This position is located in the Board of Immigration Appeals , Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. The Paralegal Specialist provides assistance to the Appellate Immigration Judges (AIJs) and Attorneys in case adjudication by performing legal research and analysis; drafting documents; and creating and maintaining case files. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Duties

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Duties include but are not limited to the following: Performs extensive and thorough legal research into laws, legislative history, precedent setting cases, decisions, and opinions that may be applicable Screens and reviews case files to identify and record legal issues; processes and moves screened cases based upon review thereof Drafts administrative decisions to be reviewed by AIJs, responses to motions, and notice letters to parties before the Board Provides technical support to staff members, attorneys, managers, and AIJs during various stages of case processing and adjudication, and timely responds to inquiries regarding the status and processing of cases Prepares memoranda and reports, and compiles data and other information relating to ongoing immigration matters Monitors the case management system for judicial and internal deadlines Responds to time-sensitive phone calls and email inquiries from the public and the Department of Homeland Security concerning motions for stay of removal and assists attorneys and AIJs in preparing the case file for review in adjudicating the motions for stay of removal

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Moving and Relocation Expenses are not authorized.
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section).
• A one year probationary period may be required, if not already met.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Regarding vaccinations for COVID-19 (see Additional Information section).

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Paralegal Specialist position, you must meet the following time in grade requirements and minimum qualifications: TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. (Please submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. If your eligibility for both merit promotion and/or time-in-grade cannot be determined, your application will be rated ineligible. Please see Required Documents for additional information). Time-in-grade requirements also apply to VEOA applicants having held a GS position in the past year. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. To Qualify at the GS-09 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties: (Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience) Drafting judicial papers or responses to motions, such as, subpoenas, change of venue, or motions to terminate; Evaluating judicial orders, decisions, bond proceedings, or legal documents for case law compliance; Entering data into case management systems according to proper data entry requirements; and Obtaining factual information or research through face-to-face meetings with legal support personnel. -OR- Education: Have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR I have an LL.B. or J.D., in a directly related field. (Must provide transcripts.) NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. -OR- Combination: Possess a combination of the above described graduate education and specialized experience such that they total 100% of the stated minimum qualifications for the GS-09 level. Only graduate education beyond the first year (18 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience for this option. (Must submit transcripts.) NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. Note, if your qualifying experience is from federal employment, please provide your SF-50 showing the highest grade level held in the federal service. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

Contacts

• Address Board of Immigration Appeals 5107 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 US
• Name: Midwest Services Branch
• Phone: 8164265706
• Email: [email protected]