Skip to main content

This job has expired

PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Andrews AFB, Maryland
Closing date
Jul 16, 2019
Duties

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 provide paralegal, administrative, budget data systems, and resource advisor support to the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW).
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

  • Provides paralegal support for Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) and other staff attorneys.
  • Legal Support to Military Justice Program.
  • Alternate Recourse Advisor for AFDW/JA.
  • Performs other administrative and clerical duties in support of the AFDW Legal Office.
  • Researches and provides military justice administrative guidance to subordinate legal office(s).
  • Uses multiple office automation software with varied functions to produce a wide range of documents, formats, etc.


Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
9

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
  • Employee must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate secrurity clearance level.
  • PCS expenses are not authorized.
  • This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program.
  • Disclosure of Political Appointments.
  • Incumbent may be required to travel on military or commercial aircraft for temporary duty or training assignments.
  • Irregular duty hours and overtime may be required.
  • Employee may be required to function as a Notary Public. Must be able to satisfactorily complete training to become a Notary Public and be able to meet bonding or other requirements inherent as a Notary Public.
  • Maximum experience in the Military Justice area or an Associated Degree in Paralegal Studies (or similar field) is desired.
  • This is a uniquely structured legal off that performs functions traditionally spit between two separate command (Numbered Air Force and Major Command). It processes all legal actions and performs all legal reviews relating to the HQ AFDW mission.
  • It also assists attorneys with the implementation and sustainment of processing required financial interest reports using Financial Disclosure Management (FDM).


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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience which includes knowledge and technical expertise in military justice procedures in order to review courts-martial records of trial, appellate issues, preparation of appellate documents, and related actions. Knowledge of the Manual for Courts-Martial, Air Force instructions and other DoD regulatory directives relating to the military justice process. Also must thoroughly understand all directives, instructions, laws, and court decisions regarding the administrative and technical aspects involved in courts-martial proceedings and appellate review process and non-judicial punishments. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the GS-07 grade/level position or equivalent in the federal service.

OR
EDUCATION:
Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position or LL.B. or J.D., if related. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your 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-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.

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 the organizational structure and operations of HQ USAF/JA, HQ AFDW/JA, AFDW staff, and subordinate units/elements to AFDW to provide legal research and analysis in areas of AFDW responsibilities sufficient to prepare clear and concise legal documents of findings.
  • Knowledge of basic legal principles and concepts to interpret and apply, or explain to others the application of, the Uniform Code ofMilitary Justice, DoD and Air Force regulations and instructions, precedents, and practices covering recurring military justice actions encountered throughout AFDW.
  • Knowledge of the filing system and various references used to classify, search for, and dispose of materials applicable to military law.
  • Knowledge of multiple automated software with varied functions to produce a wide range of documents, formats, etc. Knowledge of the Internet capabilities adequate to perform legal research. A qualified typist is required.
  • Knowledge of procedures required to requisition office supplies, maintenance, and printing services.
  • Knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and required formats to produce legal documents and communications.
  • 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: You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    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.

    Additional information

    Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

    Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

    Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service of more than three (3) calendar days may be required prior to appointment to the position.

    Temporary and Term Appointments: If you are selected for a temporary or term position in the competitive service, your appointment may be extended to the maximum period allowed by law without further competition.

    This is a Term Position (NTE 2 years) and a 3 calendar day break in service - (to exclude civilian and military retirees receiving an annuity) will be required prior to appointment to this position for current Federal permanent civilian employees. Please contact your local EMR Specialist to discuss the impact to your benefits and entitlements by taking a break in federal civilian service.

    90-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 90-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 90 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

    Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

    Incentive for Leave Accrual: A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty.

    If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here .

    How You Will Be Evaluated

    You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

    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.

    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 meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, will be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference.

    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.

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Not Required

    Drug test required
    No

    Required Documents

    The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. 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 - must include beginning and ending month and year for each employment period, hours worked and supervisor. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume.
  • Transcripts - if you are basing your qualifications on education or if the position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts
  • Registration/License - active, current registration/license if applicable for the position
  • If claiming Veterans' Preference - a copy of your DD Form 214, which must include character of service or a Statement of Service/Proof of Service which must include service dates and character of service. In addition, if claiming 10-point preference and/or 30% Disabled Veteran, you must submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces (or documentation of purple heart, if applicable) and a SF 15 (Application for 10-point veteran preference).
  • Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (Includes current Air Force employees): You are required to submit legible copy/copies of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1"). Additionally, if you are applying for a higher grade (GS) 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 requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 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).
  • Applicants must refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide (link provided above) for a complete list of required documents for each eligibility you identify.
  • ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act Chapter 21 of Title 5, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 2108a, requires Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, assuming the service member is otherwise eligible. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of "veteran" under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1). The "certification" must reflect the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date of submission. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate when your terminal leave will begin (if applicable), your rank, dates of active duty service, the type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable). Further, under paragraph (h) of the rule, agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD-214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible." Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if member is on terminal leave.

    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. Applicant should not submit an appraisal that does not include this information.
    Awards for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Copies of any award received within the last 3 years.

    If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

    Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

    Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

    Get job alerts

    Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

    Create alert