Join our team! The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Legal Counsel in the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program Office. The PSOB Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

Duties

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responsible for providing federal leadership and assistance in support of state and local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities, and its Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The incumbent in this position provides legal advice to all BJA personnel as to all questions of law arising from the processing or adjudication of any claim under the PSOB Program, ensuring that such processing and adjudication is discharged in compliance with law, after due diligence and inquiry, and without fraud, waste, or abuse. PSOB Act Analysis, Advice and Guidance Addresses complex legal issues while providing counsel to the BJA Director and the PSOB Program. Prepares administrative decisions, reports, legal briefs, opinions, and other documents related to PSOB legal matters. Participates in the drafting of legislation and regulations. Provides legal guidance to support the program's policies and procedures. Reviews proposed legislation and regulations to assess their impact on the PSOB program and drafts memoranda and guidance accordingly. Makes recommendations based on feedback from the PSOB Program and assesses the legal implications of the proposed legislation. Suggests alternative language, as appropriate. Coordinates the work of the PSOB's Legal Counsel's Office, and establishes clear project goals, systems, and methodologies to enhance the legal review process, case tracking, communications with the PSOB Office, work assignments, and timely case processing. Develops policies and procedures to streamline legal reviews, reduce backlogs, and improve the timeliness of claim determinations. Provides updates to national public safety organizations and survivor groups about laws and regulations. In keeping with OJP procedures, assists the BJA and PSOB Director in responding to congressional and media inquiries regarding the Program. Provides information and guidance to the OJP Office of the Chief Financial Officer on PSOB Program legal matter-related submissions for the President's budget, including Office of Management and Budget data-call submissions and DOJ spend plans. PSOB Claims Review Reviews claims filed under the PSOB Act and provides well-reasoned and thorough legal advice.as to legal sufficiency of determinations. Provides advice, support, assistance, and direction to all BJA personnel in evaluating what evidence or information may be necessary, desirable, or relevant to such processing or adjudication, and in obtaining such evidence or information, including from state, local, and federal agencies, as well as private parties, and including, as appropriate, through the use of administrative subpoenas. Ensures that the language of claim determinations is legally sufficient in articulating legal and factual grounds of the decision. Oversees and manages the process initial level legal review of claims, provides legal guidance to independent hearing officer reviews of claims, and drafts of final agency determinations of claims. Trains legal personnel assigned to the program. Performs legal research in connection with issues that arise in particular claims and advises on relevant federal laws and regulations, DOJ rules and policies, and other laws that may be implicated by claims. Supervision Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the PSOB Legal Counsel's Office. Assigns, reviews, and supervises work of legal staff, provides guidance and training, manages staff performance, recruits and recommends action regarding hiring, and addresses personnel issues. Develops work plans, sets performance goals, and ensures team objectives are met in alignment with organizational priorities. Formally evaluates employee performance and resolves informal complaints and grievances. Fosters a collaborative work environment, encourages professional development, and maintains high standards of productivity and quality. Ensures a continuing affirmative application of equal opportunity policies in: merit promotion of employees; recruitment and hiring; fair treatment of employees; encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; career development of employees; and full use of staff skills. Supports an environment that ensures successful translation and fidelity of guidance and program models, provides expertise to other staff members in resolving questions related to program requirements. Ensures that the staff maintains substantive expertise and knowledge of ongoing developments in practice, policy, current research and evidence-based practices in the field to ensure that legal advice is based in current knowledge and needs. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Subject to background/suitability investigation/determination.
• Federal payments are required to be made by Direct Deposit.
• Requires registration for the Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov.
• Pre-employment drug testing required.
• This appointment is subject to completion of a 2-year trial period.
• This position requires active bar membership (any jurisdiction) in good standing.
• 1-year supervisory probationary period may be required.
• Submit all required documents and Online Assessment Questionnaire.
• Confidential Financial Disclosure may be required.

Qualifications

Applicants must: Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction). Have a minimum of five (5) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, four (4) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). Supervisory experience is preferred, but not required. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree.

Contacts

• Address Bureau of Justice Assistance DO NOT MAIL Washington, DC 20531 US
• Name: Bradley Mitchell
• Email: [email protected]