This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), General Law Division (GLD). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Chair of the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR or Board) of the Coast Guard. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Duties

As a Supervisory Attorney-Advisor (General), GS-0905-15, your typical work assignments may include: Exercise all functions and duties vested in the BCMR Chair, to include reviewing and determining all matters brought before the Board; convening meetings of the Board; and receiving evidence; causing draft decisions to be prepared for presentation to the Board, and rewriting decisions as required. Supervise two attorneys and a paralegal in carrying out the functions of the BCMR. Manage and assign case load to ensure that the Board's decisions are timely issued. Ensure timely communication with Congress, Coast Guard members, and applicants about Board cases and procedures. Read case files concerning claims about errors and injustices in Coast Guard members' and veterans' military and medical records-such as claims about promotion, punishment, retirement, pay, discharges, and disability benefits-to learn and be able to discuss the facts of each assigned case. Research the law and policy applicable to the claims and identify significant factual and legal issues for the Board to consider and deliberate. Draft, and supervise the drafting of, formal legal decisions with excellent logic and clarity and containing thorough summaries of the allegations, military and medical records, and applicable law and policy, as well as findings with clear and careful applications of the law and policy to the facts. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation and obtain a Secret security clearance.
• You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
• You must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); AND Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized Experience: The skills and experience listed immediately below are of particular importance to the position, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas, where applicable, as part of their application. You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government. Specialized experience is: Managing a legal program, to include supervising attorneys and professional staff; developing governing policy and procedures and integrating technology to improve program operations. Researching and drafting legal decisions concerning military personnel matters pursuant to judicial clerkships or in other adjudicatory fora. NOTE: The Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR or Board) of the Coast Guard is a part of the General Law Division, OGC. The Board accepts applications and issues final decisions regarding such military personnel matters as promotions, demotions, discharges, retirements, physical disability ratings, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, racial and gender discrimination, and various monetary benefits. The Board is composed of civilian employees, all attorneys, from throughout the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Contacts

• Address Department of Homeland Security Headquarters OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170 6595 Springfield Center Drive Springfield, VA 20598-0170 US
• Name: Lori Pollacci
• Phone: 202-573-0592
• Email: [email protected]