The Social Security Administration (SSA), Law and Policy (LP) seeks attorneys to work directly in U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAO) as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA). LP criminal fraud attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal fraud cases that undermine SSA and other government benefits programs.
This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously six months. Future cut-off dates are at the hiring management's discretion.
Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA), Law and Policy (LP) seeks attorneys to work directly in U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAO) as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA). LP criminal fraud attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal fraud cases that undermine SSA and other government benefits programs.
This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously six months. Future cut-off dates are at the hiring management's discretion.
This vacancy is open to ALL U.S. Citizens.
***The selectees must relocate to the selected city or be willing to commute. These positions are not eligible for remote work or oustationing.
LP Fraud Attorneys are responsible for all stages of the criminal prosecution and collaborate with SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and other law enforcement agencies.
Social Security touches the lives of millions, providing vital services and a social safety net through retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Join the talented and dedicated attorney team supporting these services.
LP is a modern public service law office with a highly skilled and engaged workforce dedicated to protecting SSA's legal interests. We strategically shape a large national workload through effective collaboration and coordination.
We offer the opportunity to handle meaningful and challenging legal work in a professional, team-oriented, and flexible work environment.
Sworn in as SAUSAs, SSA criminal fraud attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal fraud cases. They are assigned to, and work in, a USAO. They work closely with the OIG and other law enforcement agencies.
Like other federal prosecutors, L P's SAUSAs work under USAO management supervision and are responsible for all stages of the criminal case,
(cont'd) including grand jury proceedings; indictments; motion practice; plea negotiations and hearings; jury trials; and sentencing hearings.
Attorneys have significant responsibility for their own caseloads, but also receive intensive mentoring, training and support through LP and the USAO.
Candidates should have a strong desire to serve the public; have excellent research, writing and communication skills; and have strong litigation experience or aptitude.
We encourage candidates with varied backgrounds, qualities, and experiences to apply.
Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
Selectees are required to serve a 2-year trial period
Relocation expenses will not be paid
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
Law School Transcript with degree and date conferred
These positions are in the Excepted Service
Incumbent may be promoted noncompetitively provided work at the higher levels continues to exist, the incumbent has demonstrated the ability to perform it and provided further that time-in-grade and other requirements are met.
Positions will be filled in the Excepted Service through the use of Schedule A 213.3102(d) appointing authority. Competitive examining procedures will not be conducted. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements shown above.
Qualifications
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.
Candidates should have a strong desire to serve the public; have excellent research, writing and communication skills; and have strong litigation experience or aptitude. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, qualities, and experiences to apply.
Applicants must hold a law degree from a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association.
Applicants must be a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to practice law. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position.
Experience:
For GS-13: Requires 3 years of professional legal experience working as a licensed attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include handling criminal or civil litigation matters.
For GS-14: Requires 4 years of professional legal experience working as a licensed attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include handling criminal or civil litigation matters.
Qualifying experience may include appearing in court; conducting trials, hearings, or other contested proceedings; participating in settlement or plea negotiations; preparing cases from the investigative stage through resolution; resolving litigation matters; and prosecuting or litigating cases from initial investigation through trial or other final disposition. Experience involving fraud, false statements, program-integrity issues, or other complex enforcement matters is preferred.
Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position.
SSA has discretion to determine what grade level and salary may be offered.
Education
Applicants must possess a JD degree.
TRANSCRIPTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBSTANTIATE POSSESSION OF THE REQUIRED AND CLAIMED EDUCATION. Submit a copy of your law school transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, degree, and degree award date. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. Self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position.
Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously for six months.
Additional candidates may be selected to fill future vacancies as they arise. Future cut-off dates are at the hiring management's discretion.
If you are found qualified and eligible, your name will remain on the register through the closing date of the announcement.
Locations:
Washington, DC
Boston, MA
Portland, ME
Las Cruces or Albuquerque, NM
Kansas City, MO
Shreveport or Lafayette, LA
Nashville, TN
Pittsburgh, PA
Syracuse or Albany, NY
Winston-Salem or Raleigh, NC
Tallahassee, FL
Salary:
GS-13 $106,437 -$138,370 Rest of US (RUS) Locality Pay Area.
GS-14 $125,776 - $163,514 Rest of US (RUS) Locality Pay Area.
Actual salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. For information on other locality pay tables please visit OPM 2026 GS Locality Pay Tables.
Other Information:
There are 10 locations listed; for those states that have more than one city identified only one selection will be made.
1 selection will be made between Las Cruces, NM and Albuquerque, NM.
1 selection will be made between Shreveport, LA and Lafayette, LA.
1 selection will be made between Syracuse, NY and Albany, NY.
1 selection will be made between Winston-Salem, NC and Raleigh, NC.
The applicant must relocate to the selected city or be willing to commute. Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Occasional overnight travel is required.
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is a permanent, excepted service position that is being filled on a full-time basis. Flextime may be available.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
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 compared to the requirements for the position. It is your responsibility to include all information in your application that is needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient information, your application will be found ineligible.
Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13070206
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.
The following documentation/information must be provided by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Failure to do so may result in removal from further consideration.
Resume documenting the relevant experience. Per OPM's new resume guidance, resumes must be limited to 2 pages only.
Verification of active bar membership
Law School (J.D.) Transcripts
Writing Sample
References
SF-50 (if applicable)
Veterans Documentation (if applicable)
RESUME: You may create a resume in USAJOBS or upload one of your own. Ensure that your resume contains your full name, contact, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/DD/YYYY-MM/DD/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; duties performed; Federal grade level(s) held for each Federal position, if applicable; and hours, if less than full time.
PROOF OF BAR MEMBERSHIP: You are required to provide the state(s) in which you are licensed, your license/bar number (if applicable), and month/year of your licensure as part of the online assessment questionnaire. You may also upload documentation that reflects your active bar membership, but this is optional and must be in addition to providing the information requested on the assessment. In order to be eligible for consideration, you must be an active member in good standing of a Bar of a State, Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to practice law. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to practice law.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your law school transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, degree type, and degree award date. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application; however, self-prepared transcripts WILL NOT be accepted. The degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services. (See Education section for specific transcript information.)
WRITING SAMPLE: One current substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work and is no more than 15 pages in length. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale.
REFERENCES: List of three professional references. (Note: We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so).
SF-50: If applicable, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement MUST submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
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.
Please note that this announcement is open to attorneys who are members of a bar in good standing only. If you have passed the bar but have not been sworn in or do not have proof of being sworn in, you are not eligible to apply and your application will not be considered.
A complete application consists of the following:
Resume (must not exceed two pages)
Occupational questionnaire
Verification of active bar membership *see 'Required Documents' for more information
Law school transcripts
Legal writing sample
List of three professional references
Veterans Documentation (if applicable) *see 'Required Documents' for more information
SF-50s (if applicable)
NOTE: It is your responsibility to include all information needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient information or if you do not include all of the required documents you will be found ineligible. This office will not solicit for additional information.
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 04/12/2027
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 occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers at SSA at Careers@ssa.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position. Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, we will not be responding to questions regarding receipt of application or application materials.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documentation/information must be provided by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Failure to do so may result in removal from further consideration.
Resume documenting the relevant experience. Per OPM's new resume guidance, resumes must be limited to 2 pages only.
Verification of active bar membership
Law School (J.D.) Transcripts
Writing Sample
References
SF-50 (if applicable)
Veterans Documentation (if applicable)
RESUME: You may create a resume in USAJOBS or upload one of your own. Ensure that your resume contains your full name, contact, and employment information. Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/DD/YYYY-MM/DD/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; duties performed; Federal grade level(s) held for each Federal position, if applicable; and hours, if less than full time.
PROOF OF BAR MEMBERSHIP: You are required to provide the state(s) in which you are licensed, your license/bar number (if applicable), and month/year of your licensure as part of the online assessment questionnaire. You may also upload documentation that reflects your active bar membership, but this is optional and must be in addition to providing the information requested on the assessment. In order to be eligible for consideration, you must be an active member in good standing of a Bar of a State, Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to practice law. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to practice law.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your law school transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, degree type, and degree award date. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application; however, self-prepared transcripts WILL NOT be accepted. The degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services. (See Education section for specific transcript information.)
WRITING SAMPLE: One current substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work and is no more than 15 pages in length. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale.
REFERENCES: List of three professional references. (Note: We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so).
SF-50: If applicable, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement MUST submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
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.
Please note that this announcement is open to attorneys who are members of a bar in good standing only. If you have passed the bar but have not been sworn in or do not have proof of being sworn in, you are not eligible to apply and your application will not be considered.
A complete application consists of the following:
Resume (must not exceed two pages)
Occupational questionnaire
Verification of active bar membership *see 'Required Documents' for more information
Law school transcripts
Legal writing sample
List of three professional references
Veterans Documentation (if applicable) *see 'Required Documents' for more information
SF-50s (if applicable)
NOTE: It is your responsibility to include all information needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient information or if you do not include all of the required documents you will be found ineligible. This office will not solicit for additional information.
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 04/12/2027
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 occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers at SSA at Careers@ssa.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position. Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, we will not be responding to questions regarding receipt of application or application materials.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
