General Attorney (Civil Rights) GS-12/13/14 FPL GS-14

Summary

This position is located in the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Program Legal Group (PLG) in Washington, DC. The office operates under the jurisdiction of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Acts of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.

Duties

APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 200 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 200 application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. This is an Excepted Service position. The job will be filled by alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Applicants selected for an excepted service position are subject to a one-year trial period. Join our Team! The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is looking for the best and brightest to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. As a General Attorney (Civil Right), GS-0905-12, you will be responsible for: Serving as a legal and policy advisor the the Assistant Secretary (AS), Deputy Assistant Secretaries (DASs), Enforcement Directors (EDs), PLG Director and Deputy Director, and serves as an expert resource for other managers within OCR. Developing or review policy issuances, legal standards, legal memoranda, guidelines, and proposed regulations pertaining to civil rights compliance, the conduct of investigations and compliance reviews and the provision of technical assistance. Developing policy issuances, guidelines, and legal standards for OCR regional enforcement offices, the Department, recipients of Federal financial assistance, and the general public. Assignments may involve legal and policy matters of significant complexity. Developing training materials and manuals and presents training to stakeholders and other OCR staff on significant policy and legal issues, complex statutory and regulatory standards, changes in case law, new policy developments, and other related matters. Coordinating and assisting in administrative proceedings and Federal Court litigation in coordination with other components of OCR and the Department. As a General Attorney (Civil Right), GS-0905-13, you will be responsible for: Reviewing and assessing case resolution documents, investigative reports, and compliance findings to ensure they meet established legal and policy standards for civil rights enforcement. Formulating and presenting recommendations regarding program management and legal policy matters, including alternative approaches, amendatory language, or new provisions to resolve conflicts between state and federal law or to improve civil rights compliance. Performing comprehensive legal research and analysis on moderately to significantly complex civil rights issues, including statutory and regulatory interpretation, case law review, and policy development to resolve novel or precedent-setting problems. As a General Attorney (Civil Right), GS-0905-14, you will be responsible for: Serving as a legal and policy advisor to senior leadership and other managers, offering expert guidance and interpretation of federal civil rights statutes and implementing regulations, including Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, Title II of the ADA, and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Performing advanced legal research and analysis to address complex civil rights compliance issues, formulates recommendations, and negotiates resolutions to significantly complex matters affecting program operations and enforcement activities. Translateing organizational goals into operational objectives, develops strategies for improving program effectiveness and efficiency, and contributes to the development and implementation of major civil rights policy initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-12: A. Is an active member in good standing in the Bar of a State, Territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. AND B. Has obtained the first professional law degree or training which is permitted in some states in lieu of attendance at the law school. AND Two years of professional legal experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility at the next lower grade level or equivalent. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-12 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience evaluating the legal adequacy of case resolution documents and reports on civil rights compliance. 2. Experience drafting training materials and planning conferences. 3. Experience developing recommendations on program management and legal policy issues. Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-13: A. Has obtained the first professional law degree or training which is permitted in some states in lieu of attendance at the law school AND B. Is an active member in good standing in the Bar of a State, Territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-13 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience evaluating the legal adequacy of case resolution documents and reports on civil rights compliance. 2. Experience developing recommendations on program management and legal policy issues. 3. Experience conducting extensive research to solve complex problems. Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-14: Four years professional legal experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-14 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, and their implementing regulations.. 2. Experience with researching analytical techniques, problem-solving, formulating recommendations, negotiating resolutions to significantly complex issues. 3. Experience providing operational task objectives and develop strategies for improving program effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-12 1. Ability to apply the civil rights laws and regulations. 2. Knowledge of investigative, analytical, negotiation, mediation, and resolution techniques. 3. Skills in oral and written communications and ability to analyze and resolve legal problem using civil rights legal research. GS-13 1. Knowledge of federal civil rights statutes, regulations, and enforcement principles necessary to evaluate the legal adequacy of investigative findings, resolution documents, and compliance reports. 2. Skill in conducting extensive legal research; analyzing complex statutory, regulatory, and policy issues; and preparing clear, well-reasoned recommendations to support program management and legal policy decisions. 3. Ability to synthesize large volumes of legal information, identify issues, apply legal standards, and formulate solutions and recommendations for complex or novel civil rights compliance challenges GS-14 1. Knowledge of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, and their implementing regulations, as well as the principles and practices of civil rights compliance. 2. Skill in conducting advanced legal research, applying analytical techniques, solving complex legal and policy problems, and formulating recommendations and negotiating resolutions for significantly complex issues. 3. Ability to translate organizational goals into operational task objectives, develop strategies for improving program effectiveness and efficiency, and contribute to the implementation of major civil rights policy initiatives.

Education

Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position and grade level. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet 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 provide such evidence when applying. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, please click Foreign Education.

How You Will Be Evaluated

We will review your application and documentation submitted to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications and competencies listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and the result of the USA Hire Assessment(s) required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Non-Supervisory: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork We will refer the best qualified candidates to the Selecting Official of the job for further review and consideration. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet qualifications required, and on the extent to which your application shows that you possess the knowledge, skills and abilities associated with this position as defined below. Please be sure to give examples in your resume and explain how often you used these skills, the complexity of the knowledge you possessed, the level of people you interacted with, and the complexity and sensitivity of the issues you handled. Based on the outcome of this evaluation, your application data may be further assessed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. If your qualifications are not substantiated by your submitted resume, you may be eliminated from receiving further consideration.

Required Documents

-A resume demonstrating your education, experience, training, and accomplishments as it relates to the qualifications for this position and substantiating your responses to the occupational questionnaire. Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points. If your resume is more than 2 pages, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed and considered for the qualifications determination.. Cover letter if applicable. You are not required to submit bar card or transcripts to apply to the vacancy announcement, but you will be required to submit them upon request from hiring panel or the HR Specialist. Writing sample and/or list of references may be required of selected applicants at later stages in the selection process. If you are claiming Veterans' Preference you must submit: -A copy of your DD-214 that shows active service and character of discharge, member copy 4 (Separated Members only); OR -A certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days from the date of application (Current Active Duty Members only); AND/OR -The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) AND all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference; AND/OR -Proof of Sole Survivorship Preference (e.g., certificate of death or 100% disability as a result of serving in the armed forces). Veteran's Preference: Department of the Education attorney positions are in the excepted service, not the competitive civil service. There is no formal system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Education considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor consideration in the attorney hiring process. If you are eligible for veterans' preference in hiring, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation, e.g., SF-15, DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other supporting documentation.

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 submit all 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 t...

Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-12: A. Is an active member in good standing in the Bar of a State, Territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. AND B. Has obtained the first professional law degree or training which is permitted in some states in lieu of attendance at the law school. AND Two years of professional legal experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility at the next lower grade level or equivalent. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-12 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience evaluating the legal adequacy of case resolution documents and reports on civil rights compliance. 2. Experience drafting training materials and planning conferences. 3. Experience developing recommendations on program management and legal policy issues. Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-13: A. Has obtained the first professional law degree or training which is permitted in some states in lieu of attendance at the law school AND B. Is an active member in good standing in the Bar of a State, Territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-13 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience evaluating the legal adequacy of case resolution documents and reports on civil rights compliance. 2. Experience developing recommendations on program management and legal policy issues. 3. Experience conducting extensive research to solve complex problems. Minimum Qualifications Requirements for GS-14: Four years professional legal experience at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-14 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: 1. Experience with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, and their implementing regulations.. 2. Experience with researching analytical techniques, problem-solving, formulating recommendations, negotiating resolutions to significantly complex issues. 3. Experience providing operational task objectives and develop strategies for improving program effectiveness and efficiency. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). GS-12 1. Ability to apply the civil rights laws and regulations. 2. Knowledge of investigative, analytical, negotiation, mediation, and resolution techniques. 3. Skills in oral and written communications and ability to analyze and resolve legal problem using civil rights legal research. GS-13 1. Knowledge of federal civil rights statutes, regulations, and enforcement principles necessary to evaluate the legal adequacy of investigative findings, resolution documents, and compliance reports. 2. Skill in conducting extensive legal research; analyzing complex statutory, regulatory, and policy issues; and preparing clear, well-reasoned recommendations to support program management and legal policy decisions. 3. Ability to synthesize large volumes of legal information, identify issues, apply legal standards, and formulate solutions and recommendations for complex or novel civil rights compliance challenges GS-14 1. Knowledge of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, and their implementing regulations, as well as the principles and practices of civil rights compliance. 2. Skill in conducting advanced legal research, applying analytical techniques, solving complex legal and policy problems, and formulating recommendations and negotiating resolutions for significantly complex issues. 3. Ability to translate organizational goals into operational task objectives, develop strategies for improving program effectiveness and efficiency, and contribute to the implementation of major civil rights policy initiatives.