Legal Assistant (Office Automation)

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.

Duties

If you are not eligible to apply under any of the specified hiring authorities of this announcement, this position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens and Nationals under announcement # 24-INN-12609752-DE.

This position is located in Hammond,Indiana.

Hammond, Indiana is located in the Northwest Indiana region with a thriving population and minutes away from the city of Chicago. Northwest Indiana offers low-cost, high-quality living while offering highly competitive salaries at the Chicago locality rate. The proximity of Chicago also offers its art and cultural institutions, world-class entertainment, and dining. The area boasts a variety of living options - from urban living and suburbs to small towns and rural communities. Northwest Indiana is also home to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park - both offering trails, camping and beaches along Lake Michigan.

For more information about the area, visit www.nwiforum.org
For more information about the state of Indiana, visit www.visitindiana.com.


The office is soliciting applications for a Legal Assistant position within the Civil Legal Support Section of the Northern District of Indiana. If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing a variety of legal and administrative support functions to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Typical work assignments will include:

• Examining, preparing, and processing a variety of technical legal documents, e.g., complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, and subpoenas.
• Providing assistance to attorneys in trial preparation.
• Assembling exhibits, affidavits, and other legal documents.
• Assembling and organizing files and records material for disposition or transfer to records depository.
• Maintaining calendar of assigned active cases.
• Tracking filing, hearing, and trials dates, and scheduling conference and interviews.
• Arranging travel by preparing itinerary and securing transportation and hotel reservations.
• Producing a variety of written documents and materials using a wide range of office software applications.

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

This position has promotion potential to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.


Incentive Pay: May be considered for superiorly qualified applicants and in accordance with 5 CFR Part 575.

Relocation Expenses: Permanent Change in Station (PCS) Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part:

• Paid vacation
• Sick Leave
• 11 paid holidays
• 12-weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Reasonable Accommodations
• Health Insurance Benefits
• Dental and Vision benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care
• Federal Retirement Pension (Federal Employees Retirement System)
• Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% employer matching
• Life Insurance
• Long-term care Insurance

Other Benefits:In addition to the above benefits, we also offer:

• Telework
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Compressed Work Schedules
• Student Loan Forgiveness
• Performance Awards & Bonuses
• Employee Assistance Programs

The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees. For more information visit OPM's site for Federal Employee Compensation Package.

Salary

• $44,180 - $71,148/year

Conditions of Employment

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov for additional information.
• Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• Probationary Period: If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Time-In-Grade Requirement: If you are applying as a current/former federal employee, you must have served at least 52 weeks in the next lower grade level to be considered. (See Qualifications section for more information).

You must apply online and submit a complete application by the closing date of this announcement in order to be considered for this position. (See Required Documents section of this announcement)

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. (See Qualifications section of this announcement)

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Qualifications GS-5 Grade Level Qualification Requirements

To be eligible at the GS-5 level you must meet at least one of the following conditions below:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience reviewing documents with legal implications for accuracy and completeness (e.g., court documents, real estate documents, contracts, insurance or benefits claims, mortgage or loan applications, tax forms, or other types of legal documents); typing and formatting correspondence and forms; maintaining file systems; and obtaining needed information from files or general reference sources. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector.

-OR-

Education: Completion of at least four (4) years of education above the high school level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.

-OR-

Combination of Experience and Education: Combinations of successfully completed post high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, college education must be in excess of 60 semester hours or beyond the second year.

-AND-

Time-Grade Requirement: If you are applying as a current/former federal employee, you must have served at least 52 weeks in the GS-04 grade level or higher to be considered at this grade level.

GS-06 Grade Level Qualification Requirements

To be eligible at the GS-6 level, you must meet the following conditions as defined below:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) year of experience reviewing legal documents such as complaints, motions, orders, answers, pleadings, subpoenas, and libels for completeness of information; retrieving and assembling information for hearing and/or trial use; researching a variety of legal sources to obtain and/or verify information; and using automated software to produce legal related reports, documents, correspondence, and related materials. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector.

-AND-

Time-Grade Requirement: If you are applying as a current/former federal employee, you must have served at least 52 weeks in the GS-05 grade level or higher to be considered at this grade level.

GS-07 Grade Level Qualification Requirements

To be eligible at the GS-7 level, you must meet the following conditions as defined below:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience providing assistance to attorneys by preparing complaints, motions, subpoenas, orders, or other hearing and/or trial documents accurately and in proper format; verifying citations and statutory references contained in legal documents; assisting with discovery, hearing or trial preparation by performing duties such as compiling trial notebooks, assembling jury instructions, and compiling witness and exhibit lists; and using automated software to produce legal related reports and documents, including developing tables of contents and indices to briefs. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-6 level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector.

-AND-

Time-Grade Requirement: If you are applying as a current/former federal employee, you must have served at least 52 weeks in the GS-06 grade level or higher to be considered at this grade level.

Typing Proficiency Requirement

In addition to the qualification requirements for each grade level identified above, you must be able to type at least 40 words per minute based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors. (A typing test may later be required.)

The complete Qualification Standards used for this position may be found at: [OPM Qualifications Standard Link should be updated to reflect the appropriate OPM standard to be used for evaluating applicants for this position - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ ]

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Education All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov OR Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Other Information

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized.

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Special Employment Consideration: Persons with disabilities, veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the armed forces, and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for non-competitive appointments. For further information, please click the link below.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments

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 or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Veterans' Preference: If you are entitled to Veterans' Preference, you must indicate the type of preference you are claiming by checking the appropriate box in the assessment questionnaire to indicate your preference and submit the required veterans' preference documentation as specified in the, "Required Documents" section of this vacancy announcement.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

EEO Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

Diversity Statement: As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:

• Online Occupational Questionnaire (Required) - This is completed automatically during the "Apply Online" process. Your responses from the online questionnaire while be used to help determine your eligibility to apply, identify any preferences or special considerations for employment, and if you meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
• Resume (Required) - Your resume must show relevant experience and dates (month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time). 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. Please be sure that the information included in your resume is complete and accurate, we cannot make any assumptions about your qualifications when considering your application.
• Cover Letter (Optional, recommended) - A cover letter is not required, but it is recommended. Any cover letters should be tailored to the agency and position that you are applying to.
• College Transcripts (Required, if applicable) - If you meet qualifications based on education you must include copies of any applicable college transcripts and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.).
• Current or Former Federal Employee Documentation (Required, if applicable)- If you are applying as a current/former federal employee, you must include the following documentation:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action - Most recent copy that shows title, series, grade, and full performance level (FPL). Please note your SF-50 must include your FPL in the remark section (e.g., appointment, reassignment, promotion actions), pay adjustments and awards do not include this information so they are not acceptable.
  • Performance Appraisal - You must include a copy of your most recent completed performance appraisal. If none is available, please include a letter of explanation that explains why you are not able to provide this documentation.
• CTAP/ICTAP Documentation (Required, if applicable) - If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP consideration (for more information about CTAP/ICTAP, please see above), you must include the following documentation:
  • Separation Notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection;
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND
  • Most recent performance appraisal.
• Veterans Documentation (Required, if applicable) - If you are claiming Veterans' Preference and/or applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Veterans Recruitment Act (VRA)), please include the following documentation:
  • DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" (Member Copy 4) - In order to verify your Veterans' Preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); or if you are a current Active Duty member you must submit a certification on appropriate military branch letterhead that indicates: 1) your service dates, 2) expected discharge or release date from active duty with a release/discharge date no later than 120 days from the closing date of this announcement, and 3) the character of service (e.g., Honorable); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
  • Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" (if applicable) - If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower if a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" dated October 2013 and all the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
• Other Documentation (Required, if applicable) - Any other documentation that demonstrates your eligibility to be considered under any other special hiring authority not already listed above (i.e. Schedule A disability, Peace Corps/VISTA, etc.).

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/02/2024 the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. To begin the application process, 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 12/02/2024.
4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
Click here for Computer System Requirements
(https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements)
6. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, please click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12609752To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/

Reasonable Accommodation 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 reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations 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. 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 Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

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