PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To provide specialized and professional legal support and services as senior paralegal for the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) Judge Advocate's Directorate on any and all issues relating to criminal indexing and expungement of criminal database entries

Duties

• Senior DAF-CJIC Paralegal: As the senior paralegal for DAF-CJIC, the incumbent manages and responds to requests for information and expungement requests that require a reasonable balance between protection of constitutional and individual rights and the need to index and capture derogatory information about individuals to ensure future investigations receive relevant information
• General Paralegal Support: The incumbent provides general paralegal support to attorneys in the fields of information law, general law, criminal law, justice and discipline, and national security law. Incumbent provides paralegal support in the field of information law on issues related to information maintained by the command, as regulated by FOIA and the Privacy Act, and will assist the Chief of Information Law in responding to Congressional requests, inquiries, and actions, as well as media requests. Incumbent independently and without preliminary instruction examines complex law enforcement records, counterintelligence records, internal regulations and other AFOSI records that have been proposed for release in response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy
  Act, civil and criminal discovery, subpoenas, inter- and intra-agency requests for information, and/or media requests to determine whether the releases are in compliance with existing federal statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, Attorney General Policy Statements, DoD Directives, or Air Force Instructions, and identifies any deficiencies to be corrected.
• Assistance to Law Office Superintendent: The incumbent performs myriad administrative duties as assigned in support of the Staff Judge Advocate, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Judge Advocate Directorate's staff attorneys, and Law Office Superintendent, helping to ensure the smooth administration of a FOA legal office.

Salary

• $102,415 - $133,142/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-secret clearance with SCI access
• Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• The incumbent must meet minimum training requirements set out in the TJAGC policies
• The incumbent must undergo an internal background investigation by AFOSI and must be approved for duty by the Commander of AFOSI or the Commander’s designated representative(s)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and may be required to undergo a polygraph examination
• The incumbent may be required to work overtime and must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• The incumbent may be required to travel by military or commercial transportations (e.g., airplane, automobile, subway, etc.)
• The incumbent will be required to function as a Notary Public. Must be able to satisfactorily complete training to become a Notary Public and be able to meet bonding or other requirements inherent in the appointment as a Notary Public
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• The incumbent must be a qualified typist
• The incumbent’s position is a testing designated position subject to random drug testing in accordance with AFI 90-508, Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program, 28 August 2014, Certified Current, 18 December 2015

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, for Administrative and Management Positions

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 specialized experience is a comprehensive knowledge of the professional field of criminal law, criminal indexing law, information law, civil law, and national security law, including the ability to analyze legal precedent, to conform policy and practice to the confines of the law and/or regulation, an intensive, practical knowledge of and experience applying the principles of Information Law, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Manual for Courts-Martial, case law, Executive Orders, DoD guidance, policies and opinions concerning the collection and dissemination of information of the Department of Justice, the Office of Management and Budget, DoD, the Air Force, and AFOSI, so as to be able to develop and apply experimental theories and new developments to problems not susceptible to treatment by commonly accepted methods, a mastery of the principles, concepts and methods of legal research and reference resources such as agency manuals, directives, and other legal authority, computerized reference sources (i.e., Lexis and/or Westlaw), court and/or administrative decisions and precedent cases, commercial legal publications, and ability to perform in-depth legal research into the legislative history, precedent cases, decisions and opinions which bear on particular legal issues, an extensive knowledge and experience in researching legal issues raised by requests for formal opinions, analyzing complex factual situations in light of the results of such legal research and general legal principles, and independently drafting clear and comprehensive legal reviews, legal briefs, memoranda, instructional material, and other documents relevant to all aspects of the AFOSI mission and appropriate for specified levels of command, from highest to lowest, an ability to exercise independent editorial judgment in combining numerous materials from a variety of sources into an easily comprehensible form based upon such research and analysis, and A comprehensive ability to present high-quality briefings, lectures, and speeches to high-level audiences on short notice


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-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 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. In-depth knowledge of the rules, procedures, formats, concepts and methods of legal research as they relate to the military justice system necessary to perform legal research, and the ability to analyze complex factual situations in light of the results, and the ability to independently draft clear and comprehensive legal reviews, instructional material, and other documents relevant to the command's mission
2. Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting to be able to accurately review, prepare and edit written correspondence and reports
3. Mastery of techniques and knowledge of various titles of law necessary to independently identify and analyze both issues of fact and issues of law with relation to Information law, Civil law, and National Security law
4. Knowledge of word-processing and other office automation software and systems to support office operations and produce a variety of textual and graphical documents as well as the ability to compile and report data, use effective, analytical and evaluative measurement methods to accurately assess information and trends, and to make adjustments to programs based on such analysis
5. Comprehensive knowledge of roles and duties of Government attorneys, the ability to provide knowledgeable answers to questions relating to the Directorate's mission and the often complex and overlapping subject matter areas, and the skill to apply that knowledge to the roles of the law enforcement and judicial systems
6. Expert knowledge of Department of Defense law enforcement structures and operational procedures, and the ability to work independently to identify issues relevant to the command's multiple mission areas.

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.

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. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. 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: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply".
3. Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying 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 form.
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 demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).

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.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS:
Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
Awards for Current Federal Civilian employees - List any awards received within the last 3 years on the resume.
Note: Applicant must not submit award Notification of Personnel Actions (SF50s).

How to Apply

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/06/2026

To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12924287

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp.

• Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here.
• For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week 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 may 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, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
• Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.

2. A complete Application Questionnaire
3. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4. Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.

Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.