We are seeking Attorneys experienced in various aspects of Federal personnel law to join the OSC team and serve in one of our Program Units! Begin a challenging and rewarding career and become an integral player in a forward-looking federal agency. We invite you to apply for this challenging, highly competitive, and rewarding position.
OSC consistently ranks in the top 3 in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).
Summary
We are seeking Attorneys experienced in various aspects of Federal personnel law to join the OSC team and serve in one of our Program Units! Begin a challenging and rewarding career and become an integral player in a forward-looking federal agency. We invite you to apply for this challenging, highly competitive, and rewarding position.
OSC consistently ranks in the top 3 in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS).
**We anticipate filling vacancies in our Hatch Act Unit (HAU) and Investigation and Prosecution Division (IPD-HQ).
Selectees may be asked to work on matters within other units as determined by agency needs.
We are looking for candidates who embrace the privilege of public service, bring enthusiasm and dedication to such service, and work well within a team setting. Flexibility and enthusiasm for working a variety of matters across OSC's statutory missions is a plus.
In the course of carrying out these duties, you may be assigned to conduct investigations, conduct complex legal research and draft legal memoranda, prepare and litigate cases before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and appear as amici in federal court. You may conduct witness interviews, discovery, and legal research; prepare pleadings, briefs, reports of investigation and other reports and memoranda; manage a diverse caseload, mediate and settle cases, and advise the Special Counsel and senior leaders regarding case dispositions and legal issues that involve federal personnel law, constitutional law, labor and employment law, administrative law, and civil procedure.
Duties performed:
Conducting factual and legal research and analysis from documents, witness testimony and other sources to develop the evidentiary record;
Presenting oral and written information during witness and subject interviews, interactions with the agency or complainant's counsel, and any legal proceedings before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) or other adjudicative tribunals, etc.;
Providing expert legal advice and counsel to senior officials to prepare and implement strategies for complex and controversial issues;
Representing the agency to Federal stakeholders and the public, including complainants, other Federal agency officials, attorneys, representatives of private and public organizations, the MSPB, and elected officials and staff; and
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period.
May be eligible for incentive pay.
May be eligible for superior qualifications/special needs pay setting.
Direct Deposit of pay is required.
E-Verify will be used to confirm employment eligibility on new employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
Suitable for Federal employment as determined by appropriate background investigation.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet the basic education and bar membership requirements:
A professional law degree (L.L.B., J.D., L.L.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; and
An active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico.
And
Specialized Experience:
For the GS-12 Grade level:
Possess one (1) year of post J.D. legal experience, and have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, in:
making factual findings and conducting legal research and analysis;
presenting information orally and in writing;
reviewing and assessing information obtained from documents, witness interviews, and other sources to develop a full evidentiary record to resolve cases; and
providing advice on sophisticated legal matters.
For the GS-13 Grade level:
Possess two (2) years of post J.D. legal experience, and have at least three (3) years of specialized experience, with at least one (1) of these years equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, in:
making in-depth factual findings and conducting legal research and analysis;
presenting complex information orally and in writing;
reviewing and assessing information obtained from documents, witness interviews, and other sources to develop a complete evidentiary record to resolve cases; and
providing sound advice on demanding legal matters.
For the GS-14 Grade Level:
Possess three (3) years of post J.D. legal experience, and have at least three (3) years of specialized experience, with at least one (1) of these years equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service, in:
analyzing cases or requests for legal sufficiency;
preparing pleadings, motions, affidavits, and other materials involving legal issues;
making in-depth factual findings and conducting legal research and analysis;
presenting complex information orally and in writing; and
providing expert legal advice and consultation.
Your resume must explicitly outline your qualifications. We will not make assumptions on your 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined above.
Applicants qualifying through education, but who have not yet graduated or received final grades, may apply using their current grades at time of application. If selected, you will be required to verify final grades and/or provide additional documentation.
Annual Leave Accrual Credit
Selectees for their first Federal position may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credited will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant resume and documentation submitted.
Additional information
ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: In accordance with VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56),Current military members may apply by submitting a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain: (1) your rank; (2) dates of active duty service; (3) type of discharge and projected character of service (i.e. honorable); (4) projected Veteran's preference, if applicable; (5) date terminal leave begins, if applicable; (6) date of expected discharge or release that is within 120 days of your employment application submission; and (7) signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. If selected, your qualifying separation, veteran's preference, and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found to have an incomplete application. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if on terminal leave.
DEVELOPMENTAL POSITIONS: This position can be filled at the GS-12, GS-13 or GS-14 grade level. If filled at the lower grade level, noncompetitive promotion to the next grade level is authorized but not implied. It is dependent upon meeting time-in-grade requirements, specialized experience, required training and any other management requirements to demonstrate ability to perform the next higher/target grade level.
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.
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.
Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Management will consider any Federal performance appraisals and/or awards you submit with your application as an indication of your experience and work history. These documents will not be scored as part of the assessment process.
In accordance with 5 C.F.R. Section 302.101(c), these positions are in the Excepted service and not subject to the provisions of Veteran's Preference. However, candidates who list and provide verification of their Veteran's Preference will have their Preference status identified to the selecting official for consideration as part of their application package.
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.
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 apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume, including a) personal information such as name, address, contact information; b) education; c) detailed work experience related to this position including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year), title and Grade level for any Federal service, i.e. GS-9); d) scope and complexity of the functions, activities and services you managed and your level of contacts; and any other qualifications. We recommend that your resume not exceed five (5) pages as only the first five (5) pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications;
Cover Letter, required, including a clear, concise description of your litigation experience, with details on the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed, and the results of your actions;
Writing Sample, dated within the last five (5) years;
Other required supporting documents:
Law school transcript(s) to confirm your education;
Verification an active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico;
Current or Previous Federal (whether Excepted or Competitive Service) employees:
Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade; AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan, without a rating, is not an acceptable substitute.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty for consideration of Veteran status.
If you submit multiple copies of the same document, only your most recent uploaded document (by date & time stamp) will be considered. If your resume or supporting documents are illegible or unreadable, or if you fail to include any of the above-mentioned required documents, you may lose consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be considered further. If your application materials contain sensitive or inappropriate information, including but not limited to: photographs; classified or government sensitive information; copied and pasted portions of this job announcement; obscene information, etc., you may not be considered.
Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-selection, disqualification from further consideration or withdrawal of tentative or final job offers.
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 online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
Your application and supporting documents must be submitted and received through the online application process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date of this announcement.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account if you do not have one.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Office of Special Counsel
1730 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your application was received.
Your application will be evaluated as outlined above and if you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. We anticipate a large number of applicants, and only the top candidates will be contacted for interview. You will receive automated notifications through the USAjobs system as updates are available.
Selecting officials may choose any appropriate competitive, non-competitive or alternative candidate under Federal regulations and Agency policy. Interviews may be conducted individually, by panel, by third party, teleconference, video teleconference, or in person. Selecting officials have the option to interview any, all or none of the referred candidates. Management has the right to fill or not a fill this vacancy, as well as to cancel and re-announce as appropriate.
Additional Vacancies
This announcement may be used to fill additional or similar vacancies at the same or equivalent grade level.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume, including a) personal information such as name, address, contact information; b) education; c) detailed work experience related to this position including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year), title and Grade level for any Federal service, i.e. GS-9); d) scope and complexity of the functions, activities and services you managed and your level of contacts; and any other qualifications. We recommend that your resume not exceed five (5) pages as only the first five (5) pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications;
Cover Letter, required, including a clear, concise description of your litigation experience, with details on the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed, and the results of your actions;
Writing Sample, dated within the last five (5) years;
Other required supporting documents:
Law school transcript(s) to confirm your education;
Verification an active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico;
Current or Previous Federal (whether Excepted or Competitive Service) employees:
Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade; AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan, without a rating, is not an acceptable substitute.
DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty for consideration of Veteran status.
If you submit multiple copies of the same document, only your most recent uploaded document (by date & time stamp) will be considered. If your resume or supporting documents are illegible or unreadable, or if you fail to include any of the above-mentioned required documents, you may lose consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be considered further. If your application materials contain sensitive or inappropriate information, including but not limited to: photographs; classified or government sensitive information; copied and pasted portions of this job announcement; obscene information, etc., you may not be considered.
Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-selection, disqualification from further consideration or withdrawal of tentative or final job offers.
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 online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
Your application and supporting documents must be submitted and received through the online application process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date of this announcement.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account if you do not have one.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Office of Special Counsel
1730 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your application was received.
Your application will be evaluated as outlined above and if you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. We anticipate a large number of applicants, and only the top candidates will be contacted for interview. You will receive automated notifications through the USAjobs system as updates are available.
Selecting officials may choose any appropriate competitive, non-competitive or alternative candidate under Federal regulations and Agency policy. Interviews may be conducted individually, by panel, by third party, teleconference, video teleconference, or in person. Selecting officials have the option to interview any, all or none of the referred candidates. Management has the right to fill or not a fill this vacancy, as well as to cancel and re-announce as appropriate.
Additional Vacancies
This announcement may be used to fill additional or similar vacancies at the same or equivalent grade level.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
