This position is located in the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO) , Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. The Paralegal Specialist performs legal research, prepares legal memoranda, and performs a variety of legal and general administrative tasks. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Duties

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Researches statutes, regulations, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities on the points of law involved and analyzes and applies such findings to the case at hand, including, as appropriate, the utilization of automated legal research for Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). Provides assistance to the ALJs in connection with evidentiary, procedural, and substantive issues in pending cases. Reviews case-related documents for conformity with format, grammar, style, and OCAHO procedures prior to signature and issuance by the ALJs. Monitors, updates and organizes case indexes and electronic case files. Coordinates the preparation of correspondence, orders, and decisions in draft and final form and forwards them to the appropriate parties and for publication. Serves as liaison and maintains contact with parties, counsel, and third parties regarding cases.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Moving and Relocation Expenses are not authorized.
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section).
• A one year probationary period may be required, if not already met.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Regarding vaccinations for COVID-19 (see Additional Information section)

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Paralegal Specialist position, you must meet the following time in grade requirements and minimum qualifications: TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. (Please submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. If your eligibility for both merit promotion and/or time-in-grade cannot be determined, your application will be rated ineligible. Please see Required Documents for additional information). Time-in-grade requirements also apply to VEOA applicants having held a GS position in the past year. AND FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties: 1) Researching statutes, regulations, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal Authorities; 2) Coordinating the preparation and submission of correspondence, orders, and decisions in draft and final form; 3) Providing status information on cases and answering specific procedural questions pertaining to the adjudication process; AND 4) Scheduling prehearing conferences and hearings, including coordinating arrangements with parties and counsel, securing appropriate courtroom space, and/or making travel arrangement. (Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience) -OR- Education: Have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR I have an LL.B. or J.D., in a directly related field. (Must provide transcripts.)NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. -OR- Combination: Possess a combination of the above described graduate education and specialized experience such that they total 100% of the stated minimum qualifications for the GS-09 level. Only graduate education beyond the first year (18 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience for this option. (Must submit transcripts.)NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties: 1) Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating discovery motions, petitions to intervene, other pleadings, and proposed testimony and exhibits in advance of conferences or hearings and summarizes their contents, identifying pertinent facts, procedural aspects, laws, and issues involved; 2) Making recommendations to staff concerning allegations, legal arguments, uncontested facts, appraisal of evidence, and inferences to be drawn; 3) Reviewing legal documents upon initial receipt for statutory and regulatory compliance, to include proper certification, party representation, and timeliness; AND 4) Preparing legal memoranda, and drafts written decisions and orders. (Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience) -OR- Education: Have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR I have an LL.M. in a directly related field. (Must submit transcripts.)NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. -OR- Combination: Have an appropriate combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed in A above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed in B above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate education in excess of two full years (36 hours) may be used to qualify. (Must submit transcripts.)NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Note, if your qualifying experience is from federal employment, please provide your SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the federal service. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer 5107 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 US
• Name: Midwest Services Branch
• Phone: 8164265706
• Email: [email protected]