PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To support the National Guard Special Victims' Counsel (SVC) Program as a Regional Special Victims' Counsel Paralegal by providing legal assistance and support to attorneys who represent crime victims in the most complex, often precedential, military courts martial and administrative military proceedings

Duties

• Provides assistance and support to attorneys representing T10, T32, and dependent child and adult victims of sexrelated crimes and domestic violence through all phases of reporting, investigation, and command response, including administrative matters, military justice, and issues of reprisal or retaliation.
• Accomplish administrative tasks of case management, maintain training requirements, and legal assistance administration
• Provides training and outreach.

Salary

• $62,107 - $80,737/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• A security clearance may be required
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Maintain ability and competency to be able to work remotely through an approved telework agreement
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft or driving
• The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Employee may be required to work overtime.
• Employee must adhere to the Air Force and Army Rules of Professional Conduct (AFI 51-110 and AR 27-26)
• Employee must be able to obtain and maintain an Secret security clearance
• Must have at least 7 year of military and/or civilian paralegal experience and education equivalent to a 7-level craftsman skill as outlined in DAF Career Field Education and Training Plan, CFETP 5J0X1.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• If not previously completed at the Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School, the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School, or the Naval Justice School.
• Employee may be asked to attend the initial victim counsel training course(s) to include training on domestic violence and representing child victims
• The salary range reflects the BASE SALARY. Upon selection, the salary will be adjusted to include the approved official worksite locality
• Position MAY be a Bargaining Unit Position depending upon location selected for.

Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes In-depth knowledge of various Federal and State laws governing or impacting victim rights that are applicable to the SVC mission as well as keeping knowledgeable as to significant national and local developments in the field. Keen knowledge of legal reference sources in agency policy, directives, and issuances, computerized reference sources, court and/or administrative decisions, precedents, and commercial legal publications/databases sufficient to perform extensive legal research into the legislative history, precedent cases, decisions, and opinions that may be applicable; to interpret, explain, and present, orally or in writing, relevant findings and conclusions using appropriate language, legal reasoning, and organization of facts and ideas; and to assist in case preparation

OR
EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree OR have completed two (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR have a LL.M., if related. Note: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of applicable law pertaining to the specialized areas of legal practice dealing with sexual assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in order to provide education to command and management. Sufficient knowledge of federal, state, and local law, as it affects the private individual, to provide personal legal assistance to eligible beneficiaries across the typical range of the NG SVC practice.
2. Knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the Manual for Courts-Martial, the Rules for Court- Martial, the Military Rules of Evidence, DA-PAM 27-9 (Military Judge's Bench book), and other legal references relating to the military justice process. Remain versed in all statutes, directives, instructions, and procedures that impact the National Guard, Army, and Air Force SAPR programs.
3. Knowledge of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program and victims' rights, including need for sensitivity and confidentiality in sexual assault cases AND knowledge of military justice practice and procedure, including trial practice and procedures AND knowledge of providing instruction to course or conference attendees in policy, programs, and military justice issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.
4. Knowledge of DoD, National Guard, Army and Air Force organizations, functions, authorities, and lines of command. Knowledge must cut across the entire spectrum of DoD, National Guard, Army and Air Force programs, operations, and management AND skill in performing legal research using electronic and traditional methods. Skill in recognizing and analyzing key legal issues in a factual situation and applying well-reasoned analysis to reach clear, concise conclusions.
5. Skill in communicating complex legal issues clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing AND ability to analyze fact-patterns to identify relevant issues, to analyze evidence, and to draw sound conclusions to make appropriate recommendations. Ability to research legal issues, analyze complex factual situations in light of general legal principles and the results of research and prepare legal opinions.
6. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and guidance to meet established schedules for ongoing projects and short-notice suspense's AND ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, in and outside the legal profession, both orally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Other Information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Required Documents

The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming. Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.

1. Online Application: Questionnaire
2. Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
4. Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
5. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement, block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
6. Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/06/2025

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12649836

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications). If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent."

• It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
• If your resume includes photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.
• For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits