This position resides in the Review Branch of the Defender Services Office (DSO). The DSO provides leadership, direction, administration, management, oversight, and support for the federal appointed counsel system. DSO also serves as staff and counsel to the Judicial Conference's Defender Services Committee (DSC) and administers the hybrid system of federally appointed counsel consisting of Federal Defender Organizations (FDOs) and Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys.

Duties

The mission of the Defender Services program is to ensure that the right to counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment, the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C.3006A), and other congressional mandates is enforced on behalf of those who cannot afford to retain counsel and other necessary defense services. By fulfilling its mission, the Defender Services program helps to (a) maintain public confidence in the nation's commitment to equal justice under law and (b) ensure the successful operation of the constitutionally based adversary system of justice by which both federal criminal laws and federally guaranteed rights are enforced. The incumbent will be committed to the principle of public defense and responsible for conducting reviews of the federal defender program, providing written and oral guidance to FDOs, conducting research and developing written policies and procedures, and presenting to and organizing meetings and conferences for federal defenders, administrative officers, and judges. The duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Serving as a team lead for reviews of the federal defender program, including special reviews, in each federal judicial district to ensure that the program is administered in accordance with applicable statues and the Judicial Conference (the governing body of the judiciary) policies and is consistent with practices endorsed by the Judicial Conference's Committee on Defender Services. This requirement includes expertise in federal defender organization (FDO) operations as well as all aspects of the CJA Model Plan and best practices in panel management and administration. Managing and administering, in coordination with the PRB Chief, all aspects of the review program, including scheduling, training, reviewing and editing all review reports, and advising on complex issues arising from reviews. Providing written and oral guidance to FDOs, court officials, and AO and DSO personnel regarding high level policy making and implementation. Special topics may include leadership and management; diversity, equity, and inclusion; dispute resolution; CDO grants management, and similar. Responding to written and telephone inquiries and making comprehensive presentations to federal defenders, administrative officers, and judges at working and advisory group meetings, committee meetings, orientations, and conferences. Advising, conducting research, and developing written policies and procedures on complex matters related to DSO (and the Program Review Branch's) mission and goals and regarding the administrative operations of FDOs consistent with the CJA and U.S. Judicial Conference requirements. The latter may include, but is not limited to, procurement, contracting, human resources and workforce management, and information technology. Assisting the PRB Chief to track staff assignments and monitor workflows. Serving as the Acting PRB Chief in the Chief's absence.

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants must have demonstrated experience as listed below. This requirement is according to the AO Classification, Compensation, and Recruitment Systems which include interpretive guidance and reference to the OPM Operating Manual for Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions. Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or a federal court of general jurisdiction. Applicants are responsible for citing minimum qualifications such as J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes. Failure to supply details will constitute an incomplete application. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Post J.D. Experience: Applicants must also possess at least 3 years of post J.D. experience. Specialized Experience: Subsequent to graduation from law school, applicants must have at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position. Specialized experience is demonstrated experience conducting reviews of the federal defender program; researching, interpreting, analyzing complex legal and policy issues; developing written policies and procedures; familiarity with basic human resources principles (including, but not limited to, recruitment and retention, performance appraisal systems, performance improvement plans, and conflict resolution processes); and advanced understanding of internal FDO operations and current legal challenges facing the federal defender community.

Education

Applicants must possess a law degree (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on OPM's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Defender Services Office One Columbus Circle, NE Washington, DC 20544 US
• Name: Bassin Njie
• Phone: (202) 502-2202
• Email: [email protected]