The U.S. Sentencing Commission is seeking a Deputy Director - Office of Education and Sentencing Practice. The incumbent reports to the director of the Office of Education and Sentencing Practice (ESP) and assists in developing and delivering sentencing guidelines training programs for federal judges, probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.

Duties

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND SENTENCING PRACTICE The Office of Education and Sentencing Practice performs the lead role in teaching guideline application to judges, probation officers, prosecuting and defense attorneys, and other criminal justice professionals in all 94 federal districts. During FY 2023, the Commission conducted 58 in-person training programs attended by more than 3,500 individuals. The Commission also has a robust eLearning schedule and training resources. In FY 2023, the Commission conducted 33 virtual training sessions attended by more than 5,500 individuals. The Commission's recorded classes were accessed over 1,200 times, and its eLearning courses were accessed more than 3,000 times. The staff develops training materials, participates in the sentencing guideline segments of training programs sponsored by other agencies, works in conjunction with the Administrative Office of the US Courts and the Federal Judicial Center to create webcasts and podcasts that are aired on the Commission's website, and helps inform the Commission about current guideline application practices. The office also operates the Helpline, accessible by phone and online, to respond to guideline application questions from guideline practitioners. DUTIES The incumbent reports to the director of the Office of Education and Sentencing Practice (ESP) and assists in developing and delivering sentencing guidelines training programs for federal judges, probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Duties include, but are not limited to: Supervising staff to fulfill the Commission's education and training mission; coordinating and allocating resources; ensuring short and long-term goals and strategies of the office are met. Approving requests for travel, leave, and work schedules. Assisting in developing and executing strategic plans for training judge, probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in the Sentencing Guidelines, related federal statutes, rules of procedure related to sentencing, and in sentencing techniques generally. Assisting in developing, managing, and conducting training seminars, workshops, and programs on federal sentencing for judges, probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in various geographic locations. Managing the production and dissemination of training materials in various forms, including in-person training and distance learning. Supervise the Commission's Helpline to respond to sentencing questions from guideline practitioners. As a member of senior staff, advising the Commissioners and Commission staff regarding possible guideline amendments and policies with a particular focus on interpretation and application of proposed amendments by guideline users. Representing the Commission at seminars and other programs on sentencing guideline issues. Performing back-up duties in the absence of the director, ESP. Completing other duties as assigned by the director of ESP, or by the staff director. There is relatively frequent travel involved (ranging from one trip per quarter to one trip per month) and may include travel on evenings and weekends.

Requirements

Qualifications

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants must possess a law degree (JD) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a 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 must have a minimum of seven years of legal experience which is in or directly related to the line of work of this position and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. Applicants must have demonstrated work experience applying the federal sentencing guidelines. Applicants must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact successfully with staff at all levels and with the Commissioners. Applicants must have excellent organization and planning skills. One (1) year of specialized work experience equivalent to the previous level in the federal service is required. For example, one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level is required to qualify for appointment at the JS-15 level. Applicants must have demonstrated work experience related to the mandatory requirements listed below and must address the qualification requirements in an attached cover letter or separate narrative statement. Ability to effectively manage staff and resources. Ability to manage competing priorities and work requirements. Skill in planning and scheduling own and unit's workload, managing multiple assignments, and ensuring deadlines are met and projects are completed on time. Expert knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines, the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, and sentencing-related issues. The ability to express, orally and in writing, complex legal issues in clear and succinct language so that the concepts are understood by both lawyers and non-lawyers. The incumbent must also possess excellent presentation skills in training sessions, business meetings, and public forums. Knowledge of training theory, principles, and best practices, and the ability to design effective methods for training individuals in the application of the federal sentencing guidelines. Expert knowledge and experience in interpreting the federal sentencing guidelines, case law, and related data to advise and assist in the drafting and analysis of amendments to the guidelines. Ability to serve as a spokesperson for the agency and to develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with a variety of Federal organizations, key individuals, and interest groups. BENEFITS The Commission participates in the following federal benefits: The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program; the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, federal retirement, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and the federal leave program. In addition, the Commission participates in the Judiciary's Flexible Spending Program for dependent care, health care, and commuter reimbursement, the government-wide Long Term Care Insurance Program, unemployment, and workers' compensation benefits. The Commission offers a monthly transit subsidy to employees who use mass transit to commute to and from work, subject to the availability of funds. The Commission offers alternative work schedules (AWS), which are fixed work schedules that enable full-time employees to complete the basic 80-hour biweekly work requirement in less than 10 workdays. The Commission offers regular telework (not full-time) to employees in positions deemed eligible by the staff director and who meet the requirements of an approved telework arrangement in which an employee performs official duties at home or at an approved telework site. The Commission also offers training opportunities to employees through LinkedIn Learning, and the Judiciary's Online University, which offers academic credit and professional credit programs through web-based learning. These training tools assist Commission employees with taking online courses in a flexible way, by offering training courses in the areas of: staff training and development; credit toward undergraduate degree programs; continuing education and non-credit certificate programs; executive education; contract training; credit credentials courses for continuing professional education and credit for individuals who hold credentials and achieve certifications associated with several globally-recognized sponsored organizations. The Commission is conveniently located next to Union Station on Capitol Hill, and is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metro, and the MARC and VRE commuter trains. In addition to the federal benefits package, the Commission's location in the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building offers various amenities such as a health unit, credit union, day care center, cafeteria, and free on-site fitness center.

Education

Applicants must possess a law degree (JD) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a 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.

Contacts

• Address United States Sentencing Commission One Columbus Circle NE Suite 2-500 Washington, DC 20002 US
• Name: Corinne Smith
• Phone: 202-502-4500
• Email: [email protected]