About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Legal Counsel Division (LCD). The primary purpose of this position is to provide legal support to the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) in its missions to review alleged civil rights and civil liberties abuses, and incorporate protection of civil rights and civil liberties into Department programs and activities. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.
QualificationsBasic Requirements: GS-14 and GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); AND Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized Experience: The skills and experience listed immediately below are of particular importance to the position, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas, where applicable, as part of their application. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal government. You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government. Specialized experience includes significant experience in the private, public or non-profit industry providing legal advice and representation on matters relating to civil rights and civil liberties, including but not limited to matters regarding discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, or disability; violation of rights while in immigration detention or as a subject of immigration enforcement; disability accommodation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and any other civil rights, civil liberties, or human rights violation related to a government program or activity, including allegations of discrimination by an organization or program that receives financial assistance from the government. Candidates should have experience in preparing complex legal memoranda and briefs and the demonstrated ability to quickly learn a new area of the law. All candidates must have experience in providing accurate, thorough, and well written legal advice on matters of first impression while under considerable time pressure. The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) supports the Department's mission to secure the nation while preserving individual liberty, fairness, and equality under the law. CRCL builds in civil rights and civil liberties practices into all of the Department's activities by: Ensuring that the Department complies with Constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and other requirements relating to civil rights and civil liberties by assessing the impact of DHS policies and activities and issuing reports. Providing policy advice and training. Reviewing and investigating allegations of civil rights and civil liberties violations involving DHS policies, activities, and personnel. Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Major DutiesAs an Attorney-Advisor (General), GS-0905-14/15, your typical work assignments may include: Advising CRCL leadership and staff on legal and related operational and policy questions. Reviewing CRCL draft investigative materials for legal concerns. Assessing litigation risk, drafting filings, participating in discovery and advising on federal litigation, including cases alleging, among other claims, violation of the United States Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act. Drafting or reviewing agency decisions and appeals on disability complaints pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Working with CRCL and other Offices/Components within DHS to implement new policies. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.