This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General.
This announcement is to fill one vacancy that may be located in any of the locations identified. The salary for this position will be adjusted based on the duty location. View the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pay charts for more information: Salaries & Wages (opm.gov).
Resumes must be no more than 2-pages in length.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General.
This announcement is to fill one vacancy that may be located in any of the locations identified. The salary for this position will be adjusted based on the duty location. View the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) pay charts for more information: Salaries & Wages (opm.gov).
The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties and responsibilities:
Represents OIG with outside parties on legal issues relevant to OIG and other related matters.
Conducts research involving the interpretation, application and enforcement of Department statutes, rules and regulations.
Conducts or coordinates guidance on sensitive and complex legal issues concerning the interpretation, application and enforcement of statutes, regulations and guidance
Participates in high level policy discussions regarding the disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act.
Provides training to OIG components and other stakeholders on FOIA and the Privacy Act.
Advises the OIG on matters involving Department programs, activities, employees, contractors and grantees.
Provides independent legal review, advice, and analysis relating to internal administration and operations of the OIG, including, but not limited to FOIA and the Privacy Act.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
Two-year trial period may be required.
Must maintain membership and good standing with the bar in a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Positive Education Requirement: This position has a position education requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.
Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have graduated with a Juris Doctorate (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a current member, in good standing, of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
GS-13: Applicants must have two (2) years of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Experience may be outside of the Federal Government.
GS-14: Applicants must have three (3) years of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level. Experience may be outside of the Federal Government.
GS-15: Applicants must have four (4) years of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 level. Experience may be outside of the Federal Government.
Highly qualified candidates for this position will have experience conducting and overseeing the processing of responses to requests for documents/information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and/or Privacy Act; and experience providing authoritative legal advice, guidance and assistance related to the requests for disclosure of documents/information under the FOIA and/or Privacy Act.
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. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
Education
Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Private sector work experience may be approved as credit for your Annual Leave accrual.
Security and Background Requirements: 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. 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.
E-Verify: 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. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
EEO Statement: HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.
Disabled Veteran Leave: HHS OIG participates in the Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act of 2015. To learn more about this benefit, please go to: Disabled Veteran Leave (opm.gov).
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act ("Fair Chance Act"): The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) prohibits federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history record prior to extending a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the FCA. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the FCA may submit a written complaint to the Department by email at FairChanceAct@hhs.gov
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
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.
Your application will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your experience, education (if applicable), and training relevant to the duties of this position. If you are found minimally qualified for the job, your application package will be further evaluated to determine your possession of the critical knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics required for this position.
Your responses to the self-assessment questions will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you.
Your resume must document specialized experience and support your responses to the vacancy questions.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the "Required Documents" section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).
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 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.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Cover Letter (2 pages or less - advising agencies, individuals or entities on matters concerning ethics and financial disclosure, criminal and/or administrative investigations.
Resume (Two-page limit)
Federal Employees - Most Recent SF-50 (indicating position title, series, grade and step)
Performance Appraisal [received within last 18 months w/final rating and signatures (if available)]
Law School Transcripts (unofficial)
Proof of Active Bar Status and Certificate of Good Standing
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Veterans' Preference documentation - If you are a veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy - 4) and, if applicable, and Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces that supports your claim.
Reasonable Accommodation documentation
Priority Reemployment List (PRL) eligibility - If you are claiming PRL eligibility and you have not separated you must submit your RIF separation notice or Certificate of Expected Separation, your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, and a copy of your most recent performance rating. If you have separated, you must submit your RIF separation SF-50 and a copy of your most recent performance rating. If you are claiming PRL eligibility based on recovering from a compensable disability, you must submit documentation showing injury compensation benefits cease or the Department of Labor's denial of an appeal for continuation of injury compensation benefits.
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 the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To be considered for eligibility, qualification assessment, and referral to the hiring manager, resumes must be limited to two pages. Please note that USAJOBS will not allow you to proceed with your application if your resume exceeds two pages.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received online via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/11/2026 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
OIG Office of Counsel to the Inspector General
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the application questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly 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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Cover Letter (2 pages or less - advising agencies, individuals or entities on matters concerning ethics and financial disclosure, criminal and/or administrative investigations.
Resume (Two-page limit)
Federal Employees - Most Recent SF-50 (indicating position title, series, grade and step)
Performance Appraisal [received within last 18 months w/final rating and signatures (if available)]
Law School Transcripts (unofficial)
Proof of Active Bar Status and Certificate of Good Standing
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
Veterans' Preference documentation - If you are a veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy - 4) and, if applicable, and Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference and an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces that supports your claim.
Reasonable Accommodation documentation
Priority Reemployment List (PRL) eligibility - If you are claiming PRL eligibility and you have not separated you must submit your RIF separation notice or Certificate of Expected Separation, your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, and a copy of your most recent performance rating. If you have separated, you must submit your RIF separation SF-50 and a copy of your most recent performance rating. If you are claiming PRL eligibility based on recovering from a compensable disability, you must submit documentation showing injury compensation benefits cease or the Department of Labor's denial of an appeal for continuation of injury compensation benefits.
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 the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
To be considered for eligibility, qualification assessment, and referral to the hiring manager, resumes must be limited to two pages. Please note that USAJOBS will not allow you to proceed with your application if your resume exceeds two pages.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received online via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/11/2026 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
OIG Office of Counsel to the Inspector General
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the application questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
