Clarification from the agency

Open to the Public-All US Citizens

The incumbent serves as a senior attorney-advisor to the Office Chief on policy regarding accessibility issues. The incumbent provides specialized expertise on all aspects of telecommunications relay services (TRS), and performs work functions that include, but are not limited to, assessments of a TRS applicant's eligibility for Internet based TRS provider certification; reviews of a TRS provider's compliance with Commission rules, preparation of public notices and orders addressing resolution of the need to withhold TRS compensation based on rule noncompliance, assisting with the resolution of complaints brought against TRS providers, the handling of rate orders, and the preparation of other documents, as necessary to assist in the administration and management of the TRS program. The incumbent engages in rulemakings, including waivers and rule interpretation, on all forms of TRS, including Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone service (IP CTS), Speech-to-Speech relay service (STS), IP Relay service, and Video Relay Service. The incumbent also provide expertise on other disability access issues concerning National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) implemented under the CVAA, video description and closed captioning on television and video streaming via the Internet, access to advanced communications services under the CVAA, Section 255, and wireless hearing aid compatibility. The incumbent may represent and speak for the Office Chief in their relationship with other Bureaus and Offices which affect or are affected by Bureau considerations. In doing, the incumbent reflects the Office Chiefs views on policy and actions for consideration.

The incumbent provides expert advice to the Office Chief and Deputy Bureau Chiefs on legal issues affecting broad policy matters; evaluates current and potential policy issues; and initiates original research and analysis. The incumbent serves as a liaison with other bureaus and offices, as well as with providers, on TRS matters. The incumbent is responsible for researching and drafting documents and analyses as assigned, and for providing expert advice on issues relevant to persons with disabilities with respect to accessibility to telecommunications services and equipment. Such documents shall include, but not be limited to: decision memorandums, public notices, notices of inquiry, notices of proposed rulemaking, declaratory rulings, waiver and appeal orders, and final reports and orders. The incumbent is responsible for interpreting the Communications Act, Commission Rules, and all Commission policy, and assessing the impact on accessibility to persons with disabilities.

Incumbent reviews agenda items and other documents (e.g., draft proposals) prepared by various Bureaus or Offices. This review is to assure that the documents are in conformance with existing disability laws and policies and that they support the Commission's goal of increasing accessibilities for persons with disabilities. This review also assures that the documents are legally and factually adequate, complete, comprehensive, internally consistent and in conformance with existing policy and precedent decisions. In addition, incumbent meets with Bureau/Office representatives to discuss the impact on Commission rules, policies and decisions on persons with disabilities and accessibility.

The incumbent reviews, determines adequacy of, and consolidates testimony comments on legislative proposals, and other studies involving various staff members' contributions. He/she ensures that segments are consistent and conform to Bureau policy, and takes action to resolve problems, obtains clarification or additional information in order to present comprehensive product.

Incumbent must keep abreast of legal developments affecting persons with disabilities by reviewing court and Commission decisions, professional publications, and trade press; researching legislation, decisions, opinions and regulations. In addition, incumbent must maintain knowledge of the wide range of Commission activities and proceedings so that the Commission has a coordinated approach to accessibility issues.

Incumbent provides legal advice and guidance to Federal agencies on accessible communications policy to ensure an integrated approach in manufacturing accessible equipment and to development of accessible software applications for communication technologies. Incumbent develops policy statements specific rules, process or performance criteria, voluntary guidelines, or complaint-based processes and resolution pertaining to accessibility issues. Incumbent also works with agency attorneys to discuss and recommend rule changes that will advance the Bureau's initiatives.

Conditions of employment

• Bar Membership Documentation Required Upon Selection.
• Education-Transcripts Required Upon Selection.
• US Citizenship.
• Suitable for employment as determined by a background investigation.
• Serve a probationary period of one year, if applicable.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Financial disclosure statement may be required upon assuming the position.
• Current FCC employees must provide SF-50 verifying grade & status
• SF-50 Documenting One Year of Time in Grade Required

Please note your resume must thoroughly support your responses to the vacancy questions.  Your resume is an integral part of the process for determining if you meet the basic qualifications of the position and determining if you are to be among the best qualified.

SF-50 Required: ALL FCC EMPLOYEES AND CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MUST provide a legible Personnel Action, SF-50, that verifies your status and highest permanently held grade.  If an SF-50 is not submitted, the application will be rated as ineligible. To request a copy of your SF-50 please send an email to PersonnelRecordsRequest@fcc.gov

Qualifications

Applicants must meet eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Professional law experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.

In order to be deemed as "BEST QUALIFIED" candidates must meet both the educational requirements AND the Specialized Experience.

A. Education

You must meet the minimum basic educational requirements for Attorney positions. Education requirements include:  a professional law degree JD, LL.B., and/or LL.M. 

NOTE-If you do not provide a transcript at the time of application, a transcript will be required to be provided at the time of selection.

AND

B. Specialized Experience

For GS-14: Applicants must posses at least three years of professional law experience and at least on year must be equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience must include the following:

1. Conducting in-depth legal research; preparing complex legal documents;
2. Developing research strategies for legal issues;
3. Writing documents including briefs, research memorandum and report summaries with analysis and recommendations; and
4. Making oral presentations, communicating research results, and defending legal positions.

For GS-15: Applicants must possess at least four years of professional law experience and at least one year must be equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience must include the following:

1. Working with programs relating to the telecommunications industry and interest in disability rights issues;
2. Working on highly complex rulemaking or policy procedures;
3. Reviewing and editing policy statements, position papers, and other decisional documents; and
4. Providing legal advice and guidance to other attorneys and specialists as it pertains to policy matters.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE:  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.

How you will be evaluated

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

All candidates will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor.  THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

All applicants will be rated on the extent and quality of experience and education relevant to the duties of the position.  Applicants who do not submit a supporting resume will be rated ineligible. 

There are several parts to the application process that affect the overall evaluation of your application including:

1.  the core questions
2.  supplemental documentation (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, bar membership); and
4.  your resume.

Applicants will be rated ineligible, if they do not respond to job specific questions provide supplemental documents and submit resume.  For more information, please click on Rating Process

You will be evaluated for this position on the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs):

• Expert knowledge of legal principles and policies related to telecommunications and advanced communications accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Expert knowledge of the TRS provisions contained in Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Commission's regulations implementing these provisions, the CVAA, Rehabilitation Act, and other sections of the Commissions Act.
• Ability to provide expert advice on accessibility issues as they relate to a wide range of telecommunications and advanced communications services.
• Expert knowledge of accessibility issues, primarily regarding TRS, and relating to video description and closed captioning on television and video streaming via the Internet, advanced communications services under the CVAA, Section 255, broadband access, and wireless hearing compatibility.
• Expert ability to write clearly, concisely, and in an organized manner, with conclusions fully supported by appropriate facts and analysis.