Duties

The SVI coordinates with components within the DOJ and in other federal agencies to build a comprehensive legal support and protection network focused on civil rights and assisting servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

At the full performance level, typical duties include:

Developing legislation, regulations, policy, and technical assistance that advances the policy and strategic civil rights mission of the Division.

Analyzing and responding to requests for review of proposed legislation, regulation, and policy proposals.

Coordinating with other Justice Department components - including U.S. Attorney's Offices - and agencies on implementing the Division's enforcement, strategic, and policy initiatives.

Engaging in education and outreach activities and strategies to internal and external stakeholders about important civil rights issues and Division priorities.

Advising leadership on the development, recommendation, and execution of assigned Division strategic and policy initiatives.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
• You may be required to complete a pre-employment security screening to initiate your background investigation, which includes a drug screening. Continued employment is contingent upon successful completion and adjudication of your investigation.
• You must have a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• DOJ uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, by visiting www.e-verify.gov/.
• You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021, or before appointment or onboarding with the agency, if after November 22. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request of the agency a legally required exception from this requirement.

Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 60 days.

Required Qualifications :

Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B professional law degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing of the bar of any state or territory, or the District of Columbia, and possess the minimum years of post professional law degree experience commensurate to the grade level of eligibility. Applicants must have demonstrated academic achievement; substantive knowledge and work experience in at least one area of federal civil rights law enforced by the Division; experience drafting and/or interpreting federal laws, rules, and regulations; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to analyze complex issues; outstanding skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with others; strong organizational skills; solid professional judgment; demonstrated initiative; and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment.

Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

• GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience

Preferred Qualifications :

The following demonstrated qualifications are preferred but not required: experience working on federal policy and/or legislation, including experience working in Congress and/or in the Executive Branch; substantive knowledge and work experience in two or more areas of federal civil rights law enforced by the Division.

Education

You must possess a J.D. degree.

Additional information

DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/page/file/1394116/download

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities : The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department's Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs .

Suitability and Citizenship : It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/ ). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee's Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates who have lived outside the United States for two or more of the past five years will likely have difficulty being approved for appointments by the Department Security Staff. The two-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement.