- Position Title
- Legal Administrative Specialist
- Agency
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Announcement Number
- DAL-PLA-11596088-JLM Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, August 10, 2022 to Saturday, August 20, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
• retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
3.
(1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty?
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
-OR-
(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?
-OR-
(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.
To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
4.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
5.
Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
6.
Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
-OR-
Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
- You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
7.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?
If yes, confirm:
If yes, confirm:
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade is equivalent to or higher than the grade level of the vacancy
- the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential of the vacancy, and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
8.
I am currently on a permanent position which is equivalent to at least the (grade of the position) level (or higher) in the federal service; however, I am an employee for a federal agency which has an Interchange Agreement with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (e.g., NAF, TSA, FAA, etc.).
- You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
9.
Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
- was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
- served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
- performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
- if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
10.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.
If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
-OR-
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?
-OR-
Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?
If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.
If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
11.
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A appointment?
If eligible, provide proof of a disability by submitting a 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 that proves your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, however it does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To view a sample of a Schedule A letter click here.
If eligible, provide proof of a disability by submitting a 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 that proves your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.
The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, however it does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
To view a sample of a Schedule A letter click here.
12.
An Agency may give a noncompetitive appointment to a current employee of the Postal Career Service or Postal Regulatory Commission (formerly known as Postal Rate Commission), who meets the following conditions:
- Current appointment has no time limit; and
- Employed in the Postal Career Service for at least 3 months on a substantially full-time basis or for at least 520 hours if employed less than full-time.
- Employed in the Postal Regulatory Commission for at least 1 year on a substantially continuous basis under an appointment leading to completion of the probationary period in the Postal Regulatory Commission.
13.
Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
14.
Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency?
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
15.
Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference .
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
16.
Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
• recently separated (within the past 3 years)
• are a disabled veteran
• served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• recently separated (within the past 3 years)
• are a disabled veteran
• served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
Preferences
1.
Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location.
2.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
3.
Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service? If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
4.
I acknowledge that I am solely responsible for the answers and documentation submitted in my online application. I understand that my answers cannot be altered once I have submitted my application and the announcement has closed. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information contained in my online application for Federal Employment is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that a false or fraudulent answer to any question or item on any part of my online application may be grounds for not hiring me, or for firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment or both (See section 1001 of title 18, United States Code).
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
By clicking "Yes" below, I certify that I accept responsibility for the responses and documentation submitted in my online application and that the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge.
5.
Do any of your family members work for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
(A family member means an individual with any of the following relationships to the applicant: (1) Spouse, and parents thereof; (2) Sons and daughters, and spouses thereof; (3) Parents, and spouses thereof; (4) Brothers and sisters, and spouses thereof; (5) Grandparents and grandchildren, and spouses thereof; (6) Domestic partner and parents thereof, including domestic partners of any individual in (2) through (5) of this definition; and (7) Any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.)
6.
If the answer to the question above is yes, please provide the relative(s)' name, relationship, and the ICE office or organization for which your relative(s) works (if known).
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
If the answer to the question above is no, please indicate 'not applicable'. (limit 1,000 characters)
7.
Applicants who have permanently held a position with a full performance level equivalent to GS-11 or higher in the competitive service can be referred for selection without competition under our agency merit promotion procedures. Please provide an SF-50 to prove your claim. Without an SF-50 as proof, we cannot apply non-competitive rules. Military rank, details and temporary promotions do not count.
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-11 or higher?
The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).
Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.
Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-11 or higher?
Conditions of Employment
1.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-05 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
2.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-07 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
3.
There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-09 grade level?
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(Please review all options before selecting a response)
Assessment 1
The following questions will only be used to determine whether or not you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position. You may wish to consult the vacancy announcement for a description of those requirements.
1.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience/education for the GS-07 grade level
2.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience for the GS-09 grade level
3.
Which of the following statements best describes your experience for the GS-11 grade level
The following statements will be used to rate applicants who meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements for this position. Select the response that best reflects your experience performing each task.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
4.
Complies with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and reports to management, as directed.
5.
As directed, uses databases to pull reports and gather information relating to subjects that include case precedents, criminal records, background checks, location of A-files, status of cases including status of appeals, motions and deadlines, availability of, and electronically stored information from A-files.
6.
Manages Court dockets.
7.
Assists with input of data into legal databases.
8.
Uses databases, such as, but not limited to, RAILS, Person Centric Query System (PCQS), Enforcement and Removal Module (EARM), ECAS, and PLAnet when completing assignments.
9.
Monitors electronic group mailboxes and ensures files and correspondence have been properly routed to the appropriate individual and documented.
10.
Delivers to attorneys all files (electronic or hard copy) that are needed for court on a timely basis and for processing files when they are returned from court.
11.
Performs or assists with a variety of administrative duties in support of the program's field location, including special projects.
12.
Assists with research on topical issues, including country conditions, physical and mental health illnesses, and political and religious organizations, and compiles the information in written format for use by the attorneys.
13.
Updates docket calendars and tickler systems.
14.
Assists with creating responses and other court filing packets.
15.
Assists in preparing correspondence and drafts responses, as directed, to basic motions such as continuance motions, changes of venue, motions to reopen, and prepares lodged charges.
16.
Assists with the processing of numerous information inquiries from counsel and the public and/or refers inquiries to appropriate sources.
17.
Files, scans, uploads, and prints documents as required.
18.
Assist with maintaining internal administrative tracking systems.
19.
Uses databases to pull reports and gather information relating to subjects that include case precedents, background checks, location of A-files, status of cases including status of appeals, motions and deadlines, and electronically stored information from legal files.
20.
Skilled in the use and application of databases, such as, but not limited to, RAILS, Person Centric Query System (PCQS), Enforcement and Removal Module (EARM), ECAS, and PLAnet.
21.
Conducts research and coordinates meetings.
22.
Updates legal databases, complies with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and maintains management abreast as needed.
23.
Maintains case files, both hard copy and electronic, for the attorneys' use.
24.
Researches, gathers, and organizes information from varied sources including the Internet, various databases, A-files (official administrative files for noncitizens), state and federal courts, and other forums and platforms, to prepare for use in support of the litigation of immigration cases and other proceedings.
25.
Assists attorneys in case preparation for litigation and accurately analyzes facts and legal questions in support of staff attorneys.
26.
Performs a variety of support functions related to tracking court dockets and preparing motions and appeals.
27.
Drafts and edits template motions, memoranda, research reports, and correspondence relating to cases with minimal assistance or supervision.
28.
Provides legal and administrative assistance to the attorneys in their handling of such matters as, hunger strikes, employment law, federal litigation, and worksite enforcement.
29.
Conducts research on topical issues, including country conditions, physical and mental health illnesses, and political and religious organizations, and compiles the information in written format for use by the attorneys.
30.
Creates responsive and other court filing packets
31.
Prepares and reviews documents for use in court proceedings
32.
Drafts responses to subpoena requests, discovery orders, and general correspondences with little assistance or supervision.
33.
Updates local office SOP as directed.
34.
Delivers complete files (electronic or hard copy) needed for court on a timely basis and processes files when they are returned from court.
35.
Obtaining information needed by counsel to prepare for court proceedings.
36.
Assesses, gathers, and assembles relevant evidence for use in litigation and prepares the evidentiary packets with nominal assistance or supervision.
37.
Monitors and audits the input of data into legal databases and is responsible to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and reports to management.
38.
Provides technical assistance with processing and managing numerous information inquiries from counsel and the public and/or refers inquiries to appropriate sources.
39.
Tracking and assigning dockets.
40.
Effectively researches, gathers, and organizes information from numerous resources to include the Internet, various databases, legal files (official administrative files for noncitizens), state and federal courts, and other forums and platforms, to prepare for use in support of the litigation of cases and other proceedings.
41.
Monitors quality control (QC) reviews of files to ensure all correspondence and notices are included such as the charging document, changes of address forms, applications for relief, and other documents.
42.
Performs and manages a variety of support functions related to tracking and managing of court dockets and preparing motions and appeals.
43.
Assists attorneys in case preparation for litigation and accurately analyzes facts and legal questions in support of staff attorneys.
44.
Prepares drafts for attorneys' correspondence and initiates drafts responses to basic motions such as continuance motions, changes of venue, motions to reopen, and prepares lodged charges.
45.
Processes information and records requests from the private bar, FOIA Office, congressional liaisons, Agency Headquarters, U.S. Attorney's Offices, and other law enforcement stakeholders.
46.
Conducts extensive research on topical issues including country conditions, physical and mental health illnesses, and political and religious organizations, and compiles the information in written format for use by the attorneys.
47.
Drafts and edits template motions, memoranda, research reports, and correspondence relating to cases.
48.
Responsible for ensuring that attorneys have all files (electronic or hard copy) for court on a timely basis and for processing files when they are returned from court.
49.
Reviews and conducts a written analysis of case files, including any submitted documentary evidence.
50.
Instructs others on the use and application of databases, such as, but not limited to, RAILS, Person Centric Query System (PCQS), Enforcement and Removal Module (EARM), ECAS, and PLAnet.
51.
Provides support to employment law attorneys, for example, drafting responses to subpoenas using form Touhy letters, and performing initial reviews of search warrant affidavits to ensure basic information is included prior to attorney review.
52.
Obtaining information needed by counsel to prepare for court proceedings.