The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida's mission is to enforce and defend the laws of the United States of America through the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the Federal government; the prosecution and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party; and the collection of debts owed to the Federal government that are administratively uncollectible.
Duties
If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing Victim Witness Specialist support in the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, located in Miami, Florida. As a Victim Witness Specialist you will provide a variety of services related to the Victim Witness program. Typical work assignments will include: Coordinating and managing victim notifications about the criminal justice process, crime victims' rights, and significant case events, including, but not limited to, schedule changes, status of pleas, and results of trial. Providing in-court support to victims both prior to and during hearings and trials. Assisting victims in preparing for court appearances, including preparing victims to deliver testimony and aiding in the preparation of victim impact statements. Responding to victim inquiries, assessing victim needs and/or concerns, determining program eligibility, and making appropriate referrals to victim assistance resources and services. Conducting outreach activities and collaborating with law enforcement personnel, Federal investigative agency victim specialists, and social service providers to foster working relationships and improve victims' access to assistance programs. Identifying and developing a network of service providers to increase referral resources and services to comprehensively support crime victims and their families, as well as witnesses, as appropriate. Reviewing literature on victim witness issues to ensure the execution of duties is in accordance with the most current statutes, case law, policies and guidance. Providing training to USAO staff on victim-witness issues such as Crime Victims Rights Act obligations, DOJ regulations and policies, and local processes. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. This position is also being announced to applicants under Merit Staffing procedures under 27-FLS-13083609-MP
Salary
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying. To qualify at the GS-9 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing at least (3) of the (4) duties listed below: Assisting in a victim-witness or similar advocacy program where the primary mission included promoting access to multidisciplinary and comprehensive services and providing social, informational, and practical support via information and/or referrals to crime victims; Informing crime victims of their statutory rights and assisting them with exercising those rights throughout the lifecycle of a case (e.g. from indictment through resolution); Coordinating with attorneys in trial preparation that specifically includes victim-witness issues, such as providing in-court support to victims during hearings and/or trials and preparing victims to deliver testimony; Participating in outreach activities and/or representing an organization on task forces, committees, or working groups related to victim services. OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Social Work, Criminal Justice, Victim Services Management, etc.): a master's or equivalent graduate degree; 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent degree; or an LL.B. or J.D., if related to the position. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Applicants may qualify by using a combination of specialized experience and graduate education. To qualify, the total percentage of qualifying education and experience must equal at least 100 percent. Applicants must submit transcripts to receive credit for education. Only graduate education in excess of one full year of graduate-level education may be combined with specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level. To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing at least (3) of the (4) duties listed below: Administering and providing services of special programs and funds for victims of crime, such as aiding in the completion of applications for victim compensation or providing guidance regarding restitution requests; Coordinating with attorneys in trial preparation that includes more complex victim-witness issues, such as assessing victims' ability to testify in court proceedings, addressing barriers to victim participation in court events, and aiding in the preparation of victim impact statements; Developing partnerships with law enforcement, community organizations, and service providers to promote and improve access to available resources and services for crime victims; Providing training to attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and/or community service providers on victim-witness matters in accordance with agency policies and guidance. OR Education: One of the following types of education in a related field (e.g. Social Work, Criminal Justice, Victim Services Management, etc.): a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctoral degree; or an LL.M., if related to the position. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. OR Combination of Education and Experience: Applicants may qualify by using a combination of specialized experience and graduate education. To qualify, the total percentage of qualifying education and experience must equal at least 100 percent. Applicants must submit transcripts to receive credit for education. Only graduate education in excess of two full years of graduate-level education may be combined with specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-7 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-9 level. One year at the GS-9 is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. You must submit your SF-50 that shows Time-in-Grade eligibility and reflects your title, series, and grade. No award SF-50 will be accepted; recommended SF-50s include promotions and step increases (within grade increases).
Education
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. 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 https://www.ed.gov/ Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.In addition, when reviewing applicant's transcripts, assumptions will not be made. Applicants MUST state which coursework is relevant.
Required Documents
Note: Failure to submit a resume or supporting documentation may result in elimination for further consideration. You must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume: Your resume showing relevant experience, job titles, duties, dates (must include MM/DD/YY for full consideration) of employment and work schedule for each (part-time XX hours per week or full-time). Limit your resume to 2 pages. Only resumes 2 pages in length will be accepted to determine eligibility and qualifications. For more information, view the following link: USAJOBS Help Center - Update resume now so it meets new requirement A complete Assessment Questionnaire Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50): If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. You may need to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate that you meet time-in-grade requirements. If you are a former Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your separation SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. If you are a former Federal employee who previously held a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service, separated from the Federal Government over a year ago, and your last performance rating on record as a Federal employee was at least Fully Successful (or equivalent), you must submit a copy of your separation SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status AND your last Federal performance appraisal plan. Other supporting documents: College transcripts If you meet qualifications based on education: An unofficial college transcript. (If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.) Veterans Preference Documentation, if applicable: In order to verify your Veterans' Preference entitlement, you must 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. In addition, 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 required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Veteran applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): You must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing an honorable discharge to be considered. To be eligible, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of continuous active service. NOTE: Current employees applying under VEOA must submit a qualifying SF-50 to show they meet time-in-grade requirements. 30% or more Disabled Veteran. You must submit your DD214, a completed SF-15, and letter from the VA dated 1991 or later to be considered. Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.) CTAP/ICTAP Documentation A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; A copy of your SF-50, documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit 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 and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. 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 the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Staff Acquisition Applicant Support at staffacq-applicant@opm.gov or to obtain an alternative application.
