The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.

Duties

As the Divisional Supervisory Paralegal and Special Assistant to the Chief Judge, the incumbent has broad division-wide responsibilities and undertakes a wide range of assignments at the direction of the Chief Judge. Responsibilities and assignments will require extensive contact with PHD employees, as well as program leads for other agencies, private attorneys, and interested parties. The responsibilities and assignments may involve any of the PHD-wide responsibilities of the Chief Judge, such as drafting and providing advice on PHD policies and best practices. The incumbent assists the Chief Judge on case docket management, including assignments of judges, attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants to cases and other projects. Duties include but are not limited to the following: May supervise PHD staff as needed or assigned by the Chief Judge, performing a full range of supervisory functions.Responsible for facilitating the administrative operations of the PHD, resolving administrative issues as they arise in the PHD offices. Assists the Chief Judge in managing PHD cases. Responsible for ensuring that procedures are in place to facilitate the efficient assignment of cases to the proper PHD employees, monitors caseload distribution, and addresses caseload imbalances. Serves as the program manager for TAAMS, the docket/case tracking system for Indian probate cases. Responsible for the oversight of information entered by the PHD paralegals and legal assistants in TAAMS, and troubleshoots and resolves system issues. Develops training materials, and conducts new and refresher training as needed, for all PHD legal assistants and paralegals on the use of TAAMS, case intake and review, docketing, decision drafting, and various other PHD processes and procedures. Utilizes computer-based programs to facilitate the compilation of a variety of reports, both statistical and narrative, covering PHD activities. Analyzes data for long-term trends to assist with strategic planning for PHD. Performs legal research, analysis, evaluation, and preparation of legal documents in probate cases referred to the PHD as needed and ensures timely disposition of PHD cases. Answers a wide variety of inquiries from within and outside OHA, covering a complete cross-section of legal work and procedures of the PHD. Serves as PHD's contact on FOIA, Records, and Privacy issues and works closely with the Director's office. The incumbent works with the Chief Judge to identify individuals in PHD to respond to requests. Drafts responses to media requests and Congressional inquiries as directed by Chief Judge and the Director's office. Advises the Chief Judge on the establishment of policies and best practices, including procedures for PHD concerning all facets of case processing, as well as travel-related policies and best practices. The incumbent coordinates or drafts revisions to best practices and procedures for PHD as necessary and appropriate. The Office of Hearings and Appeals has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework in accordance with agency policy.

Requirements

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-13, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is (must meet all five and must be clearly reflected in your resume): Performing legal research, conducting case review, and drafting legal documents for review; Conducting training for staff pertaining to case processing and docketing; Serving as an advanced user or a point of contact for an electronic case management system and troubleshooting system issues; Using electronic databases or a case management system to track and manipulate data to produce reports or provide other case related information; and Leading staff (formally or informally) where you were responsible for monitoring staff workload, distributing assignments, and setting goals and due dates. All applicants must have or be able to obtain a valid driver's license to drive privately owned vehicles and/or rentals to hearings, which may sometimes take place in remote locations without public transportation. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Contacts

• Address Office of the Secretary 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166 US
• Name: Ericka Witham
• Email: ericka.witham@bsee.gov