The position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR), Center for Civil Rights Enforcement (CCRE), Program Adjudications Division (PAD). The purpose of the position is to serve as a subject matter expert in coordinating civil rights evaluation and adjudication activities in USDA as they relate to allegations of discrimination in program delivery through agencies of USDA.

Duties

Applies knowledge of and adheres to Departmental civil rights policies, goals, and objectives, with a philosophy of valuing diversity in performing everyday duties and responsibilities. Interprets laws, executive orders, court decisions, and broad policy statements, regulations, and directives which provide the framework within which major decisions are made. Analyzes evidence contained in a Report of Investigation (ROI) and drafts final agency decisions and appellate decisions, concerning adverse agency actions in the delivery of programs to determine whether civil rights statutes were violated. Reviews and evaluates ROIs for legal and technical sufficiency in the context of evidence provided in agency program files. Reviews record of evidence, ascertains whether it has been adequately developed for a full and fair adjudication. If not, drafts a request for a supplemental investigation, identifying, the additional evidence needed to conduct the adjudication. Identifies and correctly articulate the claims (issues and protected bases) to be adjudicated; ascertain the applicable theory of discrimination (disparate treatment, disparate impact, harassment, etc.). Identifies impermissible bases of program discrimination and applies the appropriate prima facie analysis. Correctly sets forth relevant and pertinent facts, and sets forth sound, well-reasoned conclusions based on the appropriate analytical framework espoused by existing legal precedent, federal law, regulations, policies, and procedures. Provides technical assistance to subordinates and upper level management officials as required on the interpretation and application of various civil rights regulations, laws, rules and procedures. Develops and/or revises USDA's civil rights departmental regulations, manuals, directives, and guidance. Continually monitors these documents to ensure they are following applicable laws and executive orders. Analyzes social, economic, or demographic data and appropriate statistical/econometric models developed pursuant to investigations conducted by OASCR in order to provide authoritative interpretation of data in the draft final decisions. Works closely with the Chief, and senior adjudicators, on a case-by-case basis, when writing final agency decisions containing novel or high priority issues. Contributes to a productive and nondiscriminatory work environment through written and oral communications and interpersonal relations.

Requirements

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions and specialized experience as defined below. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. Applicants must meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements shown below. If qualifying based on experience, your application or resume must clearly show that you possess the specialized experience requirements. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. GS-13: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12, or its non-Federal equivalent that includes (1) Applying laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, concepts, and principles governing federal equal opportunity, affirmative employment and civil rights programs to serve as a technical authority in review of CRIAs (2) Reviewing and analyzing reports (3) Writing, interpreting, and analyzing probable facts applicable to law for Final Agency Decisions; (4) Reviewing and analyzing Reports for legal and technical sufficiency; and (5) Developing and/or reviewing the drafting department regulatory guidance. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Kindra Jones
• Email: [email protected]