet and deal with others.

Note: All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.