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Paralegal Specialist

Department of Defense
Office of Inspector General
Office of General Counsel

Summary

This position is in the DoW Office of Inspector General (DoW OIG), Office of General Counsel (OGC). OGC provides independent and objective legal advice and support to the IG DoW. The General Counsel is the Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO) and is also responsible for providing legal representation, advice, and support to DoW OIG management officials in administrative proceedings and litigation matters. The incumbent supports attorneys in complex litigation and ethics-related matters.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/05/2026 to 05/12/2026
Salary
$85,447 - $133,142 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Alexandria, VA
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
IG-26-12953791-OGC-MP
Control number
867976200

Duties

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  • Tracks deadlines, prepares case documents, discoveries and briefs. Manages deadlines, administrative support, witnesses, and evidence. Analyzes facts, develops litigation strategies. Maintains litigation records in support of counsel.
  • Maintains and manages ethics records and ethics web site. Administers financial disclosure programs and systems. Briefs all new employees; provides ethics training and manages the ethics training program. Manages outside employment request process.
  • Manages litigation preservation/hold processes; prepares lit hold requests to records owners, tracks responses, and manage responses. Organizes and maintains records files. Tracks deadlines and requirements for production of records.
  • Conducts in-depth legal research on ethics, personnel, and equal opportunity matters and issues. Analyzes and applies research to relevant facts to support compliance, case strategies, and legal advice to management. Prepares written products.
  • Interacts with clients, witnesses, and experts to gather information and support counsel. Assists clients in preparation for deposition or hearing testimony. Engages with external stakeholders in litigation and ethics matters.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Position has been designated as security designation level Critical Sensitive. Incumbent is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • Incumbent is required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and is subject to random drug testing for the duration of service with DoW OIG.
  • Current DoW civilian employees are not required to submit to drug testing if moving from one Testing Designated Position (TDP) to another with no break in service, unless deemed appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
  • The incumbent must adhere to the DoD Standards of Conduct.

Qualifications

Time in Grade GS-11:

For entry at the GS-11 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-09 or equivalent or higher grade, in the Federal Service.

Time in Grade GS-12:

For entry at the GS-12 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-11 or equivalent or higher grade, in the Federal Service.

Specialized Experience at the GS-11 level: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-09 level in the Federal service or at an equivalent level. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrating the ability to support and assist an attorney by conducting legal research and analysis into legislative history, caselaw precedent, and regulatory provisions impacting relevant legal issues and evidence for administrative proceedings or trial; providing case management for litigation and contested hearing matters; managing and tracking filing deadlines; and preparing hearing documents and products.

Specialized Experience at the GS-12 level: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-11 level in the Federal service or at an equivalent level. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrating the ability to support and assist the assigned attorney in administering a federal agency Ethics Program and in providing paralegal support in administrative proceedings and litigation, including providing ethics guidance and support to employees. Experience also includes administering financial disclosure programs and systems; managing and tracking filing deadlines, conducting legal research on issues involving personnel and equal opportunity law; managing records collection and management in litigation matters; and preparing hearing documents & products.

You must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/group-stds/gs-prof.asp.

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) is qualifying. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience.

Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants who have held a non-temporary General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must meet the time-in-grade restriction.

Additional Required Documents Information

  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a federal employee who will be or has been separated by a Reduction in Force (RIF), you must submit a copy of your RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.
  • The following documents must be submitted as they apply to your eligibility claim, before the announcement closes:
    • Most recent completed annual performance appraisal within the past 18 months. The performance appraisal must include the final rating. Mid-year progress reviews will not be accepted.
    • Latest SF-50 that shows your position, grade level, and duty location for the job you were (or will be) separated from.
    • If you did not reach your full performance level or promotion potential, you should also submit an additional SF-50 that documents that grade level.
    • Proof of ICTAP eligibility, such as:
      • RIF notice within the past year.
      • Removal notice for refusing relocation.
      • Disability annuity termination notice.
      • Agency's certification of inability to reemploy you.
  • For more details on ICTAP, see 5 CFR Part 330 Subpart G and OPM's Guide to Career Transition.

  • Individuals with disabilities: If you are an individual with a documented disability, you must submit a letter signed by a doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter should state that you have a documented disability and are eligible for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
  • Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: If you are a Military Spouse Preference applicant, you must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. If determined best qualified, you will be placed at that full performance level of the position.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  • Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  • Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience:

GS-11 Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement if related.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement.

Only experience and/or education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

If you are using education to substitute for the qualifying experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. Failure to do so may disqualify you from consideration.

Due to the education requirement of this position, an unofficial transcript must be submitted at the time of application. If transcripts are not received, you will be rated as ineligible.

Using Education to Qualify: You MUST provide unofficial transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list of courses. Transcripts and list of courses must include the following information: name of accredited institution, list of courses with grades and credit earned for each course, quarter or semester hours earned, degree conferred and date, and the name and address of the school. If selected for this position, you will be required to provide an official certified copy of your transcripts before a start date will be established. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Pass/Fail Courses: If more that 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

Graduate Education: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Accreditation: Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/ and U.S. Department of Education website at http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course-by-course listing along with your application. If you fail to provide the required documentation, by the closing date of this announcement, you will not receive consideration.

For further information, visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

There is no substitution of education for the qualifying experienceat the GS-12 grade level.

Additional information

  • If you have not previously completed a probationary period with the federal government in a similar position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within 90 calendar days of the initial issue date of the referral list.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • PCS costs (moving expenses) WILL NOT be paid.
  • Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives WILL NOT be authorized by the hiring official. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
  • For more information on veterans' preference click here.
  • Retired/Retiring Veterans: Please be aware that there is a 180-Day Restriction on Department of War (DoW) Employment of Military Retirees. A retired member of the Armed Forces may not be appointed to a civilian position in the DoW within 180 days after retirement unless the agency requests and is granted a waiver; the position is authorized special pay under 5 U.S.C. 3505; or a state of national emergency exists.
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: You must be well qualified for the position to receive special selection priority under the ICTAP. A qualified ICTAP eligible achieving a score of 90 or above will be considered well qualified. You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal. For more information, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible.
  • The Department of Ware (DoW) policy on employment of annuitants issued March 18, 2004 will be used in determining eligibility of annuitants.
  • Position(s) may be filled by displaced Department of War (DoW) employees through the DOW Priority Placement Program.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference.
  • PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.
  • Resume: DO NOT include the following information: Classified or government sensitive information; social security number; photos of yourself; personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.; or encrypted and digitally signed documents. Read more about what you should leave out of your resume at USAJOBS.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job.

The numeric rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. The score is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.

All qualified candidates will be evaluated on the following competencies:

  • Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
  • Program Management
  • Technical Documentation


You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12953791

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil

Office of Inspector General

Engaged Oversight Professionals Dedicated to Improving the Department of War

Come join us for a meaningful career with an agency that truly values its employees. We detect and deter fraud, waste, and abuse in DoW programs and operations; promote the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the DoW; and help ensure ethical conduct throughout the DoW. For more information about who we are and what we're about, please visit www.dodig.mil.

Agency contact information

Jacquis Taylor
Phone
(703) 699-0293
Fax
(571) 372-7437
Email
jacquis.b.taylor.civ@dodig.mil
Address
DoD OIG - OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

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http://www.dodig.mil

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