ATTORNEY-ADVISER (GENERAL)

Applications will be accepted from DFAS Office of General Counsel Employees only. This position is in the excepted service. It is filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Position is located in: DFAS Office of General Counsel, Garnishment Law - Cleveland, OH.

Duties

• Performs research, conducts studies, and renders opinions on legal problems involving complex and difficult questions and factual situations that pertain to issues and other critical or sensitive matters that arise within any component of DFAS.

• Works as an authority in assigned area and is expected to develop innovative ways to solve extremely complex issues and problems. Incumbent has wide latitude in problem identification, work prioritization and methodology.

• Responsible for discussing, reviewing, and advising management officials throughout DFAS on matters within their designated areas of expertise. Renders legal advice and counsel to senior management, supervisory officials and other DFAS attorneys.

• Coordinates legislative issues within DFAS by tracking proposed legislation for impact on the directorate, researching the effects of the proposed legislation and drafting proposed legislation as necessary.

• Independently makes or advises on adjustments to policy where the impact exceeds routine adjustments. Coordinates with higher legal authority when the policy change is transformative in the area or broadens or restricts the activities of the agency.

Salary

• $130,031 - $169,039/year

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen or National
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

GS-14 Qualifications: Assignments require the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. In addition, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of 3 years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Education Education requirements are listed in the Qualifications section above. Other Information Moving expenses will be paid. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here. For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements. Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need. We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition. A one year trial period may be required. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Travel requirement is Seldom (1-24%). This position is not covered by a bargaining unit. Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here) Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance. Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume: You are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume, which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by: attaching in your USAJOBS account. For assistance in preparing your resume, take a look at the DFAS Resume Tools.
2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.
3. Transcripts or Proof of Education: You must submit documentation to verify that you possess a law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. For additional information on acceptable documents click here: Transcripts and Certifications.
4. Proof of Bar membership: Documentation that reflects active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia and that you are a member in good standing.
5. Cover Letter: Although not required, you may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.
6. Military Spouses: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, marriage certificate/license and the Self-Certification form are required to claim Military Spouse Preference.

NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, VA letter or any documentation that verifies "Character of Service", dates served, campaign badges, or disability of the Veteran) to their submissions. For additional information regarding Veterans' eligibilities and required documentation please click here.

Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit all supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. Please refer to Standard Form 15, Application for 10 point preference which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents. This form is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST)
09/08/2025, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.