The position is located in the Eastern Regional office under the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD), Office of Hearings and Appeals, National Appeals Division (NAD). The Legal Assistant works primarily with the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, and Administrative Support Staff assisting in the collection and assessment of information relevant to appeal requests and determinations.

Duties

Initiates the preparation of letters of acknowledgement and requests for information to the appellant and/or agency in order to perfect appeals. Maintains complete control of records for all cases received and monitors cases to ensure statutory deadlines are being met. Carries out case development, addressing complex issues, and documenting each specific step in an appeal as the cases progress through the administrative appellate system. Prepares responses (through research and writing drafts) to requests from participants, USDA officials, and other concerned parties. Provides advice and guidance to clerical personnel on administrative hearings policy and procedures. Applies knowledge of and adheres to Agency civil rights policies, goals, objectives, and the philosophy of valuing diversity in performing everyday duties and responsibilities.

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, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. The following link provides more information on the qualifications for this position: Clerical and Administrative Support Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-09: You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-08) or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent in the private or public sector. Specialized experience for this position includes: 1) examining evidence to determine whether documentation is sufficient for filing a case as required by regulation and policy; 2) evaluating legal documentation to provide recommendations for legal appeals; 3) advising others regarding appeal procedures; and 4) applying legal regulations, procedures, rules and policies related to legal appeals. TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT GS-09: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level (GS-08). 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, knowledge, and skills 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

.Education may not be substituted for specialized experience for this series and grade.

Contacts

• Address Office of Hearings and Appeals 1400 Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20250 US
• Name: Marilyn Rivas
• Phone: 855-227-8131
• Email: [email protected]