This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General.

Duties

Provides para-professional legal services on a range of complex legal issues arising in the course of the work of attorneys in OCIG. This function includes providing paralegal services on complex and time-sensitive health care civil and administrative cases, program exclusions, and other complex legal issues within the responsibility of ACRB. Evaluates self-disclosure submissions by health care providers, grant recipients, and HHS contractors to determine whether the submissions meet the requirements of the applicable self-disclosure programs and update related case tracking systems. Conducts deconfliction of all subjects, through creation of detailed case subject entries and searches of case subject information in the Investigative Reporting and Information System (IRIS), for self-disclosed and affirmative CMPL cases at the time of initial case intake and screening, periodically during the case resolution process, and prior to settlement in order to ensure that any actual or potential conflicts with existing OIG cases are identified and resolved prior to case acceptance or settlement. Resolves or assists with the resolution of self-disclosure submissions through the detailed review and analysis of the submissions and the preparation of opening memos, settlement authorization memos, settlement memos, and settlement agreements; making recommendations to assigned attorneys or supervisors regarding the appropriate resolution of self-disclosure submissions; negotiating with private counsel; and ensuring that case tracking systems are updated and contain the appropriate information. Evaluates referrals of affirmative cases under the CMPL involving the employment of excluded individuals and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), including the review of relevant documents, and the preparation of recommendation memos regarding whether cases should be pursued; resolves or assists with the resolution of affirmative CMPL cases through the preparation of opening memos, settlement authorization memos, settlement agreements, settlement memos, negotiation with private counsel, and the review of documents and other information necessary to determine the appropriate resolution of the case. Conducts research and performs analysis of pertinent facts and data retrieved from agency data systems (e.g., STARS and OnePI) and the preparation of documents to support civil and administrative cases. Prepares legal briefs outlining the OIG's position and any evidence exhibits, and performs any needed legal research, in order to assist ACRB attorneys in defending appeals of program exclusions before an Administrative Law Judge and the HHS Departmental Appeals Board. Monitors declined qui tam cases filed under the FCA, by using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system to check for available court filings and other documents and responding to and initiating status inquiries. Provides assistance to OAS and OEI personnel in ensuring that the audits and evaluations performed by those components do not conflict with existing cases being handled by OCIG attorneys. Prepares case summaries and statistical reports relating to the civil and administrative matters handled by OCIG for the ACRB Branch Chief in connection with the periodic compiling of performance metrics information and on an as-needed basis to respond to data requests from OIG leadership, OCIG management, or other OIG components. Participates in discussions, meetings, and conferences with parties to civil and administrative litigation to gather facts, develop informative and constructive relationships, and to secure and provide information needed for the successful resolution of cases. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S Citizenship is required.
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
• Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Time in grade must be met within 30 days of closing date of announcement.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience providing para-professional legal services and staff support for attorneys; and Experience preparing settlement agreements, settlement memos, and demand letters. 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. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume. HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Contacts

• Address OIG Office of Counsel to the Inspector General 330 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20201 US
• Name: Candace Tomlinson
• Phone: 858-758-0634
• Email: [email protected]