Paralegal Specialist

Telework Eligibility: The office telework policy REQUIRES this position to be in the office three (3) days per week with Wednesday being a mandatory in-office day. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Duties

As a Paralegal Specialist in our Civil Division handling immigration enforcement issues and foreign litigation, you will:

• Prepare draft legal and administrative pleadings and various other correspondence and legal documents as it relates to immigration enforcement issues and foreign litigation.
• Review and organize complex factual material and other documentary data.
• Perform substantive legal research using a variety of research tools.
• Provide advice on the most efficient method for preparing legal documents.
• Use tables and citation checking with efficiency.
• Prepare a variety of substantive legal documents to include answers, responses to dispositive motions, and petitions for turnover of surplus funds.
• Develop and enter various case material into a computer database.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate results.
• Provide litigation case management and organize cases for court presentation.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Salary

• $97,079 - $126,198/year

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• If you are a male applicant born 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.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
• You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Qualifications

GS-12:

To be eligible at the GS-12 level, you must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing a variety of analytical paralegal or legal work which demonstrates an extensive knowledge of law, the litigation and judicial process, and applicable rules, regulations, policies and procedures as it relates to immigration enforcement issues and foreign litigation; analyzing and evaluating legal decisions and case files to identify relevant issues and potential evidence; conducting thorough legal research concerning precedents and past court decisions; drafting legal documents; composing legal briefs, summaries of analyses and decisions, and pre-trial documents; interviewing witnesses and various individuals who can provide insight into cases under review; and preparing evidence and documents to support recommendations.

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:

• Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
• Required: Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (month/day/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time) (cover letter optional).
• Required if you are a current or former Federal employee: a recent copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing title, series, grade, and full performance level (FPL); AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
• Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

How to Apply

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

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/09/2025 to receive consideration.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online, contact Vicky Gehrt at (312) 353-8405 or Vicky.Gehrt@usdoj.gov as soon as possible to arrange an alternative application process.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.