Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Area Port of New Orleans, FP&F Branch, located in New Orleans, LA.

Duties

As the Supervisory Paralegal Specialist (Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture Officer), you will use your expertise in the Fines, Penalties, & Forfeitures and Seized Property programs to strengthen Homeland Security. This position starts at a salary of $122,198.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $158,860.00 (GS-14, Step 10) with promotion potential to $158,860 (GS-14 Step 10). Responsibilities include: Reviewing and processing all cases within area of authority to final adjudication and solution. Providing technical and administrative advice, guidance, and avenues of resolution relative to CBP's regulations and the petitioner's rights and obligations under the law. Develops and evaluates all evidence, facts, and circumstances relating to a particular case and makes determinations, decisions, and recommendations within the requirements of the laws and regulations. Overseeing the adjudication of all Liquidated Damage, Penalty and Seizure cases, and the management of seized property. Oversees consignment, movement, storage, manipulation, destruction, sale, remittance, inventory and all aspects of quality assurance including quarterly contractor evaluations of seized general property stored at the National Seized Property Contractors location.

Requirements

Qualifications

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Reviews and makes decisions as to the acceptability of evidence in fraud cases, significant seizure cases, and in any case of unusual circumstances and/or complexity. Applies an in-depth knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, and procedures in discussing petition rights and identifying the obligations of the petitioner. Provides technical training to all employees, relative to the implementation of new and/or revised laws, regulations, and programs relevant to the FPF process. 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. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 04/16/2024. 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. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information, review the following links: Background investigation and the e-QIP process. Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Education

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment.

Required Trainings:

• The incumbent must attend Supervisory Leadership Training within 90 days of EOD. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed.
• Incumbent must have attended and successfully completed the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Basic Class, or do so within 12 months of entering duty/upon selection.
• Incumbent must attend and successfully pass the Custody and Management of Seized Property Alternate Class in the near future after selection, or have already successfully passed the Custody and Management of Seized Property Basic Class.
• Incumbent must attend FOIA/PA training or must have previously attended FOIA/PA training.

Contacts

• Address Office of Field Operations Please read entire announcement Please apply online Washington, DC 20229 US
• Name: CBP Hiring Center
• Phone: 952-857-2932
• Email: [email protected]