Supervisory Paralegal Specialist

About the role

This position is part of the Criminal Division team responsible for one of the heaviest criminal caseloads of any U.S. district. Additional positions may be filled using this announcement. The role is also open to applicants eligible under Merit Staffing procedures (26-SDCA-13074164-MS).

Responsibilities

• Oversees and monitors the composition and preparation of charging documents, plea agreements, deportation paperwork and discovery, and scheduling defendants for arraignment and plea in District Court.
• Performs necessary legal and other factual research into the substance of alleged violations to select charges and compose applicable charging documents.
• Monitors calendar of cases set for preliminary hearing and provides calendar Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) with case files so that indictment can be returned or information filed before date of preliminary examination.
• Oversees and assists in the designing, implementing and maintenance of a computer system for case monitoring.
• Serves as technical expert for assigned unit criminal cases and provides a wide range of direct legal support services for pending cases.
• Prepares and presents a variety of legal documents applying thorough knowledge of extensive practical litigative experience.
• Provides technical advice, guidance and assistance regarding support staff functions for the unit.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment conditioned upon satisfactory pre-employment adjudication (fingerprint, credit and tax checks, drug testing).
• Continued employment subject to favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
• If selected, subject to satisfactory completion of a one-year supervisory or managerial probationary period unless previously met.

Qualifications

GS-11 Level: To be eligible, you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions:

Specialized Experience

One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work demonstrating practical knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Examples include:

• Planning and/or overseeing work assignments of legal staff
• Analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence
• Conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions
• Composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents
• Interviewing witnesses or individuals who can provide insight into cases under review
• Preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations

Education

Must possess one of the following in a related field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law):

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
• 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree
• LL.M.

Graduate education must be from an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties.

Combining Education and Experience

Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must be in excess of 2 full years.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited or pre-accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ed.gov). Foreign education may be used if shown comparable to U.S. accredited institutions; applicant must provide proof of creditability as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. More information: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package including, in part: paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Eligibility depends on position type and whether full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Additional information

• Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives may be authorized per applicable regulations.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption (www.sss.gov).
• Reasonable Accommodation: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Contact the hiring agency directly for requests; determinations made case-by-case.
• Political Appointees: Current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employees in the Executive Branch within the last 5 years must disclose this to the HR Office. Failure to disclose could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Candidates should be committed to improving Federal government efficiency, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Career Transition Programs

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees selection priority. Must be within ICTAP eligibility, apply per announcement instructions, and be found well-qualified (score 85+ on ranking criteria). Proof of eligibility required (e.g., written notification or separation personnel action form). Details: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): Provides eligible surplus/displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice selection priority. Must be within CTAP eligibility, apply per announcement, and be found well-qualified (score 85+). Must provide written notification of CTAP eligibility. Details: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.