The U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board is responsible for adjudicating appeals filed by Federal employees. The selectee of this position serves as a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist responsible for the supervision of a staff of paralegal specialists. They are responsible for all administrative functions in support of the mission of the office. In addition, the incumbent performs a full spectrum of paralegal duties to directly assist Administrative Judges.

Duties

The duties may include, but are not limited to: Directs a staff that provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to all of the Region's Administrative Judges and other Board staff. Evaluates resource needs, develops staffing proposals and oversees resource utilization, includes the performance of analytical duties focusing on improvements in the work processes of the organization. Participates in the development of the formal operating guidelines and drafts supplemental guidelines pertaining to the operations of the Region. Initiates formal personnel actions and monitors the performance of subordinates on an on-going basis, includes monitoring and handling employee conduct matters, exercises approval authority for a full range of leave requests Prepares cases for hearing, including writing synopses of issues and noting case file deficiencies, researching legal issues, assisting at teleconferences and hearings, and drafting orders. Initiates inquiries regarding case processing and responds to inquiries on behalf of the Administrative Judges of the office. Drafts initial decisions, involving dismissals because of lack of jurisdiction and/or untimely filing, settlements, and other similar appeals. Performs legal research, analyzing legal decisions, questions, opinions, rulings, and other issues affecting appeals. Performs research from reference sources including various titles of the United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, Westlaw, and Board decisions. Responds to oral and written requests from other Board offices, Congressional offices, the public, appellants and their representatives, and agency representatives, concerning potential, pending and past appeals and general Board procedures. Analyzes and evaluates initial appeals, determining timeliness and jurisdictional issues and hearing requirements.

Requirements

• US Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• As a condition of employment, satisfactory completion and favorable adjudication of a background investigation and/or fingerprint check may be required for this position.
• Successful completion of a one-year probationary or trial period (if new hire to the Federal service).
• Subject to a one year supervisory/managerial probationary period.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Practical knowledge of a body of laws and related rules, regulations, and precedents involved in Federal employee appeals and litigation relating to Federal employment; skill in interpreting and applying them to varying situations; skill in evaluating the relevancy of precedents and summarizing pertinent data on issues; skill in researching and maintaining legal databases using electronic resources; or skill in communicating with others in order to exchange legal information. Such experience is characterized by skill in problem analysis and problem solving sufficient to communicate in the style and mode appropriate for work at the level of an appeals court. Performing the range of duties as described above has equipped you with the comprehensive knowledge of the field of federal employment law and related areas of law that impact the rights, status, and obligations of federal employees. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address MSPB Human Resources 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401 US
• Name: Thomas Schoessler
• Phone: 612-336-3591
• Email: [email protected]