The United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Indiana is currently soliciting applications for an Information Technology Specialist (Litigation Support). This vacancy was originally announced under 26-INN-12908119-MS with a duty location of Hammond, Indiana. It is being re-announced to allow applicants a choice in duty location.
Duties
Overview of the United States Attorney's Office-Northern District of Indiana- The United States Attorney's Office is the chief law enforcement office in the district and is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Northern District of Indiana. This includes criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Indiana is one of 93 USAOs in the nation. Our branches are located in Fort Wayne, Hammond and South Bend. Cases handled involve some of the most complex and difficult in the United States Attorney's office (USAO) because they may require organizing, tracking, and analyzing thousands or tens of thousands of items of evidence, millions of data elements, or involve untried or especially novel computer or digital imaging applications. Automated support is necessary to prepare, organize, index, develop, and manage exhibits, evidence, or other data relevant to cases presented before a jury, grand jury or in other legal proceedings. Typical work assignments will include (but are not limited to): Provide technical assistance to litigation teams on legal automation requirements and systems capabilities to facilitate litigation decisions, trial preparation and trial presentation. Apply knowledge of Federal Criminal and Civil procedures, court requirements, and district practices to implement new and enhanced computer applications needed for criminal and civil cases. Work with Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), investigators, federal agents, and support staffs to determine the most effective strategy to meet litigation needs. Identify software packages such as: databases, spreadsheets and word processing applications based on the effectiveness of (1) presenting complex and voluminous evidence, (2) producing graphic demonstrative evidence, and (3) meeting individual user needs. Assist and/or trains attorneys and legal support staff in organizing voluminous case information for efficient retrieval through automated means such as scanning, indexing, and controlling of documents into a data base. Assure documents are organized for efficient automated storage and retrieval by preparing appropriate indices, defining data file search criteria and indexing/coding fields. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. This position has promotion potential to the GS-11 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.
Salary
Qualifications
GS-7: To be eligible at the GS-7 level, you must have: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying Information Technology concepts, methods, standards, and practices as they relate to data and software management, i.e., knowledge of database creation and utilization, installing and configuring software and hardware; and resolves routine software/hardware issues. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector; OR To qualify based on education, you must have completed one of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics/Management, Computer Programming, or Computer/Software Engineering.): one (1) full year of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR four (4) years of undergraduate level education in a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (For detailed information regarding a superior academic achievement (S.A.A.), see Section 4, Part F of the Application of Qualification Standards at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4). The education must be obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed college education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, you must have experience and education that equal 100% of the overall requirement when combined. GS-9: To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in federal service. Specialized experience for this grade level is defined as experience applying Information Technology concepts, methods, standards, and practices as they relate to automated Litigation Support functions, i.e., maintaining litigation support equipment with assessing service and information requirements needed to complete automated litigation support (ALS) projects. This would include knowledge of database creation and utilization (using programs such as Eclipse SE, and desktop; Law Pre-Discovery, Relativity, IPRO, TrialDirector, TimeMap and CaseMap); electronic data acquisition and processing; pre-trial and trial support, including courtroom presentation services. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector. To qualify based on education, you must have completed one of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics/Management, Computer Programming, or Computer/Software Engineering.): master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.B. or J.D., if related. The education must be obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Combination of Experience and Education: Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, you must have experience and education that equal 100% of the overall requirement when combined. GS-11: To be eligible at the GS-11 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying Information Technology concepts, methods, standards, and practices as they relate to automated Litigation Support functions, i.e. developing and managing Litigation Support systems that meet current and future needs. Qualifying experience involved independently performing the following types of duties: assessing service and information requirements needed to complete automated litigation support (ALS) projects as well as making recommendations. This would include knowledge of database creation and utilization (using programs such as Eclipse SE, and desktop; Law Pre-Discovery, Relativity, IPRO, TrialDirector, TimeMap and CaseMap); electronic data acquisition and processing; pre-trial and trial support, including courtroom presentation services. This experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service and could have been gained in the federal, public, or private sector. To qualify based on education, you must have completed one of the following types of education in a related field (e.g., Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Analytics/Management, Computer Programming, or Computer/Software Engineering.): Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.M., if related. The education must be obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position; OR Combination of Experience and Education: Combinations of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, you must have experience and education that equal 100% of the overall requirement when combined. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) -VEOA allows eligible veterans to apply and compete for positions announced under merit promotion procedures when the hiring agency is recruiting from outside its own workforce. To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If you are applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement. 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, click on the links provided below . You must specify in your online questionnaire under what authority you wish to be considered and submit appropriate documentation to verify your eligibility. Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities Links: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes: - Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process). - Required: Your resume cannot exceed two pages - you will be deemed ineligible and receive no further consideration if your resume exceeds two pages - see USAJOBS for formatting requirements. Include relevant employment history as outlined below for each job: Official position title (if Federal, include series/grade), Employer name and contact information, Start and end dates (for full consideration you must include month, day, and year), Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and A list of duties performed and accomplishments. 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. - Required if you meet qualifications based on education: An unofficial college transcript (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required prior to your first day.) and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement. - Required if you are a current or former Federal employee: a recent copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing title, series, grade, and full performance level (FPL); AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal. 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. - Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal. - Required, if applicable: VEOA documentation 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). - If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you must submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found at: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire - 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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office by providing a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
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 04/22/2026 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 04/22/2026. 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/12931797To 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
