This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).
The primary purpose of this position is for the overall performance and technical activities of Attorneys/Instructors assigned to the Division, including the quality, quantity, and content of their work. These Attorneys/Instructors are engaged in the classroom instruction of law enforcement officers from Federal, state, local, and international agencies.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC).
The primary purpose of this position is for the overall performance and technical activities of Attorneys/Instructors assigned to the Division, including the quality, quantity, and content of their work. These Attorneys/Instructors are engaged in the classroom instruction of law enforcement officers from Federal, state, local, and international agencies.
This position is located in the Office of Chief Counsel, within the Legal Training Division in the Field Legal Branch. As a Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (Instructor/Technical), GS-0905-14, your typical work assignments may include:
Providing oversight to the legal topical areas assigned. This includes the monitoring of required quarterly progress reports and submitting reports to the Division Chief identifying needed areas of courses, text, document revision, or development. Dividing the assignment of projects and tasks with the knowledge and concurrence of the Division Chief and monitoring progress and final completion of these projects and tasks.
Reviewing the instructional schedule and making occasional adjustments as needs dictate to provide effective utilization of the Attorneys/
Instructors.
Conducting in-class evaluations of the Attorneys/Instructors assigned to the Division, sharing this duty with the Division Chief. Meeting
with and providing written critique to the Attorneys/Instructors and submitting the evaluation forms specified by FLETC directive and/
or policy through the Chief on evaluations made. Providing verbal and written input into quarterly progress reports and annual
performance evaluation issues to Attorneys/Instructors assigned to the Division.
Developing and implementing a training plan for all staff assigned to the Division. Such duties include the identification of appropriate
training courses, dates of attendance, and the processing of these recommendations through the Chief. Also included is the supervision
of student interns assigned to the Division and resultant reports of such assignments.
Maintaining accountability of all property and materials assigned to the Division to include furniture, equipment, and accountable
classroom materials. Is responsible for the protection of all properties and materials, as well as any related FLETC and Division systems as defined in the FLETC Vulnerability Assessment Directive.
Directing the conduct of special surveys, studies, or investigations, as requested by higher authority; determining what principles or objectives are involved, considering approaches to be taken; and recommending courses of action and solutions. Is
responsible for accomplishing such assignments, using initiative and imagination, and for making complete and logical presentations/
reports on the subject. Ensures that the attendant files and materials are produced and maintained in the Division.
Participating in meetings, project planning, report preparation, and development of student policies and procedures. Providing professional and technical information and advice on training techniques, survey methods, classroom instruction, and implementing changes needed.
Performing personnel management responsibilities such as writing position descriptions and work plans, planning and approving employee training initiatives, maintaining discipline, counseling employees, resolving grievances, evaluating performance, and approving leave.
Implementing the FLETC EEO policies within own Division and with subordinate employees to ensure no discrimination occurs because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical handicap, age, and membership or non-membership in an employee organization.
Reviewing and evaluating Attorneys/Instructors project assignments for clarity, completeness, and accuracy. These assignments generally consist of the development and revision of texts, course analyses, feasibility studies, methods of evaluation, etc. Making periodic inspections of the work progress of the Attorneys/Instructors in their project assignments, and reporting status of each project to the Chief.
Conferring with staff members, administrative staff, and support sections for the coordination of planning and development of curricula; conferring with agency representatives and others concerning the content and development of courses, and when necessary, performing field visitations for the purpose of analyzing training needs and/or following-up on the effect of the training program. When requested, assists in formulating, developing, and administering other training programs.
Performing services as an instructor, as needed, in addition to the above responsibilities.
View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must successfully pass a background investigation to access, safeguard, and store classified national security information on a regular basis; must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret (2N – Non-Critical Sensitive) security clearance.
You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
You must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
This position is eligible for situational-only telework based on agency policy.
Occasional travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
This position is subject to Lautenberg Amendment. Persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from occupying this position.
Must be able to obtain and maintain FLETC Law Enforcement Instructor certification within 12 months of employment.
Selectee will be subject to a one-year supervisory probationary period.
Emergency Essential. Required to sustain operations under conditions such as in the event of a localized emergency situation or to ensure Continuity of Operations for Mission Essential Functions or Primary Mission Essential Functions.
Selectee will be subject to a two-year trial period.
Qualifications
All qualifications, education and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
All applicants must be graduates of a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association.
Applicants must possess the first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M). Please provide a copy of your transcripts.
All applicants must also be an active bar member in good standing in every jurisdiction in which you are licensed of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and have a license to practice law.
In addition to the requirements listed above, to qualify at the GS-14 grade level you must possess specialized professional legal experience in excess of three years equivalent to the GS-13 or higher demonstrated by substantial legal writing and communication skills; conducting original legal research and legal analysis; providing instruction in legal subjects at a college/university, police post or training academy for a period of at least one year; authoring and publishing articles on substantive legal matters; experience presenting substantive material at nationally recognized conferences; and demonstrated expertise in a significant field of law related to law enforcement.
Time-in-Grade: Current and former federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. The time-in-grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Physical Demands: The work is basically sedentary.
Work Environment: The work is performed in a typical office setting.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement within the same geographical area.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Education
Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.
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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Additional information
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.
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 those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Secret clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review may include 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.
This is a permanent appointment in the excepted service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period, unless already completed. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent. This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.
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.
We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education and training will be rated using a job questionnaire that is based on the following competencies or knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform this job:
1. Developing Others.
2. Human Capital Management.
3. Technical Credibility.
The Division Chief will evaluate qualified applicants by comparing each candidate's qualifications to those pertinent to the position. OGC will consider relevant skills and experience, education and training, performance, and awards.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be removed from consideration, or your score may be lowered.
Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Homeland Security considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD form 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.
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.
Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held.
A copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association. In addition, a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official transcript for both college and law school.
A legal writing sample.
Proof that you are an active member in good standing in every jurisdiction in which you are licensed of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and have a license to practice law.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Please note: Performance award, Details, and Realignments are not acceptable SF-50s.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title,
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
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 begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within several weeks after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held.
A copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association. In addition, a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official transcript for both college and law school.
A legal writing sample.
Proof that you are an active member in good standing in every jurisdiction in which you are licensed of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and have a license to practice law.
Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Please note: Performance award, Details, and Realignments are not acceptable SF-50s.
Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
Position title,
Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
Agency
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
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 begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes.
It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.
Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within several weeks after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
