About the Position: This position is located at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.

Duties

Investigates and processes complex personal injury claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act and similar legislation, including medical malpractice, product liability, vehicle collisions, aviation mishaps, and maritime law. Investigates incidents, develops complete factual evidence, defines legal issues, and makes initial findings as to the merits of individual claims. Negotiates directly with attorneys, claimants, and insurance companies for mutually agreeable settlements of claims against and in favor of the Army. Provides full support to the Department of Justice in defending the Army and its officials from any and all suits arising in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands when settlement of claim is not possible. Provides litigation representation and support that includes preparation of pleadings, motions, and responses necessary to defend the interests of the United States in federal and local courts as needed. Advises military members, retired personnel, and their dependents on matters concerning civil legal matters (i.e., divorce, marriage, adoption, taxes). Provides legal advice and assistance in the areas of civilian personnel administration and Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Advises Civilian Personnel Officer and staff on legal questions arising in the labor relations program and other areas of civilian personnel management as requested. Provides legal opinions on administrative law, civilian personnel law, labor management relations, equal employment opportunity, as well as all associated problems concerning personnel.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• A two year trial/probationary period may be required.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance for access for the duration of employment.
• This position may require the incumbent to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R.
• This position requires the incumbent to maintain active bar membership, in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

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. KSA's: Ability to analyze, formulate legal opinions, provide advice, and represent the agency. Skill in providing expert legal and policy advice, including expert legal advice on the Federal Tort Claim Act, claims, environmental law, civilian personnel law, and legal assistance. Knowledge of administrative law in areas such as administrative investigations, Government property management, Privacy Act issues, records management, funding and fiscal law matters, Memorandum of Understanding, Memorandum of Agreement, and Freedom of Information Act. Knowledge of ethics law in areas such as integrity concerns, Non-Federal Entity considerations, financial disclosure reports, and travel and conference reviews Ability to provide legal advice and legal assistance on a variety of topics to military clients, their dependents, retirees, and other eligible clients. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels as well as with key individuals in a variety of other federal organizations and interest groups Ability to lead others and work cooperatively as part of a team. Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Must be able to fluently speak, read, and write Spanish and English with professional expertise. Must be a member in good standing of the Puerto Rico Bar Association and be eligible for certification as a Puerto Rican Notary Public (Notario). Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) AND active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation. As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials. Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials. GS-13 Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-13 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 2 years of professional legal experience , acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience. Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA's) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position. If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year 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 level as the position being filled. 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 Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (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. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.

Education

Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education websites at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications and http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

Contacts

• Address FU-W1H1AA US ARMY IMCOM-USAG FT BUCHANAN DO NOT MAIL Fort Buchanan, PR 00934 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk