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: This is a developmental position with known promotion potential to the target position of NC1611 Paralegal Specialist, GS-0901-11. Incumbent works closely with the supervisor in performing duties identified in the full performance standard core personnel document/core document

Duties

Provides comprehensive executive administrative support to the SJA, Deputy Director, and Branch Chiefs to ensure efficient legal office operations and alignment with command objectives Delivers advanced information technology and office automation support to the OSJA to enhance productivity and ensure seamless operations. Provides comprehensive paralegal support to attorneys in administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, and national security law to ensure accurate and timely legal services. Implements and manages security policies and procedures for the OSJA to protect classified information and ensure compliance with DoW, United States Air Force (USAF), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Joint Functional Area Network System (JFANS), Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Executive Orders (E.O.), and Combatant Command (COCOM) directives.

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, Administrative and Management Positions GS-09 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of executive support activities, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of administrative support functions sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., related to the position being filled NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. 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-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 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. Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and quantitative and qualitative evaluative techniques used in program analysis to identify, evaluate, resolve, and present findings/recommendations for senior leader decision making, AND ability to analyze and evaluate problems in order to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions for recommending ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations. 2. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Joint Service and DoW organizations. 3. Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, prioritize, and manage a range of administrative requirements with competing deadlines, AND skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy. 4. Knowledge of legal principles and concepts to interpret and apply directives, precedents, and practices in the areas of operational law, international law, intelligence law, administrative and fiscal law and military justice. 5. Ability to research and apply Joint Travel Regulations, foreign clearance guidance, foreign relations and protocol procedures that apply to military and civilian leaders (foreign and domestic) and the numerous and sensitive nationally unique customs and courtesies of the international community. 6. Skill in applying 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, AND ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting senior military officers and civilians, usually O-6/GO/FO level GS-11 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 comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures across administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law, sufficient to interpret, apply, and advise on complex and novel legal matters OR EDUCATION: A Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related. NOTE: You must submit transcripts OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. 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: Knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures in administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law to interpret, apply, and advise on legal matters, AND skill in conducting legal research and analysis using automated and traditional tools (such as Westlaw, Lexis, FLITE), synthesizing information from multiple sources, and preparing legal memoranda, advisory opinions, and recommendations for attorneys and command leadership. Ability to resolve complex or ambiguous legal and administrative issues, and to develop and implement office policies, procedures, and workflows to support legal operations and ensure compliance with requirements. Knowledge of office automation, information technology, and digital records management (such as Microsoft O365, SharePoint, DISS, DTS, ETMS2), including developing and maintaining knowledge management systems and providing guidance to staff. Skill in coordinating and leading legal projects, initiatives, and interagency efforts, representing the legal office in working groups, task forces, and planning sessions, and advocating for command legal equities. Ability to evaluate and synthesize technical evidence, resolve conflicting or ambiguous guidance, and develop approaches to address unique legal challenges, AND skill in mentoring, training, and providing technical guidance to paralegal specialists, administrative staff, and new personnel to support professional development and performance. Oral and written communication skills to prepare correspondence, briefings, and reports; justify and defend recommendations; and interact with senior leaders, legal professionals, and partner nation representatives across joint and combined organizations. 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

Conditions of Employment Continued: Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY). This position has been identified as eligible for situational telework. The position eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. Telework for civilian employees is a discretionary workplace flexibility, not an entitlement. Employee and their supervisors must complete the DD Form 2946, DoD Telework Agreement, prior to participation in telework programs. Civilian employees who will telework must complete the required training within 30 days of appointment. Under DODI 1035.01_DAFI 36-816, Telework Program, a civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request. 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. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. 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.

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. 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...

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, Administrative and Management Positions GS-09 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of executive support activities, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of administrative support functions sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., related to the position being filled NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. 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-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 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. Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and quantitative and qualitative evaluative techniques used in program analysis to identify, evaluate, resolve, and present findings/recommendations for senior leader decision making, AND ability to analyze and evaluate problems in order to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions for recommending ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations. 2. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Joint Service and DoW organizations. 3. Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, prioritize, and manage a range of administrative requirements with competing deadlines, AND skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy. 4. Knowledge of legal principles and concepts to interpret and apply directives, precedents, and practices in the areas of operational law, international law, intelligence law, administrative and fiscal law and military justice. 5. Ability to research and apply Joint Travel Regulations, foreign clearance guidance, foreign relations and protocol procedures that apply to military and civilian leaders (foreign and domestic) and the numerous and sensitive nationally unique customs and courtesies of the international community. 6. Skill in applying 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, AND ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting senior military officers and civilians, usually O-6/GO/FO level GS-11 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 comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures across administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law, sufficient to interpret, apply, and advise on complex and novel legal matters OR EDUCATION: A Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related. NOTE: You must submit transcripts OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. 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: Knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures in administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law to interpret, apply, and advise on legal matters, AND skill in conducting legal research and analysis using automated and traditional tools (such as Westlaw, Lexis, FLITE), synthesizing information from multiple sources, and preparing legal memoranda, advisory opinions, and recommendations for attorneys and command leadership. Ability to resolve complex or ambiguous legal and administrative issues, and to develop and implement office policies, procedures, and workflows to support legal operations and ensure compliance with requirements. Knowledge of office automation, information technology, and digital records management (such as Microsoft O365, SharePoint, DISS, DTS, ETMS2), including developing and maintaining knowledge management systems and providing guidance to staff. Skill in coordinating and leading legal projects, initiatives, and interagency efforts, representing the legal office in working groups, task forces, and planning sessions, and advocating for command legal equities. Ability to evaluate and synthesize technical evidence, resolve conflicting or ambiguous guidance, and develop approaches to address unique legal challenges, AND skill in mentoring, training, and providing technical guidance to paralegal specialists, administrative staff, and new personnel to support professional development and performance. Oral and written communication skills to prepare correspondence, briefings, and reports; justify and defend recommendations; and interact with senior leaders, legal professionals, and partner nation representatives across joint and combined organizations. 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.