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: provide specialized and professional legal support and services as senior paralegal for the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Judge Advocate's Directorate on all issues relating to criminal indexing and expungement of criminal database entries.

Duties

• Senior DAF-CJIC Paralegal: As the senior paralegal for DAF-CJIC, the incumbent manages and responds to requests for information and expungement requests that require a reasonable balance between protection of constitutional and individual rights and the need to index and capture derogatory information about individuals to ensure future investigations receive relevant information.
• General Paralegal Support: The incumbent provides general paralegal support to attorneys in the fields of information law, general law, criminal law, justice and discipline, and national security law.
• Assistance to Law Office Superintendent: The incumbent performs myriad administrative duties as assigned in support of the Staff Judge Advocate, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Judge Advocate Directorate's staff attorneys, and Law Office Superintendent, helping to ensure the smooth administration of a FOA legal office.

Salary

• $101,401 - $131,826/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume
• Student Loan Repayment may be authorized and leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Full/part-time employees occupying direct childcare positions are eligible for discounts IAW DAF AFSVC/CC Memo, 30 Sep 22; first child 100% / each additional child 25%. Other assigned CYP and FCC personnel are eligible for 25% discount.
• The incumbent must meet minimum training requirements set out in the TJAGC policies
• The incumbent must undergo an internal background investigation by AFOSI and must be approved for duty by the Commander of AFOSI or the Commander’s designated representative(s)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and may be required to undergo a polygraph examination.
• The incumbent may be required to work overtime and must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct and Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• The incumbent may be required to travel by military or commercial transportations (e.g., airplane, automobile, subway, etc.)
• The incumbent will be required to function as a Notary Public. Must be able to satisfactorily complete training to become a Notary Public and be able to meet bonding or other requirements inherent in the appointment as a Notary Public
• The incumbent must be a qualified typist
• The incumbent’s position is a testing designated position subject to random drug testing in accordance with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014, Certified Current, 18 December 2015

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

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience which includes intensive, practical knowledge of and experience applying the principles of Information Law, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Manual for Courts-Martial, case law, Executive Orders, DoD guidance, policies and opinions concerning the collection and dissemination of information of the Department of Justice, the Office of Management and Budget, DoD, the Air Force, and AFOSI, so as to be able to develop and apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by commonly accepted methods. In addition to extensive knowledge and experience in researching legal issues raised by requests for formal opinions, analyzing complex factual situations in light of the results of such legal research and general legal principles, and independently drafting clear and comprehensive legal reviews, legal briefs, memoranda, instructional material, and other documents relevant to all aspects of the AFOSI mission and appropriate for specified levels of command, from highest to lowest, based upon such research and analysis.

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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 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. In-depth knowledge of the rules, procedures, formats, concepts and methods of legal research as they relate to the military justice system necessary to perform legal research, and the ability to analyze complex factual situations in light of the results, and the ability to independently draft clear and comprehensive legal reviews, instructional material, and other documents relevant to the command's mission.
2. Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting to be able to accurately review, prepare and edit written correspondence and reports.
3. Mastery of techniques and knowledge of various titles of law necessary to independently identify and analyze both issues of fact and issues of law with relation to Information law, Civil law; and National Security law.
4. Knowledge of word-processing and other office automation software and systems to support office operations and produce a variety of textual and graphical documents as well as the ability to compile and report data, use effective, analytical and evaluative measurement methods to accurately assess information and trends, and to make adjustments to programs based on such analysis.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of roles and duties of Government attorneys, the ability to provide knowledgeable answers to questions relating to the Directorate's mission and the often complex and overlapping subject matter areas, and the skill to apply that knowledge to the roles of the law enforcement and judicial systems.
6. Expert knowledge of Department of Defense law enforcement structures and operational procedures, and the ability to work independently to identify issues relevant to the command's multiple mission areas.

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. 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.

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, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying based 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.
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 demonstrate you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
7. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here
8. 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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before starting the application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 02/10/2025 , closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12680787

1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 02/10/2025.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBs you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your Assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources here.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click here Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

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.

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