PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Summary

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 serve as a paralegal specialist with responsibility for providing paralegal support on all assigned matters and responsible for the analysis and evaluation of research assignments.

Duties

1. Functions as a Civil Division Manager providing administrative support, exercising a wide latitude of professional judgment essential to managing the performance of administrative/management functions including policy matters involving administrative support; functional and manpower planning, civilian and military personnel administration; security administration; and travel authorization. 2. Provides support for all administrative law, ethics law, fiscal law, contract law, personnel law, operational law and Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, within the 502 ISG/JA civil law division. 3. Analyzes administrative action and independently prepares and coordinates preliminary legal review of all proposed and decision notifications of disciplinary and adverse actions against civilian employees, including Air Reserve Technician (ART), assigned to the installation by conducting extensive labor law research. 4. Provides support to the Legal Assistance Program located within the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.

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, Clerical and Administrative Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: : Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes In-depth knowledge of the application of various laws applicable to agency mission, Federal and State laws governing or impacting on the program, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations, rules, regulations, policies and procedures which pertain to the administration of legal program, principles, concepts, and methods of legal research, to include automated legal research systems, such as LexisNexis, MSPB decisions, and legal reference sources in DOD, Air Force Instructions, Office of Government Ethics, and related sources sufficient to perform complex level research. Knowledge of various titles of law applicable to agency mission and federal and state laws governing or impacting the mission of the U.S. Air Force. Mastery of oral and written English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Drafts, reviews, and proofreads lengthy and complex legal documents. Interfaces with clients seeking professional legal advice and assistance. Skill and experience in operating a personal computer and automated word, spreadsheets, and graphics programs. EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. related to the position being filled. NOTE: A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at time of application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Successfully completed some graduate level education and I have some specialized experience as described above. Therefore, I have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education to qualify for this position. Only graduate education in excess of 2 full years may be used in this calculation. NOTE: A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at time of application. 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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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. Legal and administrative knowledge in performing responsible paralegal and technical assignments, to include but not limited to Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Rules of Procedure and decisions. Knowledge of statutory and regulatory exclusions that apply to both FOIA and PA. Must be able to draft motions, pleadings, and other court documents; coordinate meetings and/or court hearings; and track and manage all pending labor relations matters from inception through appeal. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of Federal Rules of Civil Procedures, MSPB Rules of Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, applicable titles of law to the civil and criminal justice areas. Skill in interpreting, explaining, and presenting findings and conclusions relevant to a case or situation. 3. Two years or more of experience working with legal problems associated with the various categories of law identified above. The abilities to work independently, make sound, well-reasoned decisions are essential in order to effectively carry out the duties of this position. Must know how to research, analyze, and interpret legal documents and apply the information to case preparation. Must have in-depth knowledge of principles and techniques of legal research, familiarity with legal terminology and general legal materials, and proficiency in the use of such knowledge. 4. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete assignments, establish schedules and milestones in managing programs, and exercise a high degree of responsible initiative. Ability to independently research, interpret, analyze, investigate, and define facts in legal documents and apply to case preparation. Ability to perform computer-based legal research using sources such as LexisNexis. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain good working relationship. 5. Knowledge of rules, procedures, policies, and programs necessary to perform the procedural and administrative work of the organization. Knowledge of office functions to screen telephone calls and visitors, prepare and review correspondence, and perform other administrative work of the organization. Knowledge of various office automation software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases, and graphs. 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.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. BASIS OF RATING: Your application will be rated under the Cut Point procedures based on the extent to which the quality, depth, and complexity of your experience and education relate to the qualification requirements. Additional points are not added for Veteran's Preference; however, Veteran's Preference is considered where applicable. Best Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements Fully Qualified Group: Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements. Basically Qualified Group: Candidates in this category meet the minimum education and/or experience requirements. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

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. Online Application: Questionnaire 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". 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. 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. Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, AND a SF-50 reflecting the highest grade held if different from your recent SF-50. 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". 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 11/16/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13092571 To begin the process, clic...

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, Clerical and Administrative Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: : Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes In-depth knowledge of the application of various laws applicable to agency mission, Federal and State laws governing or impacting on the program, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations, rules, regulations, policies and procedures which pertain to the administration of legal program, principles, concepts, and methods of legal research, to include automated legal research systems, such as LexisNexis, MSPB decisions, and legal reference sources in DOD, Air Force Instructions, Office of Government Ethics, and related sources sufficient to perform complex level research. Knowledge of various titles of law applicable to agency mission and federal and state laws governing or impacting the mission of the U.S. Air Force. Mastery of oral and written English composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Drafts, reviews, and proofreads lengthy and complex legal documents. Interfaces with clients seeking professional legal advice and assistance. Skill and experience in operating a personal computer and automated word, spreadsheets, and graphics programs. EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. related to the position being filled. NOTE: A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at time of application. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Successfully completed some graduate level education and I have some specialized experience as described above. Therefore, I have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education to qualify for this position. Only graduate education in excess of 2 full years may be used in this calculation. NOTE: A copy of your transcripts must be submitted at time of application. 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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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. Legal and administrative knowledge in performing responsible paralegal and technical assignments, to include but not limited to Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Rules of Procedure and decisions. Knowledge of statutory and regulatory exclusions that apply to both FOIA and PA. Must be able to draft motions, pleadings, and other court documents; coordinate meetings and/or court hearings; and track and manage all pending labor relations matters from inception through appeal. 2. Comprehensive knowledge of Federal Rules of Civil Procedures, MSPB Rules of Procedure, Federal Rules of Evidence, applicable titles of law to the civil and criminal justice areas. Skill in interpreting, explaining, and presenting findings and conclusions relevant to a case or situation. 3. Two years or more of experience working with legal problems associated with the various categories of law identified above. The abilities to work independently, make sound, well-reasoned decisions are essential in order to effectively carry out the duties of this position. Must know how to research, analyze, and interpret legal documents and apply the information to case preparation. Must have in-depth knowledge of principles and techniques of legal research, familiarity with legal terminology and general legal materials, and proficiency in the use of such knowledge. 4. Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete assignments, establish schedules and milestones in managing programs, and exercise a high degree of responsible initiative. Ability to independently research, interpret, analyze, investigate, and define facts in legal documents and apply to case preparation. Ability to perform computer-based legal research using sources such as LexisNexis. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and maintain good working relationship. 5. Knowledge of rules, procedures, policies, and programs necessary to perform the procedural and administrative work of the organization. Knowledge of office functions to screen telephone calls and visitors, prepare and review correspondence, and perform other administrative work of the organization. Knowledge of various office automation software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases, and graphs. 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.