This position is within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division, The Office of the General Counsel, located in Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia.
Multiple selections may be made from this announcement.
Summary
This position is within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division, The Office of the General Counsel, located in Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia.
Multiple selections may be made from this announcement.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency
NOTE: This posting will direct the reader to OGC's Open Career Opportunities | HHS.gov. for current open job opportunities. Please be sure to periodically visit the site for current open vacancies and position requirements.
Advise on legal approaches involving unusual or complex issues;
Coordinate efforts within your assigned group, the other groups within CMSD, other OGC Divisions, and the Department of Justice, as necessary;
Facilitate/support briefings to CMSD and Department leadership;
Serve as the PMAP rating official and handle all PMAP requirements, including rating the attorneys you supervise, as applicable.
We are seeking to fill the position at the GS-15 level () depending on experience and qualifications, as well as location.
Applicants should possess:
Substantial familiarity with titles XI, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, title I of the Affordable Care Act, and federal administrative law;
Strong consideration will be given to candidates with significant experience with CMS laws and regulations and/or prior supervisory experience or other pertinent leadership experience;
Strong consideration will be given to demonstrated outstanding litigation or client counseling skills; superior legal research, writing, and reviewing skills; and commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service;
Strong consideration will be given to demonstrated ability to work independently.
The positions will be located in Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; and reimbursement for relocation expenses is not available.
Registered or exempt from Selective Service (www.sss.gov)
If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
One year probationary period may be required
If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
Financial disclosure statement may be required.
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Drug Screening Required: No
You must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited ABA law school.
Have at least 4 year (s) of experience after law school as a practicing attorney.
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in the highest court of a State, U. S. commonwealth, U. S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Candidates must also have exemplary legal writing, oral advocacy abilities, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and displays a capacity to work with diverse individuals and groups.
Must maintain active bar membership in good standing and the eligibility to practice law in the highest court of a state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia throughout employment in the Office of the General Counsel.
Upon final job offer from HHS OHR, the successful candidate must submit official law school transcripts.
Supervisory Probationary Period: A one-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
Two-year trial period may be required.
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid.
Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted depending on the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries and Wages.
Qualifications
Qualifications Required:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the position qualifications listed on this announcement. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
At the GS-15: Applicants at the GS-15 level must have at least four years of professional legal experience, post bar admission, with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level. Applicants at the GS-15 level must also have a demonstrated ability to work independently with minimum levels of supervision.
You must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited ABA law school;
Have at least 4 year (s) of experience after law school as a practicing attorney;
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in the highest court of a State, U. S. commonwealth, U. S. territory, or the District of Columbia;
Candidates must also have exemplary legal writing, oral advocacy abilities, possess excellent interpersonal skills, and displays a capacity to work with diverse individuals and groups;
Must maintain active bar membership in good standing and the eligibility to practice law in the highest court of a state, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia throughout employment in the Office of the General Counsel;
Upon final job offer from HHS OHR, the successful candidate must submit official law school transcripts.
Documenting Experience:
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
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; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
INCENTIVES
Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon multiple factors, including funds availability. If authorized, certain incentives may require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives may include the following: moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentive; student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, etc.
In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 14, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.
Reasonable Accommodation: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please see Agency Contact Information for whom to contact for more info. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. You must contact the HR contact on the vacancy announcement at least three business days before the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. For more information on disability employment, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/
Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service - http://www.sss.gov
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
Political appointment: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic you may be authorized to telework remotely. The Federal government will begin a phased transition to normal operations in line with the national guidelines to Open Up America Again. HHS will make operating decisions based on State or locality of duty stations and other factors.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply to this vacancy. Applications will be evaluated against the basic qualifications. Qualified candidates will be referred for consideration in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management direct hire guidelines. Veteran's Preference does not apply to the direct hire recruitment procedures. Selections made under this announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
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.
Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. You must provide a complete online Application Package which includes:
Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Application requirements are clearly stated in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Failure to submit a resume and any other required documentation identified in this announcement will result in removal from further consideration. Your Resume must clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. For each position you must describe your duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities. Your resume must also include the day, month, and year that you began and ended as well as hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each position held. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated on your resume. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Not providing this information may result in the lowering of your assessment score or an ineligible rating. For resume writing guidance, please visit the USAJobs Resource Center or view their video tutorial.
Resume (must include education, including names of undergraduate and law school, degree received, and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; and a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment (full time or part time)).
Short cover letter addressed to the Office of the General Counsel Hiring Official, including a statement of interest indicating which CMSD group(s) you would like to join.
One legal writing sample.
Law school transcript if graduated from law school.
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in a state, territory of the US, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Names and contact information for at least three professional references.
Other Supporting Documents: (Only Submit if applicable to you.)
College transcript (if qualifying all or in part based on your education)
Veterans' Preference documentation:
Discharged Veterans: If you are claiming 5 point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the armed forces that supports dates of service and discharge status; if claiming 10 point preference, an application for 10-Point Veterans Preference (SF-15) and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
Active Duty Members: Under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, if claiming 5 point preference, submit written documentation from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
ICTAP/CTAP Documentation:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
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; and
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
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.
You MUST submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Application requirements are clearly stated in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Failure to submit a resume and any other required documentation identified in this announcement will result in removal from further consideration.
Please submit the following documents to receive full consideration:
Short cover letter addressed to the Office of the General Counsel Hiring Official, including a statement of interest indicating which CMSD group(s) you would like to join;
Resume (must include education, including names of undergraduate and law school, degree received, and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; and a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment (full time or part time));
One legal writing sample;
Law school transcript, if graduated from law school;
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in a state, territory of the US, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
Names and contact information for at least three professional references.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2025.
Office of the General Counsel
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
Security Requirements:
Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. You must provide a complete online Application Package which includes:
Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Application requirements are clearly stated in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Failure to submit a resume and any other required documentation identified in this announcement will result in removal from further consideration. Your Resume must clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. For each position you must describe your duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities. Your resume must also include the day, month, and year that you began and ended as well as hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each position held. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise stated on your resume. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Not providing this information may result in the lowering of your assessment score or an ineligible rating. For resume writing guidance, please visit the USAJobs Resource Center or view their video tutorial.
Resume (must include education, including names of undergraduate and law school, degree received, and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; and a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment (full time or part time)).
Short cover letter addressed to the Office of the General Counsel Hiring Official, including a statement of interest indicating which CMSD group(s) you would like to join.
One legal writing sample.
Law school transcript if graduated from law school.
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in a state, territory of the US, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Names and contact information for at least three professional references.
Other Supporting Documents: (Only Submit if applicable to you.)
College transcript (if qualifying all or in part based on your education)
Veterans' Preference documentation:
Discharged Veterans: If you are claiming 5 point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the armed forces that supports dates of service and discharge status; if claiming 10 point preference, an application for 10-Point Veterans Preference (SF-15) and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
Active Duty Members: Under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, if claiming 5 point preference, submit written documentation from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
ICTAP/CTAP Documentation:
A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
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; and
Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
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.
You MUST submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Application requirements are clearly stated in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Failure to submit a resume and any other required documentation identified in this announcement will result in removal from further consideration.
Please submit the following documents to receive full consideration:
Short cover letter addressed to the Office of the General Counsel Hiring Official, including a statement of interest indicating which CMSD group(s) you would like to join;
Resume (must include education, including names of undergraduate and law school, degree received, and date graduated; date admitted to bar and jurisdiction; and a general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law, including dates of employment (full time or part time));
One legal writing sample;
Law school transcript, if graduated from law school;
Proof that bar status is active, in good standing and eligible to practice in a state, territory of the US, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
Names and contact information for at least three professional references.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/31/2025.
Office of the General Counsel
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
Security Requirements:
Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
