Attorney - Advisor (Instructor)

"The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and institutions." We are a unique inter-agency organization preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to meet our Nation's most pressing security challenges." Click here to learn more. An incentive may be authorized. See the "additional information" section for more information.

Duties

This position is located in the Office of Chief Counsel, within the Legal Training Division in the Specialized Legal Branch at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. As a Attorney - Advisor (Instructor), GS-0905-13/14.

The position is responsible for providing legal advice, and for researching, developing, designing, conducting, delivering and supporting law enforcement training provided by the FLETC to its partner organizations and various other customers. The position is responsible for conducting a variety of more than 60 basic and advanced legal training courses for law enforcement personnel for numerous Federal Participating Organizations, as well as state and local government entities. In addition to the training carried out at FLETC, the position may export the courses to on-site locations of the agencies serviced.

Typical duties may include:

• Serving as a senior instructor, subject-matter expert, and program/course developer in the assigned legal program/course areas of law enforcement. Students in these courses are routinely from the most high-profile law enforcement agencies in the world, including the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshal's Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Immigration Customs Enforcement, and many others. The program/courses taught cover subject-matter that involves highly specialized knowledge of complex and difficult legal areas that impact close to 90 Federal agencies that train at the FLETC.
• Providing expert training in areas such as: Constitutional Law; Fourth Amendment; Self-Incrimination; Use of Force; Federal Court Procedures; Authority and Jurisdiction; Federal Fraud Statutes; Federal Firearms Violations; Rules of Evidence; Military law; Electronic Law and Evidence; Officer Liability; Criminal Law; Administrative Law; Obstruction of Justice; Terrorism and National Security Law; False Statements; Indian Law; Courtroom Testimony; Assault; Bribery; other emerging areas of the law.
• Planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing a legal training program, while balancing the needs and concerns of the DHS training mission.
• Working with other attorneys, managers and supervisory Federal law enforcement personnel to identify objectives to be met by a specific class.
• Selecting appropriate methods, equipment and materials, and developing the courses and providing instruction, guidance and direction to the class in accomplishing specific learning objectives.
• Keeping abreast of developing training goals and objectives, and continually restructuring the courses to reflect the current laws, identifying specific areas where study and research is required, searching literature for existing documentation, gathering and analyzing data, producing papers for publication and disseminating for internal use.
• Conducting extensive advanced export training (off-site) at other Federal, state, and municipal facilities around the country.
• Monitoring progress of students, documenting results, and/or recommending remedial and corrective action to include additional training and changes in training and/or operational procedures and instructions. Evaluates both individual and group performance in various training settings.
• Overseeing and participating in developing course and program material on the legal aspects of law enforcement. Initiating content changes and developing different approaches and methods of instruction and recommending any other changes needed to improve the course/program and achieve course/program objectives.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Salary

• $106,437 - $163,514/year

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation to access, safeguard, and store classified national security information on a regular basis; must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued driver's license to conduct official government business.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain FLETC Law Enforcement Instructor certification within 12 months of employment.
• This position is subject to Lautenberg Amendment. Persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from occupying this position.
• Working on weekends and federal holidays may be required.
• Overtime may be required.
• Travel of 75% or less may be required.
• This position is eligible for situational-only telework based on agency policy.
• Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
• You must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.

Qualifications

A resume must be no more than two pages. If an applicant's resume exceeds two pages, the USAJOBS database will not allow the application to be submitted. For additional assistance, please visit: USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Selective placement factor (screen-out): To be considered for this position, all applicants must be an active member of a state bar in good standing in every jurisdiction in which you are licensed of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and have a license to practice law. Provide a copy of your Bar memberships;

AND

Basic Educational Requirements: All applicants must possess one of the following law degrees. Please provide a copy of your transcripts. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD); OR the second professional law degree (LL.M);

AND

Specialized Experience GS-13: In addition to the requirements listed above; to qualify at the GS-13 level, applicants must possess specialized professional legal experience in excess of two years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position or two years of judicial clerkship. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of two years equivalent to the GS-12 or higher demonstrated by substantial legal writing and communication skills; conducting original legal research and legal analysis; providing instruction in legal subjects related to the criminal justice system or for a law enforcement audience for a period of at least one year; authoring and publishing articles on substantive legal matters; experience presenting substantive material at nationally recognized conferences; and demonstrated expertise in a significant field of law related to law enforcement.

OR

Specialized experience GS-14: In addition to the requirements listed above; to qualify at the GS-14 level, applicants must possess specialized professional legal experience in excess of three years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three years equivalent to the GS-13 or higher demonstrated by substantial legal writing and communication skills; conducting original legal research and legal analysis; providing instruction in legal subjects related to the criminal justice system or for a law enforcement audience for a period of at least one year; authoring and publishing articles on substantive legal matters; experience presenting substantive material at nationally recognized conferences; and demonstrated expertise in a significant field of law related to law enforcement.

This position may be filled at the GS-13 or GS-14 level. If selection is made at the GS-13 level, promotion to the GS-14 level may occur without further competition.

Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.

Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows "position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1" or "2"), "tenure group" (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, FLETC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for suitability/fitness as a condition of placement in this non-sensitive, moderate risk position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Physical Demands: This work requires walking, standing, bending, sitting, lying down, or kneeling/crouching in positions that may be tiring or uncomfortable. There is the need to carry weapons, equipment, and packages or containers such as ammunition. Required and at times frequent travel to off-site locations to coordinate and/or deliver training activities will be involved. Work also involves considerable physical exertion while demonstrating weapons positions, techniques and tactics in a variety of law enforcement settings.

Work Environment: The normal workplace is a classroom and inside/outside training venues. Duties will require exposure to varying climate and environmental conditions, both cold and warm, for extended periods of time and/or exposure to varying levels of noise and hazardous substances. Position may be required to drive a government-owned or government-leased vehicle to perform duties at locations on and off-site. Appropriate safety practices will be utilized at all times. Safety equipment, such as hearing and eye protection, will be used when needed.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Re-employed annuitants' annual salaries will be reduced by the amount of their retirement annuity and by further cost of living increases. FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement must also be aware that, like social security benefits, their FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.

Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Education Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. Other Information The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is not authorized. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. This is a permanent appointment in the excepted service and will be filled on a full-time permanent basis. Employees hired under an Excepted Service appointment are required to serve a two (2) year trial period, unless already completed. Upon successful completion of the required trial period, this position will be permanent. This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service. Required Documents

1. Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held.
2. Your responses to the job questionnaire. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13023269
3. Your completed and signed Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment.
4. A copy of your law school transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an institution accredited by the American Bar Association. In addition, a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable). Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official transcript for both college and law school.
5. A legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages
6. Proof that you are an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
7. Are you a current or former Federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment, tenure group, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please submit the SF-50 showing the highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. Please note: Performance award, Details, and Realignments are not acceptable SF-50s.
8. Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference. The member 4 copy of your DD214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is preferable. If claiming 10-point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference." If applying based on eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.
9. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
   • Position title,
   • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),
   • Agency
   • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
10. If you are referred, you may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

How to Apply

Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. To preview the questionnaire please click the link below: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13023269

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the individual listed in the "Agency Contact Information" section of this job opportunity announcement between the hours of 7:30AM and 4:30PM ET (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. When e-mailing, please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.