This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/496880700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Organizational Location: This attorney position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), Government Information Law Division (GILD), Washington, DC.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
NOTE: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) is the legal arm of ICE, the largest investigative agency of DHS, and provides expert mission-critical legal services, counsel, and training to support ICE initiatives and programs vital to protecting U.S. national security. OPLA is the principal legal representative for DHS/ICE in a variety of courts and forums.
The Government Information Law Division (GILD) is a subordinate Division within OPLA. GILD is responsible for providing legal advice on all matters relating to the disclosure of agency information both within and outside the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To that end, GILD works closely with ICE's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office and the U.S. Department of Justice in coordinating the agency's response to FOIA litigation. GILD attorneys also adjudicate FOIA appeals and are responsible for working with the ICE FOIA Office to review their work at the administrative level and act as counsel on the appeals. GILD attorneys also provide critical legal support by ensuring that law enforcement efforts are compliant with disclosure, privacy, and records management requirements. GILD attorneys handle third party requests or subpoenas for agency testimony and documents which entails corresponding with parties and subpoenaed employees, reviewing requested documents, redacting documents to preserve privileges, and preparing declarations in support of privileges asserted. GILD also handles a vast array of additional disclosure-related issues, including: federal, state, and foreign requests for information; privacy issues; and, reviews of national and international agreements. The division also provides crucial assistance in responding to Congress, media outlets, and other entities, and defends the agency against information disclosure and Privacy Act litigation.
04/16/2018 to 04/23/2018
$134,789 - $164,200 per year
GS 15
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
15
Yes
DE-10187338-18-WJJ
496880700
The duties of the position include (1) supporting the Chief in managing all substantive and personnel matters relating to GILD; (2) the leadership of attorney and support staff; (3) strategic planning; (4) the quality control of attorney written work product; (5) the provision of technical legal guidance to attorney staff in the areas of information disclosure to include the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act, the E-government Act, and the Federal Records Act; (6) the oversight of legal advice to the other ICE components and litigation support to U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the areas of information disclosure to include the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act, the E-government Act, and the Federal Records Act; (7) the management of financial resources, including budget formulation and execution; and (8) briefing and providing legal advice to senior OPLA management and senior ICE management on emerging and high profile issues. In addition to the supervision of legal work within the Division, the Deputy Chief will also be expected to maintain an active caseload.
The work is diverse, fast-paced and requires the ability to work closely and diplomatically with federal and state agencies and law enforcement partners; prioritize multiple assignments; exercise sound legal judgment; efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex issues; and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Applicants must possess the following characteristics and competencies: integrity, judgment, organizational skills, communication skills, reliability, perseverance, decisiveness, initiative, professionalism, the ability to function independently and as part of a team, interpersonal relationship skills, outstanding written and oral advocacy skills, and a superior knowledge of information and disclosure law and procedures.
The selectee will be required to have or be able to obtain a security clearance at the Top Secret level.
Applicants must be a graduate of a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association and an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level.
Trial Period: New attorneys to the Federal government will be required to serve a trial period of 2 years. New supervisors will be required to serve a one (1) year probationary period.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Notice to Veterans Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the Excepted Service; however, the OPLA considers veteran's preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Applicants eligible for veteran's preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at https://www.opm.gov
Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.
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.
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.
Qualified candidates will be rated by comparing each candidate's qualifications to the skills and experience pertinent to the position to be filled. Experience, education, training, awards, and performance will be considered. The following factors are of particular importance to the position to be filled, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas as part of their application. These areas must be addressed in a document separate from the resume and submitted as part of the application package.
(1) Supporting the Chief in managing a nationwide information law practice including the leadership of attorney and support staff,
(2) strategic planning,
(3) overseeing the quality control of attorney written work product,
(4) the provision and oversight of technical legal guidance to attorney staff in the areas of information disclosure to include the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act, the E-government Act, and the Federal Records Act,
(5) the oversight of legal advice to clients and litigation experience in the areas of information disclosure to include the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Paperwork Reduction Act, the E-government Act, and the Federal Records Act,
(6) the management of financial resources, including budget formulation and execution; and
(7) briefing and providing legal advice to senior management or senior executive officials on emerging and high-profile issues in information law. In addition to the supervision of legal work within the Division, the Deputy Chief will also be expected to maintain an active caseload.
A cover letter is required as part of this application. It must specifically address the applicant's knowledge; skills, abilities, and experience and must also discuss his or her characteristics and competencies for the position.
Your qualification for this position will be evaluated based upon the responses you provide on the job specific questionnaire and other required documents as part of the application process for this position.
All the information you provide may be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible, not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
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.
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. You must include the documentation below (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in the vacancy announcement) to receive consideration for this position. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Resume: A resume that includes announcement number, veteran's preference, your full name, address, phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number and a detailed description of your experience, education, training and self-development and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY). This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Transcript: You must submit a copy of your transcript and grade-point average or class ranking, to prove that you possess a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar (ABA)-accredit law school if you graduated within the last five years. If you have five years or more practicing law, your transcript is not required.
Bar Membership: You must submit proof of your current membership (card or other documentary evidence) or certificate of good standing from the bar to which you are licensed. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Certificate of Good Standing: If you are selected, before you enter on duty you must submit proof that you are a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. If you do not have a bar card or other documentary evidence as proof of your current membership, you must submit a certificate of good standing. The proof must be dated within the previous six months.
Cover Letter: You must submit a cover letter detailing the skills, legal experience, and interests that qualify you for the position with your application package.This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
It must contain the following information if not already contained in your resume:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10187338 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/23/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into 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.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, please contact the OPLA representative listed on this announcement.
Notification Process: Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or if you were referred to the hiring official for further consideration.
After review of the application packages is complete, highly qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews. All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The process of consideration of applicants may take several weeks. You will be notified of the outcome. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. If you are selected, a suitability/security background investigation will be conducted.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DHS requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation.
NOTE: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. You must include the documentation below (in addition to specific information requested elsewhere in the vacancy announcement) to receive consideration for this position. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Resume: A resume that includes announcement number, veteran's preference, your full name, address, phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number and a detailed description of your experience, education, training and self-development and the dates you performed them (MM/DD/YY). This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Transcript: You must submit a copy of your transcript and grade-point average or class ranking, to prove that you possess a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar (ABA)-accredit law school if you graduated within the last five years. If you have five years or more practicing law, your transcript is not required.
Bar Membership: You must submit proof of your current membership (card or other documentary evidence) or certificate of good standing from the bar to which you are licensed. This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
Certificate of Good Standing: If you are selected, before you enter on duty you must submit proof that you are a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. If you do not have a bar card or other documentary evidence as proof of your current membership, you must submit a certificate of good standing. The proof must be dated within the previous six months.
Cover Letter: You must submit a cover letter detailing the skills, legal experience, and interests that qualify you for the position with your application package.This documentation must be submitted with your application package.
It must contain the following information if not already contained in your resume:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 apply for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10187338 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section below.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/23/2018 to receive consideration.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log into 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.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. If you need further assistance, please contact the OPLA representative listed on this announcement.
Notification Process: Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or if you were referred to the hiring official for further consideration.
After review of the application packages is complete, highly qualified applicants may be contacted for interviews. All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The process of consideration of applicants may take several weeks. You will be notified of the outcome. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. If you are selected, a suitability/security background investigation will be conducted.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DHS requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation.
NOTE: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/496880700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a diverse workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the second largest investigative agency in the Federal government. Created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, ICE now has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 offices in the United States and 46 foreign countries around the world. ICE is a key component of the DHS layered defense approach to protecting our nation. For additional information about ICE and career opportunities go to www.ice.gov.