Paralegal Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the General Counsel, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. This announcement will close at 11:59 PM, on the day that 50 applications have been received or the closing date of the announcement, whichever comes first.

Duties

As a Paralegal Specialist, you will: Help assure compliance with current rules and procedures for administrative forums and courts, including reviewing standing orders and e-filing procedures. Assist attorneys with electronic discovery obligations, including legal holds, and the organization and management of electronic documents and data. Perform research using computer research tools, including to cite check briefs. Assist with document exchanges between client agencies, and various State or local agencies-using various platforms.

Qualifications

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR GS-11 Minimum Qualifications: You must have one-year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Applying laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to the administration of legal programs. Assisting attorneys to prepare hearings/trials by compiling, organizing and indexing evidentiary materials. Using legal databases to conduct research and locate pertinent case law, statutes, regulations and policies. Preparing drafts or legal documents (e.g., memoranda of law, discovery responses, subpoena requests, etc); researching, identifying, analyzing and summarizing pertinent facts from case reports, legal decisions and organization precedents. OR Have a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, or successfully completed at least 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field that is directly related to the duties of this position, OR received an LL.M. OR Have a combination of graduate education and experience, as described above that meets 100% of the requirements. GS-12 Minimum Qualifications: You must have one year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Analyzing legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence. Conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions using databases such as Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw and internet search engines for research and litigation tracking purposes. Composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses, decisions, and pre-hearing documents. Performing legal and factual citation verification of documents using sherardizing and Bluebook-compliant review of briefs, legal memoranda, and related materials. Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above. 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; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited. OPM Qualification General Policies Website

Education

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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov. Note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. Education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this announcement. Evaluation will be based on your application materials (such as your resume and supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and the results of all required assessments. Resume Requirement Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages in length. Minimum Qualification Question As part of the application process, you must answer a minimum qualification question addressing whether you meet the Specialized Experience required for this position, as described in this announcement. Your response must be supported by the experience documented in your resume. If your resume does not demonstrate the required Specialized Experience, you may be found not qualified. Assessment Process USA Hire Assessment You are required to complete a USA Hire assessment for this position. The USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. HR Resume Review Human Resource (HR) Specialists will review your resume to determine whether you meet the required Specialized Experience. Applicants who successfully pass all of the assessment(s) may be referred to the Hiring Manager for consideration. You must complete all required steps in the process, including submitting an application and resume and participating in the assessments, to be considered for this position. Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS. In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 14, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public. PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers: PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps may apply online to this announcement. Candidates will be referred as CC personnel and not as candidates for conversion to a permanent career or career-conditional appointment. For Competitive Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) Applicants: The highest rated candidates will be referred to the hiring agency. For Noncompetitive Applicants: All qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring agency. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Information Management Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Legal, Government and Jurisprudence Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Technology Application Writing To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13013392

Required Documents

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. You must provide a complete online Application Package which includes: Resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must support responses to the online application. Failure to submit a resume and all required documentation identified in this announcement may result in removal from further consideration. Use of the USAJOBS Resume Builder is encouraged to ensure all required information is included. Resumes must include duties, accomplishments, related skills, and start and end dates (month/day/year) for each position. Full-time employment will be assumed unless otherwise indicated; part-time experience will be prorated. Incomplete information may affect eligibility or rating. A complete online application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13013392) SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) - documentation supporting eligibility. If submitting a copy of your SF-50, or equivalent, submit one that shows the effective date of current position, the full performance level, career or career conditional tenure and status in the competitive service. Other Supporting Documents, as applicable: College transcripts, if qualifying all or in part based on education RPL Documentation: Candidates must submit all documents required to demonstrate that they meet the qualifications of the position If separated due to Reduction in Force (RIF): Most recent SF-50, or equivalent, that shows position occupied; tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level SF-50 showing Separation - RIF. If not available, submit official documentation of Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a proposed removal/separation notice Latest performance rating showing rating score If separated due to Compensable Injury: Most recent SF-50, or equivalent, that shows position occupied; tenure; grade and step; salary; and full performance level SF-50, which shows separation, or SF-50 showing acceptance of position at a lower grade or pay level in lieu of separation Notification from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, Department of Labor, that injury compensation benefits have ceased or will cease Latest performance rating and rating of record (if separate documents) showing rating score CTAP/ICTAP 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 SF-50, showing positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to be placed through RPL, etc Latest performance appraisal including rating Documentation from your agency showing current promotion potential Military Spouse Documentation Overseas Military Spouse: Copy of Military sponsor's PCS orders and a valid marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage. If applicable, a copy of most recent SF-50 Certain Military Spouse: For all categories below, a valid marriage certificate or other documentation verifying marriage. Additional supporting documentation requirements differ for each category Spouse of a service member on active duty, you are required to submit a copy of the service member's current orders or a Statement of Service letter. The Statement of Service must be signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of the service member's unit or higher headquarters, AND the Statement of Service letter must include dates of active-duty service. For current federal employees, submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 Spouse of a service member who incurred a 100% disability because of the service member's active duty service, you are required to submit a copy of your spouse's DD-214 and a copy of documentation from the Department of Veteran's Affairs or the Department of Defense indicating the service member has a disability rating of 100% due to a service connected disability Spouse of a service member who was killed while on active duty, submit a copy of the spouse's DD-1300 documenting the service member was killed while on active duty and a statement certifying that you have not remarried PHS Commissioned Corps Personnel: You must provide a copy of your current personnel orders and/or other supporting documentation to be referred as CC. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation, if applicable. For more information, please go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/ Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (severely disabled, eligible veterans, certain military spouses, etc.) Official documents are not required at this time; copies are sufficient; may be requested upon selection.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Do...

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR GS-11 Minimum Qualifications: You must have one-year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Applying laws, court and/or administrative decisions and interpretations, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to the administration of legal programs. Assisting attorneys to prepare hearings/trials by compiling, organizing and indexing evidentiary materials. Using legal databases to conduct research and locate pertinent case law, statutes, regulations and policies. Preparing drafts or legal documents (e.g., memoranda of law, discovery responses, subpoena requests, etc); researching, identifying, analyzing and summarizing pertinent facts from case reports, legal decisions and organization precedents. OR Have a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree, or successfully completed at least 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field that is directly related to the duties of this position, OR received an LL.M. OR Have a combination of graduate education and experience, as described above that meets 100% of the requirements. GS-12 Minimum Qualifications: You must have one year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following: Analyzing legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence. Conducting legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions using databases such as Lexis-Nexis, Westlaw and internet search engines for research and litigation tracking purposes. Composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses, decisions, and pre-hearing documents. Performing legal and factual citation verification of documents using sherardizing and Bluebook-compliant review of briefs, legal memoranda, and related materials. Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above. 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; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited. OPM Qualification General Policies Website