Supervisory Legal Assistant

The Tax Division is seeking a highly skilled candidate with significant experience and a strong background in legal support functions to serve as a Supervisory Legal Assistant. The incumbent will serve as Office Manager, supervise staff, and perform a range of legal and administrative duties.

Duties

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. This position will serve as a Supervisory Legal Assistant/Office Manager to one or more sections.

As a Supervisory Legal Assistant GS-0986-9, you will be responsible for performing duties which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Utilize various types of software including import/export of data, spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), desktop publishing Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and presentation software;
• Clearly communicate with staff regarding deadlines, due dates; problem resolution, cooperation, collaboration, procedures on administrative matters (e.g., leave, training, etc.) with some supervision.
• Provide management with advice on issues such as, the utilization of personnel resources, procurement of office equipment and supplies, and future office space needs.
• Identify and alert management, external and internal staff of critical dates (e.g., court hearing, appeal recommendation, timesheets) under close supervision; organize review of incoming mail and packages; and identify critical dates.
• Prepare and handle sensitive personnel information, correspondence, and other related documents.

As a Supervisory Legal Assistant GS-0986-10, you will be responsible for performing duties which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform periodic ratings of supervised staff; make performance recommendations regarding staff who are not directly supervised, make recommendation for awards and promotions; identify training and development needs of administrative professionals.
• Resolve conflicts or other problems experienced by staff.
• Utilize human resources systems to input information as directed and track performance, awards, promotions, contact information, etc. to assist section management and staff; use time and attendance software and travel authorization and expense software.
• Communicate distinctly with others to ensure litigation support coverage and to ensure quality work product.
• Utilize various types of software including import/export of data, spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), desktop publishing (Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat) and presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint).

Salary

• $68,405 - $97,925/year

Conditions of Employment

You must be a United States Citizen or National.
This is NOT a remote position. You will be required to work in person at our Washington, DC offices. However, some Telework may be authorized.
You may be required to complete a one year probationary period and/or a one year supervisory probationary period.
You may need to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result before you can be appointed into this position.
You will need to successfully complete a pre-employment background security process pending completion and adjudication of the background investigation before you can be appointed to the position.
If you were born male, on or 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. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Supervisory Legal Assistant at GS-0986-9/10, you must possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. If you are a current government employee on a permanent appointment in the competitive service, you will need to demonstrate 1-year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level, to meet the time-in-grade requirements for this occupational series and grade.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

To be eligible for the GS-09, you must have at least one year, 52 weeks, of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 or higher grade level in the Federal service, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: Working collaboratively with others to achieve a goal; proposing resolution of conflicts or other problems to a supervisor; preparing travel authorizations and/or vouchers, prepare travel logistics, time management, supplies, data entry and integrity, including recording required events in a database using Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, or other software with supervision; retrieving information from an electronic case management system; prepare material that may be pertinent to court issues or court cases under close supervision; appropriately identifying and directing mail and packages to management officials; preparing forms for issuance and presenting them for signature; takes initiative to identify issues and formulates constructive solutions; willing to assist others and be a team player; and conveying and capturing various information orally and in writing as appropriate to the situation.

To be eligible for the GS-10, you must have at least one year, 52 weeks, of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 or higher grade level in the Federal service, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include: Supervising, directing, and overseeing the work of others or working collaboratively with others to achieve a goal; resolving conflicts or other problems; tracking travel vouchers approval, validating time and attendance, approving travel vouchers, logistics, time management, supplies, data entry and integrity, including recording required events using Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, or other software; retrieving information from an electronic case management system; appropriately identifying and directing phone calls to management officials; preparing forms for issuance and presenting them for signature; takes initiative to identify issues and formulates constructive solutions; willing to assist others and be a team player; and conveying and capturing various information orally and in writing as appropriate to the situation.

Time in Grade Requirement: Current government employees on a permanent appointment in the competitive service must demonstrate one year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the occupational series and grade.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/02/2024.

Your resume must support your responses to the questionnaire and qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.

See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education There are no education requirements for the Supervisory Legal Assistant GS-09/10 position. Other Information

• DOJ EEO Statement: The U.S. Department of Justice fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce, find our EEO statement online at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1393306/download

• 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 Tax Division Human Resources office at 202-257-1997. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Our policy can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/manual-and-procedures-providing-reasonable-accommodation

• Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) apply for the position through this announcement; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and (4) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: USAJOBS Career Transition Programs

• Sharing of Certificates: The certificate(s) (or lists) of eligible candidates resulting from this vacancy announcement may be shared with other Department of Justice offices or components (outside of the Tax Division) who are hiring for positions in the same occupational series, grade level, full performance level, and duty location during the 240-day period beginning on the date of issuance of the certificate of eligibles. In order for your application materials to be shared, you must indicate on the occupational/assessment questionnaire that you are willing to have your application materials and other personal information included in the application shared with one or more other components within the Department of Justice outside of the Tax Division.

Please Note: Additional selections may be made from this announcement for up to 90 days should additional or similar openings occur within the Tax Division or other offices in the Department of Justice.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements may vary from applicant to applicant. If you don't submit a document that is required to verify your eligibility and qualifications, then you may be rated ineligible or we may rate you based on the information you do submit. You are responsible for ensuring you have submitted all documents necessary to process your application!

Resume: All applicants must submit a detailed resume. Your resume must contain detailed information about your past employment, education, and qualifications. You should also include unpaid work experience (volunteer work) as well, because we may be able to credit you for this experience. If you're unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube.

Your resume should include:

1) position title,
2) employer name and contact information,
3) start and end dates (including month and year),
4) the number of hours worked per week (or indicate full time), and
5) a detailed list of duties performed, accomplishments. If you are a current or former federal employee, include the highest grade/step achieved in each position.

You are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, as this will ensure you're including everything that is required.

If you are a current or former Federal employee applying for transfer, reinstatement, or reassignment:

• You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form.
  • **Do not submit a pay adjustment or an award SF-50, these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment.**
  • Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status
• Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting receipt of the award identified in the application questionnaire #27.

See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information.If you are claiming a Veterans Preference eligibility:

• When claiming VEOA eligibility or a Veteran's Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
• If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
• If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
• If you are currently on active duty, please provide an official statement of service from your command certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.
• For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.

If you are a person with a severe disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A: You must submit "proof of a disability" documentation.

• "Proof of a disability" is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability.
• You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.

If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP: You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency. If you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force. See USAJOBS' Career Transition Programs for more information.

If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility. Examples Include: Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.

USAJOBS - What documents might I need to provide?Application Manager Help - Documents

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 above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

• Click "Apply Online" to get started.
• If you're not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don't have an account, please create one.
• You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
• You'll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you're able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You'll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
• Once you reach DOJ's Application Manager system, you'll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
• After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
• If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
• Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
• Once you've uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
• If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

Alternative Application Process:

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: If you are unable to apply online due to a disability or overseas deployment, you must request an alternative application, which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Tax Division Human Resources office at 202-257-1997. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Our policy can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/manual-and-procedures-providing-reasonable-accommodation

If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

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