PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as Paralegal/Law Office Manager and Executive Officer for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate to Headquarters, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Component Commands, Sub-unified Command, and Subordinate Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), managing a wide range of highly sensitive, legal areas concerning operational, international, administrative and intelligence law.

Duties

• Provides paralegal support for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, (SOJA) United States Special Operations Command, a 4-star Combatant Command.
• Serves as Executive Officer and advisor to the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate (DSJA) U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
• Manages and provides paralegal support for the Ethics Program.
• Provides legal assistance, administrative and investigation support.
• Ensures the core classified national information protection security disciplines of information are fully covered from a policy and programmic viewpoint to ascertain overall information protection requirements meet mission requirements.

Salary

• $72,553 - $94,317/year

Conditions of Employment

• Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s)
• 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
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
• Incumbent is to be a Florida Notary Public for USSOCOM
• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft
• This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program
• As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from the use of illegal drugs and (B) if requested, to submit to urinalysis testing.The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied as a TDP
• Position is designated special-sensitive and requires a top-secret security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) as a condition of employment
• Recruitment incentives may or may not be considered
• Superior Qualifications may be considered for this position
• Prior work or active-duty experience to determine leave accrual may be considered for this position

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, Paralegal Specialist, Series 0950

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 comprehensive knowledge of the areas of law and policy to stay abreast on matters of expertise and significant knowledge in procedures and extensive practice in public foreign, international, military and operational law, sufficient to analyze and evaluate the relevance of evidence/documentation, and provide sound advice to staff and customers, knowledge of Administrative Law, Legal Assistance, Military Justice, Ethics, Freedom of Information, Privacy Act, and Investigations to operate paralegal functions for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for USSOCOM, and skill and ability in oral and written communications in order to write, interpret and develop implementing instructions to higher echelon regulations, policies and procedures; write and present status reports and special reports on various subject to higher level management.

OR
EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position or LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit copies 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 copies 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 rules, procedures, policies, and programs of a legal office necessary to perform the procedural and paralegal support to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, such as preparing and editing legal documents and administrative correspondences, as they relate to land, air, maritime laws, and military operations, military justice statutes; maintains office files and records on various legal documents reports of investigation.
2. Knowledge of theories, principles and techniques of legal research. Familiarity with general legal resource materials including those from electronic and internet media and proficiency in the use of such knowledge. The ability to use computers for word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentation.
3. Knowledge of Ethics, Administrative general law, legal assistance, military justice, Freedom of Information, Privacy Act and investigations in order to operate the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate and provide assistance to the SOCOM lawyers, staff, and command staff in paralegal functions.
4. Skill in analyzing laws and applying the law and relevant international standards to specific military situations resulting in conclusions which are legally supportable by statue, case law, and implementing policy and regulations.
5. Communication skills both orally and in writing sufficient to establish and maintain effective and cooperative work relationships with representatives of military, foreign and civilian organizations. Significant knowledge of or expertise with political/diplomatic procedures and protocol between various military organization, foreign governments, civilian government and non-federal organization or entities.
6. Ability to interpret and apply statutory, regulatory and procedural requirements to unusually difficult and complicated issues. In addition, possess the ability to interpret and apply historical and current case law reflecting the judicial philosophy used in the interpretation and application of the law to a given set of facts and circumstances that may be highly complex and/or a case of first impressions in emerging fields of military operations, command investigations and criminal investigations.

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. ********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS******************** 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 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 11/26/2024 , 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/12614182

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, 11/26/2024.
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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