About the Position: Serves as an Attorney-Adviser (General) in the DHA Office of General Counsel, part of DLSA. These vacancies are located in San Antonio, TX.. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. These positions are in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Duties

Advises the DHA command on civilian personnel law, labor relations and equal employment law issues, including matters arising from the civil service system, employment discrimination and a variety of other labor issues. Counsels DHA leaders and supervisors on informal resolution of grievances, providing guidance to line management and all EEO officers within the Region/Markets on resolving informal discrimination complaints. Conducts settlement negotiations on behalf of the DHA management with opposing counsel, drafts settlement agreements, coordinates with commanders and directors on the meaning and resourcing of settlements. Provides timely responses to difficult, complex, and urgent legal problems presented so as to preclude interruptions in services. Assists DHA Ethics Counselors and the DHA government ethics programs. Incumbent establishes case strategy and tactics, participates in pre-hearing conferences, examines and cross-examines witnesses, argues motions, prepares and presents opening statements and closing arguments.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• Approximately 5% travel may be required. Travel may involve local, and or overnight.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position: Skill in identifying legal issues and conducting relevant legal research within Administrative Law, Labor Law, or Health Law. Skill in administrative hearings practice. Skill in oral and written advocacy. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Defense Health Agency considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for 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. (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 http://www.opm.gov/). TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: If currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade as the position being filled. Time-in grade may be waived for current federal employees at management's discretion. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to the target grade of the position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management. Duties described reflect the full performance GS-14 level. If not selected at the full performance, duties will be performed in a developmental capacity under close supervision. The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). Bar membership: Applicant must currently be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Document should be dated within three months of the date the application is submitted. Experience Required for the GS-13: Applicant must have two (2) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Experience Required for the GS-14: Applicant must have three (3) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address KF-DHA-DDAAFC DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY HQ DO NOT MAIL Falls Church, VA 22042 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk