This position is located in the Board of Immigration Appeals , Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. The Paralegal Specialist provides assistance to the Appellate Immigration Judges (AIJs) and Attorneys in case adjudication by performing legal research and analysis; drafting documents; and creating and maintaining case files. This is a Competitive Service position; additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Screens and reviews case files to identify and record legal issues; processes and moves screened cases based upon review thereof. Performs extensive and thorough legal research into laws, legislative history, precedent setting cases, decisions, and opinions that may be applicable. Drafts administrative decisions to be reviewed by AIJs; drafts responses to motions, and notice letters to parties before the Board. Provides technical support to staff members, attorneys, managers, and AIJs during various stages of case processing and adjudication, and timely responds to inquiries regarding the status and processing of cases. Prepares memoranda and reports, and compiles data and other information relating to ongoing immigration matters. Monitors the case management system for judicial and internal deadlines. Responds to time-sensitive phone calls and email inquiries from the public and the Department of Homeland Security concerning motions for stay of removal; assists attorneys and AIJs in preparing the case file for review in adjudicating the motions for stay of removal.

Requirements

• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Probationary period will apply.
• May be required to file a Financial Disclosure.
• Salary payments must be by direct deposit to a financial institution.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Paralegal Specialistposition, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: FOR THE GS-09 LEVEL: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience, equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, performing the following duties: Drafting judicial papers or responses to motions, such as, subpoenas, change of venue, or motions to terminate; Evaluating judicial orders, decisions, bond proceedings, or legal documents for case law compliance; Entering data into case management systems according to proper data entry requirements; Obtaining factual information or research through face-to-face meetings with legal support personnel. (Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience) -OR- Education: Have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR I have an LL.B. or J.D., in a directly related field. (Must provide transcripts.) NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. -OR- Combination: Possess a combination of the above described graduate education and specialized experience such that they total 100% of the stated minimum qualifications for the GS-09 level. Only graduate education beyond the first year (18 semester hours) may be used when combining education and experience for this option. NOTE: Applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. NOTE: In order to be rated as meeting the minimum qualifications, we must be able to determine from your application package that you have the education and/or specialized experience that is required. Your resume MUST contain your full name, some form of contact information (phone number, email address and/or living address), and the following employment information: Employer name and location for each position held. From and to dates (MM/YY-MM/YY or from MM/YY to "present") for each position held. The month and year is required to fully credit your time. For part-time positions, please include number of hours worked per week, positions that do not include this information will be assumed as full-time (40 hours a week). Grade/levels held for each federal position. (Ex. GS-11; IR-06; FV-G…etc.) Detailed descriptions of experience under each position held. (Applicants must provide specific supporting examples to show that they meet the qualifications of the position shown in the announcement.) Any submitted documents not required or requested for this vacancy will not be considered (i.e. training certificates, case filings, letter of recommendations, etc.). (ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION PRIOR TO FINAL SELECTION.)

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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 accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

Contacts

• Address Board of Immigration Appeals 5107 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 US
• Name: Maria Snyder
• Email: [email protected]