Supervisory Legal Assistant

Summary

The Tax Division is seeking a highly skilled candidate to serve as Supervisory Legal Assistant with significant experience and a strong background in legal support functions. The incumbent will serve as Office Manager, supervise staff, and perform a range of legal and administrative duties.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

• Federal employees – Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Individuals with disabilities
• Military spouses
• Special authorities

  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Current Federal Employees serving under career or career-conditional appointments; Former Federal Employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current and Former Overseas Employees; VEOA, and 30% Disabled Veterans; Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A); Military Spouse; Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; Vista; and CTAP and ICTAP eligible

Duties

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.

As a Supervisory Legal Assistant GS-0986-9/10, you will be responsible for performing duties which include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform a broad range of technical and administrative supervisory functions with respect to assigned staff, including Section Chief, Assistant Chiefs, and Reviewers; take initiative to identify issues and formulate constructive solutions; willing to assist others and be a team player.
• Resolve conflicts or other problems experienced by staff.
• Provide backup for other administrative professionals in the section when workflow requires, such as legal/litigation assistants, data management specialists, management specialists, and head secretary.
• Identify and alert management, external and internal staff of critical dates (e.g., court hearing, appeal recommendation, time sheets); organize review of incoming mail and faxes; identify critical dates; and resolve issues or problems of court procedures and court documentation.
• Clearly communicate with staff regarding deadlines, due dates, problem resolution, cooperation, collaboration, procedures on administrative matters (e.g., leave, training, etc.).
• Communicate distinctly with others to ensure litigation support coverage and to ensure quality work product.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• You may need to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result before you can be appointed into this position.
• You will need to successfully complete a pre-employment background security process pending completion and adjudication of the background investigation before you can be appointed to the position.
• 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 is not a remote position. You will be required to work in person at our Washington, DC offices. However, some Telework may be authorized.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Supervisory Legal Assistant at GS-0986-9/10, you must possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade. If you are a current 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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

To be eligible for the GS-09, you must have at least one year, 52 weeks, of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 or higher grade level in the Federal service, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Directing and overseeing the work of others under close supervision or working collaboratively with others to achieve a goal;
• Proposing resolution of conflicts or other problems to a supervisor;
• Tracking travel, logistics, time management, supplies, data entry and integrity, including recording required events in a database using Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, or other software with supervision;
• Retrieving information from an electronic case management system;
• Identifying material that may be pertinent to court issues or court cases under close supervision; appropriately identifying and directing phone calls to management officials;
• Preparing forms for issuance and presenting them for signature;
• Takes initiative to identify issues and formulates constructive solutions; willing to assist others and be a team player; and
• Conveying and capturing various information orally and in writing as appropriate to the situation.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

To be eligible for the GS-10, you must have at least one year, 52 weeks, of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 or higher grade level in the Federal service, which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include:

• Supervising, directing, and overseeing the work of others or working collaboratively with others to achieve a goal;
• Resolving conflicts or other problems;
• Tracking travel, logistics, time management, supplies, data entry and integrity, including recording required events using Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, or other software;
• Retrieving information from an electronic case management system;
• Identifying material that may be pertinent to court issues or court cases;
• Appropriately identifying and directing phone calls to management officials;
• Preparing forms for issuance and presenting them for signature;
• Takes initiative to identify issues and formulates constructive solutions;
• Willing to assist others and be a team player; and
• Conveying and capturing various information orally and in writing as appropriate to the situation.

Time in Grade Requirement: Current government employees on a permanent appointment in the competitive service must demonstrate one year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the occupational series and grade.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/23/2023.

Your resume must support your responses to the questionnaire and 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

There are no education requirements for the Supervisory Legal Assistant GS-09/10 position.

Additional information

• 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/1393306/download

• Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Tax Division Human Resources office at 202-514-4661. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Our policy can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/manual-and-procedures-providing-reasonable-accommodation

• Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) apply for the position through this announcement; (3) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and (4) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: USAJOBS Career Transition Programs

• Sharing of Certificates: The certificate(s) (or lists) of eligible candidates resulting from this vacancy announcement may be shared with other Department of Justice offices or components (outside of the Tax Division) who are hiring for positions in the same occupational series, grade level, full performance level, and duty location during the 240-day period beginning on the date of issuance of the certificate of eligibles. In order for your application materials to be shared, you must indicate on the occupational/assessment questionnaire that you are willing to have your application materials and other personal information included in the application shared with one or more other components within the Department of Justice outside of the Tax Division.

Please Note: Additional selections may be made from this announcement for up to 90 days should additional similar openings occur in this, or any other office within DOJ.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Once the job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm ET on 10/23/2023), a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted, the information will be reviewed to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible, or your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your skills and abilities.

Additionally, we will review your supporting documents and resume to determine if you are in the “Area of Consideration” for this vacancy. Government-Wide Merit Promotion vacancies may only accept applications from a limited audience, pay careful attention to the “Who May Apply” and the “Hiring Paths” information. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

BASIS OF RATING:

The rating you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics). Your resume should contain sufficient information to demonstrate possession of these competencies.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics). Your resume should contain sufficient information to demonstrate possession of these competencies.

• Legal Case Management
• Oral Communication
• Performance Recognition
• Software Application
• Supervisory/Leadership
• Written Communication

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

  Documentation requirements may vary from applicant to applicant. If you don’t submit a document that is required to verify your eligibility and qualifications, then you may be rated ineligible or we may rate you based on the information you do submit. You are responsible for ensuring you have submitted all documents necessary to process your application!

  Resume: All applicants must submit a detailed resume. Your resume must contain detailed information about your past employment, education, and qualifications. You should also include unpaid work experience (volunteer work) as well, because we may be able to credit you for this experience. If you’re unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube.

  Your resume should include:

  1) position title,

  2) employer name and contact information,

  3) start and end dates (including month and year),

  4) the number of hours worked per week (or indicate full time), and

  5) a detailed list of duties performed, accomplishments. If you are a current or former federal employee, include the highest grade/step achieved in each position.

  You are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, as this will ensure you’re including everything that is required.

  If you are a current or former Federal employee applying for transfer, reinstatement, or reassignment:

  • You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form.
    • **Do not submit a pay adjustment or an award SF-50, these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment.**
    • Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status
  • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting receipt of the award identified in the application questionnaire #27.

  See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information.

  If you are claiming a Veterans Preference eligibility:

  • When claiming VEOA eligibility or a Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
  • If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
  • If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
  • If you are currently on active duty, please provide an official statement of service from your command certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The 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.
  • For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.

  If you are a person with a severe disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A:

  You must submit “proof of a disability” documentation.

  • “Proof of a disability” is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability.
  • You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.

  If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP:

  You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency. If you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force. See USAJOBS’ Career Transition Programs for more information.

  If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility. Examples Include: Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.

  USAJOBS – What documents might I need to provide?Application Manager Help – Documents

• How to Apply

  Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

  To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  • Click “Apply Online” to get started.
  • If you’re not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don’t have an account, please create one.
  • You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
  • You’ll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you’re able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You’ll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
  • Once you reach DOJ’s Application Manager system, you’ll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
  • After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
  • If you opt to upload a document directly, click the “Upload” button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
  • Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
  • Once you’ve uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
  • If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

  If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

  Agency contact information

  Senobia West

  Phone

  (202) 616-1852

  Email

  senobia.west@usdoj.gov

  Address

  Civil Trial Section, Western Region c/o 150 M Street, NE , Washington, DC 20530 US

  Next steps

  You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the “Applications” page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.

  Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Documentation requirements may vary from applicant to applicant. If you don’t submit a document that is required to verify your eligibility and qualifications, then you may be rated ineligible or we may rate you based on the information you do submit. You are responsible for ensuring you have submitted all documents necessary to process your application!

Resume: All applicants must submit a detailed resume. Your resume must contain detailed information about your past employment, education, and qualifications. You should also include unpaid work experience (volunteer work) as well, because we may be able to credit you for this experience. If you’re unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube.

Your resume should include:

1) position title,

2) employer name and contact information,

3) start and end dates (including month and year),

4) the number of hours worked per week (or indicate full time), and

5) a detailed list of duties performed, accomplishments. If you are a current or former federal employee, include the highest grade/step achieved in each position.

You are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder, as this will ensure you’re including everything that is required.

If you are a current or former Federal employee applying for transfer, reinstatement, or reassignment:

• You must submit your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form.
  • **Do not submit a pay adjustment or an award SF-50, these do not contain sufficient information about your appointment.**
  • Your SF-50 should list the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and your service type and tenure status
• Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
• SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting receipt of the award identified in the application questionnaire #27.

See USAJOBS Current & Former Employees for more information.

If you are claiming a Veterans Preference eligibility:

• When claiming VEOA eligibility or a Veteran’s Preference, you must submit your last DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) form, specifically the Member #4 Copy, indicating dates and character of service and discharge type.
• If you are a Veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, you will need to additionally submit the SF-15 (Application for 10-point Veterans Preference) and a copy of your VA Letter stating your disability rating.
• If you are the qualifying parent or spouse of a disabled, deceased, or deployed Veteran, and are seeking a derived preference eligibility, you must submit appropriate supporting documentation such as the Veterans DD-214, SF-15, VA Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. See Veteran Family Preference for more information.
• If you are currently on active duty, please provide an official statement of service from your command certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The 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.
• For more information on each type of Veterans Preference, and the documentation required for each, see FedsHireVets.

If you are a person with a severe disability, claiming eligibility under Schedule A:

You must submit “proof of a disability” documentation.

• “Proof of a disability” is a letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability or psychiatric disability.
• You must get this letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits.

If you are a displaced Federal employee claiming eligibility under CTAP or ICTAP:

You must submit your separation notice or agency RIF letter from your agency. If you have not yet been separated, you can provide the letter of intent to separate you from the agency because of reduction-in-force. See USAJOBS’ Career Transition Programs for more information.

If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under other noncompetitive special appointing authorities, you MUST submit proof of this eligibility. Examples Include: Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.

USAJOBS – What documents might I need to provide?Application Manager Help – Documents

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

• Click “Apply Online” to get started.
• If you’re not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don’t have an account, please create one.
• You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
• You’ll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you’re able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You’ll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
• Once you reach DOJ’s Application Manager system, you’ll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
• After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
• If you opt to upload a document directly, click the “Upload” button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
• Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
• Once you’ve uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
• If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

Agency contact information

Senobia West

Phone

(202) 616-1852

Email

senobia.west@usdoj.gov

Address

Civil Trial Section, Western Region c/o 150 M Street, NE , Washington, DC 20530 US

Next steps

You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the “Applications” page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.

Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request