About the Position: This is a developmental position and can be filled at either grade (GS-13 or GS- 14) with noncompetitive promotion to the next grade level authorized until you reach the full performance level of GS-14; pending demonstrated ability to perform the next higher/target level grade duties. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. These positions are in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Duties

Serve as a Network Ethics Counselor and oversees the assigned Ethics Programs. Implement the Joint Ethics Regulation (JER) and practices preventive law to avoid agency ethics violations. Research, analyze, and provide oral and written legal opinions on the most complex conflict of interest situations and the interpretation and application of ethical standards. Manage the Networks assigned Confidential and Public Financial Disclosure programs. Coordinate with Higher Headquarters Standards of Conduct Office and the Office of Government Ethics, as required. Assure compliance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 by covered civilian employees and military members. Serve as consultant with respect to all administrative and legal matters not within the province of more clearly defined fields of administrative and civil law such as claims and legal assistance. Prepare legal opinions that involve complex legal and factual issues that often have far-reaching impacts on the Military Treatment Facility, on individuals, and on relations with partners. Conduct legal research using agency directives and regulations, federal and state law, judicial and administrative opinions, memoranda, and staff papers for commanders/staff.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• Approximately 5% travel may be required.
• Incumbent is required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450 upon entering the position and annually, in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7 R, Joint Ethics Regulation, dated 17-Nov-2011.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens: Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position: Skill in identifying legal issues and conducting relevant legal research within Administrative Law, Labor Law, or Health Law. Skill in administrative hearings practice. Skill in oral and written advocacy. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Defense Health Agency considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at http://www.opm.gov/). TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: If currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade as the position being filled. Time-in grade may be waived for current federal employees at management's discretion. Management may select at any of the grade levels announced. This recruitment provides promotion opportunity to the target grade of the position without further competition when selectee is eligible and recommended by management. Duties described reflect the full performance GS-14 level. If not selected at the full performance, duties will be performed in a developmental capacity under close supervision. The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). Bar membership: Applicant must currently be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Document should be dated within three months of the date the application is submitted. Experience Required for the GS-13: Applicant must have two (2) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Experience Required for the GS-14: Applicant must have three (3) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address KF-DHA-DDAAFC DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY HQ DO NOT MAIL Falls Church, VA 22042 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk