Duties

Summary

The SES is a cadre of senior government leaders who possess a diverse portfolio of experience and expertise required to lead across organizations. These dedicated executives are charged with providing strategic leadership and upholding a commitment to public service that transcends loyalty to a specific agency mission or individual profession. You will influence the direction of innovation and transformation of the Federal Government and lead the next generation of public servants.
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Responsibilities

Before applying for this position, please read the entire announcement and follow the instructions in the How to Apply section.

The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General (OIG) is looking for high caliber leaders who possess high standards of excellence and enjoy challenges and opportunities. For an overview of the responsibilities the DHS OIG carries out within the Government, visit our website at https://www.oig.dhs.gov/about .

The Deputy Counsel position is located in the Office of Counsel (OC), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Deputy Counsel leads and manages the operations of the OC. Jointly with the Counsel to the Inspector General (CTIG), the Deputy Counsel (DC) holds full executive oversight of the Office of Counsel. Serve as the principal advisor providing legal advice, counsel and guidance on the full range of operations for all issues referred to the OC and on issues the Deputy identifies and determines should be brought to the CTIG's attention. The incumbent performs the comprehensive executive management, strategic planning, and financial functions essential to effective OC operations, and recognizes and refers matters to the CTIG, which may require review to assure uniformity within DHS OIG and works within general and technical legal guides and policies established by the CTIG. The Deputy is fully accountable for ensuring successful legal operations in support of OIG program offices -- Audits, Investigations, Inspections and Evaluations, Integrity Quality Oversight, and Management.

In this position, you will perform the following

• Engage in important policy-making determinations that significantly affect all OIG operations, the Department, Congress and the general public.
• Serve as liaison on sensitive activities with law enforcement agencies, the news media, and the Congress.
• Approve OC correspondence and assignments of information developed in the course of OIG investigations to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of Federal criminal law, for example, whether the evidence is legally sufficient to warrant referral to the Department of Justice or other authorities for further investigation, criminal prosecution or civil redress.
• Responsible for the overall planning, organization, and formulation of policies and procedures of the ethics program within OIG, including oversight of activities carried out at OIG headquarters, and nationally at OIG's field offices.
• Provide oversight of cases that include employment matters such as Merit Systems Protection Board, EEO, and employee grievances or Congressional inquiries that require legal responses.
• Provide high-level legal advice and counsel to the OIG staff with respect to legislative, regulatory and administrative matters.

Travel Required

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

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
00

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
• You must be able to obtain/maintain a security clearance (i.e., Secret, Top Secret, Top Secret/SCI).
• Selectee will be required to complete form OGE-278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Form.
• Pre-employment Drug Testing Required.
• You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
• You may be required to undergo random drug testing.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector.

This experience should be sufficiently broad in scope and at a major management level in a large or complex organization. Your application should demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully fulfill responsibilities inherent in SES positions such as:

• Leading the work of an organizational unit
• Ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects
• Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance
• Supervising the work of employees, developing policy and other executive functions

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) listed below. We recommend that your résumé, ECQ and MTQ narratives emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions.

If your experience does not include these basic qualifications, you will not be determined qualified for this position.

**Noncompetitive status - if you are a current, reinstatement eligible Career SES or a graduate of an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and your ECQs have been certified by OPM's Qualifications Review Board (QRB), you are not required to address the ECQs. Current and reinstatement eligible SES must include with your application a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your SES Career Appointment. CDP graduates must include a copy of your OPM CDP graduation certificate or other proof that your ECQs have been QRB certified. **

The application process used to recruit for this position is theTraditional Method.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS - Mandatory

Applicants must submit a written narrative addressing each ECQ generally not to exceed two (2) pages per ECQ for a total of no more than 10 pages. Written narratives addressing each ECQ generally not to exceed 2 pages per ECQ for a total of no more than 10 pages. Any information in excess of ten (10) pages WILL NOT be considered.

NOTE: If you a current/former Career SES member or certified graduate from an OPM approved Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.
Applicants are encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Results (C-C-A-R) model when preparing written ECQs narratives.

Challenge: Describe a specific problem or goal. Context: Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or environment in which you worked to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale). Action: Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge. Result: Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization.

You will be evaluated on the following Executive Core Qualifications:

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: The ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

These competencies are the foundation for success in each of the Executive Core Qualifications: Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Written Communication, Continual Learning, and Public Service Motivation.

Detailed information on the ECQs are available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/#url=Overview

A sample 5-page executive level resume and ECQ narratives can be viewed at this link https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS - Mandatory

All applicants must submit a written narrative addressing each MTQ, not to exceed one (1) page for each MTQ. Any information in excess of one (1) page per MTQ WILL NOT be considered.

Please give examples and explain the depth of the knowledge, expertise and experience you possess and the breadth, scope and sensitivity of the issues you handled, etc.

You will be evaluated on the following Technical Qualifications:

MTQ 1: Demonstrated experience in managing all aspects of an executive-branch legal program, including the ability to allocate, manage, and prioritize human and fiscal resources to achieve short and long-term goals.

MTQ 2: Demonstrated experience in providing comprehensive recommendations on complex legal issues arising under the Inspector General Act and laws of general applicability such as the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, ethics laws, and personnel law; demonstrated extensive experience communicating such recommendations effectively with high-level U.S. government officials.

FAILURE TO MEET OR FULLY ADDRESS EACH MANDATORY EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATION AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS WILL ELIMINATE A CANDIDATE FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Applicants who use "see resume" as a response WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date, 03/08/2021 of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association in possession of a J.D. or LL.B. degree (law degree) and must be an active member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits."

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation/clearance as a condition of placement in this position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

OIG uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify

Drug Testing: It is our responsibility to eliminate any risks to national security, public health and public safety that could be posed by individuals who use illegal drugs. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of placement and/or employment in the position and the incumbent(s) of this position may thereafter be subject to Random Drug Testing. A positive drug test or refusal to be tested will result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service.

Veteran's Preference: Veteran's Preference does NOT apply to Senior Executive Service positions.

Probationary Period: You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.

Mobility: Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographic, organizational, and functional lines.

Our Benefits Package: You will be eligible for performance bonuses of 5 to 20 percent of base pay for superior accomplishments. You will be covered by a defined benefit, contributory Federal retirement system. You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings. You may select one of a variety of health plans and options under the Government's Federal Employees' Health Benefits program and you may participate in the Federal Employees' Group Life and Long Term Care Insurance Programs.

Reasonable Accommodation: DHS OIG provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Your application will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed above.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience and education (if applicable). Your application will be evaluated by an SES rating and ranking panel. Highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and reference check.

The Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by an OPM/QRB before appointment can occur.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
National security

Required Documents

Your application, regardless of the format must describe your job related qualifications pertinent to this position. The announcement number must be entered on the first page of your application. Please submit:

1. Resume, not to exceed five (5) pages: Excess pages will not be considered. Applicants typically provide the following information in their résumé:

• Vacancy announcement number - OIG-21-11027307-SES-OC;
• Full name, e-mail and mailing addresses, and day and evening telephone numbers
• Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
• Duties and accomplishments ( be specific in describing your duties)
• Employer's name and address
• Supervisor's name and phone number
• Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year)
• Salary
• Honors, awards and special accomplishments
• Information about your paid and non-paid work experience, volunteer work related to this position
• If applicable, Educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg4.html#Diploma-Mills

2. Executive Core Qualifications: Written narratives addressing each ECQ generally not to exceed two (2) pages per ECQ for a total of no more than 10 pages. Excess pages will not be considered.

NOTE: If you current or former Career SES member or are graduate from an OPM approved Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, you do not need to respond to the ECQs.

3. Mandatory Technical Qualifications: Written narratives addressing each MTQ not to exceed one (1) page for each MTQ. Excess pages will not be considered.

4. Noncompetitive Applicants: Current and former career SES members must provide a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting their current status or reinstatement eligibility (position, title, series, grade, tenure). Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification. Your status must be clearly stated in your resume.

5. Education: This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an L.L.B. or J.D. Please submit a copy of your transcripts. A college or university degree must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page . If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions . Failure to submit transcripts will result in automatic disqualification.

6. ACTIVE BAR MEMBERSHIP: You must submit evidence of an Active Bar Membership as described in the Qualifications Section of this announcement. Failure to submit evidence will result in automatic disqualification.

7. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? You must submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

- Position title
- Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee)
- Agency
- Beginning and ending dates of appointment

Failure to provide all of the required documents by the closing date may result in an ineligible rating and loss of further consideration.