The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal advisor to the CFTC’s Commission, the Chair, the Executive Director, and the Agency as a whole. OGC's legal advice includes, but is not limited to, areas such as Agency litigation, statutory and regulatory interpretation, rulemaking, analyses of proposed legislation, and other legal issues arising in connection with the administration and enforcement of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and the Commission’s implementing regulations.
Summary
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) serves as legal advisor to the CFTC’s Commission, the Chair, the Executive Director, and the Agency as a whole. OGC's legal advice includes, but is not limited to, areas such as Agency litigation, statutory and regulatory interpretation, rulemaking, analyses of proposed legislation, and other legal issues arising in connection with the administration and enforcement of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and the Commission’s implementing regulations.
Applications will be accepted from current federal employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, persons eligible under special hiring authorities including Schedule A and VEOA, and CTAP/ICTAP eligible candidates in the local commuting area.
This position is located within the Office of General Counsel's Office of Proceedings (Proceedings) and serves as a Legal Administrative Specialist (Proceedings Clerk). Proceedings is responsible for providing an inexpensive, impartial, and expeditious forum for handling customer complaints against persons or firms registered under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).
The Proceedings Clerk plans, implements, and manages administrative functions within the Office of Proceedings, with authority to perform the following:
Manages docketing, maintenance, and notification processes for all proceedings, ensuring parties are served in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and service requirements.
Serves as official custodian of records for reparations and administrative enforcement proceedings, maintaining file integrity, security, and compliance with the Federal Records Act, Privacy Act, FOIA, and Commission policies.
Develops, updates, and maintains the Reparations Sanctions in Effect List and Administrative Sanctions in Effect List, based on thorough review and analysis of case files and registration information to identify non-paying parties or those sanctioned in enforcement proceedings (impacting registrations/suspensions).
Drafts memoranda/letters and prepares responses to inquiries from Congress, the public, governmental entities, media, and other sources on office files, case/docket systems, and related topics; compiles data, records, and reports as needed.
Provides program administration support to the Director, including advising on management objectives, resource allocation, performance evaluation against short- and long-term plans, and adjustments to meet goals.
May be required to serve a probationary/trial period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Subject to time-in-grade requirements, if applicable
You will be evaluated based on your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:
Attention to Detail: Thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, determines resource requirements, monitors progress, and evaluates outcomes.
Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Problem Solving: Identifies problems; evaluates accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and assess alternatives; and makes recommendations.
Customer Service: Works with clients and customers—including the public, other government agencies, and external regulatory bodies—to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve issues, and deliver quality service.
Qualifications
CT-11 Level: To qualify for the CT-11 level you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS/CT-09 level). Specialized experience is defined that through which one has gained experience in two or more of the following:
Performing legal or administrative work that includes reviewing and processing legal filings; managing dockets or case files; maintaining official records in accordance with federal requirements; conducting legal or regulatory research and preparing written summaries or correspondence; responding to inquiries from the public, attorneys, or government officials; and using case‑tracking or records management systems to support program operations.
OR
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) related to the position
Or a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience that together meet the qualification requirements of this position.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.
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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This is a Bargaining Unit Position located in the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337.
Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Probationary:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Time-in-Grade: You must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, if applicable.
More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.
The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.
The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.
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 position based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in the job announcement. First, your application will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants who meet these requirements will then be assessed against the core competencies for this role using the method described below.
As part of the assessment, you must submit an Accomplishment Record. This includes written narratives describing your past achievements as they relate to the specific core competencies for this position. The rating panel will review both your accomplishment record and your resume, and will place applicants into one of the following categories: Highly Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.
Highly Qualified — Meets the minimum qualification requirements and has extensive skills and experience in most of the job-related competencies above.
Well Qualified — Meets the minimum qualification requirements and has a moderate amount of skills and experience in most of the job-related competencies above.
Qualified — Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but may have a limited amount of experience in several of the job-related competencies.
Each competency narrative must:
Describe one specific and relevant example from your training or experience
Be no more than 300 words
Be fully supported by information contained in your resume
Applicant Example
[Competency 1 Title]
[Full description of the competency from the announcement, for example: Examines and analyzes different types of data to assess the organization or program, or specific issues within the organization or program, and make recommendations.]
Applicant Narrative (300-word maximum)
The assessments for this position are designed to evaluate your proficiency in the following competencies:
Attention to Detail
Planning and Evaluating
Written Communication
Problem Solving
Customer Service
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.
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.
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
Cover letter (optional);
Most recent performance appraisal (optional);
SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable;
Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
If you wish to be considered under an applicable Veteran's authority such as VEOA, 30% or more disabled vet, etc., you must submit a copy of your Veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service), along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active-duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command;
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities:
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
Cover letter (optional);
Most recent performance appraisal (optional);
SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable;
Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
If you wish to be considered under an applicable Veteran's authority such as VEOA, 30% or more disabled vet, etc., you must submit a copy of your Veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service), along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active-duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command;
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities:
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
