Paralegal Specialist

Summary Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to advance the Department's legislative initiatives and other interests relating to Congress. OLA coordinates the Department's responses to congressional committee oversight requests and other inquiries from individual members and congressional staff. OLA participate in the Senate confirmation process for federal judges and Department nominees such as Assistant Attorney General. Responsibilities As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. The duties and responsibilities of a Paralegal Specialist, GS-0905-11 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: *Work and assist attorneys, managers, and other employees. *Assembling and arranging case files and documents, preparing for hearings, and preparing draft testimony. *Prepare materials for briefings with congressional members and staff. *Assist with drafting, reviewing, editing, and/or providing input to written materials. *Compile and collate notes of meetings, enrolled bills, and other records. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist at (GS-0950-11), you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND/OR possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade you're applying to. If you are a current or former government employee on a permanent appointment in the competitive service, you will need to demonstrate 1-year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level, to meet the time-in-grade requirements for this occupational series and grade. Additionally, please ensure to submit an applicable SF50 (please refer to the "required documents" section for additional information). Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service in or related to managing legal case files and documents; summarizing and compiling information utilizing statutes, regulations, department orders, and other legal reference materials, AND presenting findings or conclusions utilizing appropriate language, legal reasoning, and organization of facts or ideas. OR Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. (NOTE: You must provide a copy of your transcripts) OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. (NOTE: You must provide a copy of your transcripts) You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 11/04/2024. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. Education If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below: Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of 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 more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Additional Information The bullets below outline the various groups of applicants that fall under the term "status candidates". This vacancy is open to applicants from any of the groups listed below: When you apply you'll have the chance to claim an eligibility pathway, be sure you fully read each statement and any links provided to make sure you know which eligibility you qualify for. See a full list and learn more at USAJOBS, see: What does Status Candidate mean? or Which Jobs am I Eligible to Apply for? CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: For more information, see USAJOBS Federal Employees. CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS (CTAP or ICTAP): For more information visit: USAJOBS Career Transition Programs VETERANS AND MILITARY SPOUSES: Please see USAJOBS Veterans Preference for more details. SCHEDULE A, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Learn more at USAJOBS - Individuals with Disabilities. General Employment Information: REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Our policy can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy DOJ EEO STATEMENT: The U.S. Department of Justice fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce, find our EEO statement online at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1394116/download SELECTIVE SERVICE: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.