Federal Trade Commission Logo
Position Title
LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST
Agency
Federal Trade Commission
Announcement Number
ST-12494687-24-OSEC Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 to Friday, August 30, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
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,
• are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more? 

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans Resources.  

To verify your eligibility, you must 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.  You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
3. (1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)?  If yes, confirm you are indicated on the PCS orders; and that you:

• have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders;
• are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location; AND,
• have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders. 

-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 the PCS orders indicating you are authorized to relocate on those orders. 

To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, 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.. 
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position?   If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. 

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
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; AND,
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating; AND,
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago? For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal. 
(limit characters)
6. Do you meet one of the following Competitive Merit Promotion Eligibilities:

• Transfer or Reinstatement eligibles: current Federal or former employees with career or career-conditional appointments in the competitive service that hold, or have held a career or career-conditional position at a lower grade level as the position being announced; or,

• Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligibles

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or 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. All required documentation will be outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement.
(limit characters)
7. Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or did you obtain career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you never held the full performance level of this position?

-OR-

Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service and have you never held the full performance level of this position? To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:

• career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
• status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
(limit characters)
8. Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before separation from one or more nontemporary Foreign Service appointments ; AND, your separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years (individuals entitled to veteran's preference do not need to meet this 3-year requirement)? 

-OR-

Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or more nontemporary appointments   in the Foreign Service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service? 

-OR- 

Are you a current or former limited non-career appointee with the Foreign Service and have at least 48 months of continuous service, a performance rating of satisfactory or better, and if a former employee, no more than a one year break in service since your qualifying appointment? 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF50) reflecting your nontemporary status.  If you are outside of the 3-year requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference, you must 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.
(limit characters)
9. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBLITY QUESTIONS CAREFULLY: Your answers will be used to determine your eligibility to apply to this job opportunity announcement. You will be considered under the eligibility option(s) to which you answer YES. Select YES to all eligibility options for which you want to be considered. If you respond NO to meeting the criteria for all the eligibilities, you will not be considered for the position(s) under this announcement. NOTE: You must submit the required supporting documentation to receive consideration for EACH selected eligibility. Failure to provide the required documents will result in an ineligible rating and your application will be excluded from consideration. (limit characters)
10. 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:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND
• you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND 
• you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND 
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.  

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
11. 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:

• 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.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.
(limit characters)
12. 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 are 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? 

To verify your eligibility, you must 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.
(limit characters)
13. Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management? 

For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems. 

-OR- Are you a current:

• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee? 

For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
(limit characters)
14. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?  

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources

To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.  
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Legal Administrative Specialist (GS-0901-09) position at our Agency. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. (limit characters)
1. Choose the one answer that best describes how you meet the basic qualifications requirements of a Legal Administrative Specialist, GS-0901-09.
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Performs both preliminary screening and more in-depth assessment of legal materials prior to review by attorneys, organizing them by categories of specific issues and relative importance.
(limit characters)
For the following questions, please indicate YES or NO to best describe your experience. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
3. Do you have experience utilizing Westlaw or Lexis?
(limit characters)
4. Do you have at least one year of specialized experience as a paralegal working in a law firm or other law practice, legal department of a corporation, or government agency?
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Reviews documents for potential release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and ensure corresponding actions are consistent with policy and regulations and are documented appropriately and in a timely manner.
(limit characters)
6. Reviews, evaluates, and processes legal documents.
(limit characters)
For the following questions, please indicate YES or NO to best describe your experience. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
7. Have you ever used or conducted searches in MMS2, Documentum (a system for receiving electronic filings), or a similar application?
(limit characters)
8. Have you kept abreast of capabilities in electronic document/ case file records systems software, electronic record keeping, and electronic content management?
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
9. Handles significant document search and organization projects for litigation or administrative proceedings.
(limit characters)
10. Creates, scans, codes, searches, maintains, manipulates and reviews documents and data within a computerized database.
(limit characters)
For the next group of responses, select the software you have utilized and are proficient (proficient means you understand and have utilized a major part of the system's functionality/capabilities). Your resume should reflect this experience. (limit characters)
11. Select all that apply to your experience:
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
12. Creates, scans, codes, searches, maintains, manipulates and reviews documents and data within a computerized database.
(limit characters)
13. Researches and reviews for accuracy citations, footnotes and text in memoranda, briefs, findings of fact and other documents.
(limit characters)
14. Prepares table of contents, indexes and tables of authorities for legal briefs, memoranda, and other legal documents.
(limit characters)
15. Reviews and researches citations, footnotes textual reference, and other entries for accuracy.
(limit characters)
16. Sets up indexes and coordinates the scanning and/or copying of records insuring that the documents meet legal standards and prepare documents as necessary for other legal requirements.
(limit characters)
17. Extracts relevant history data from records to compare and reconcile as memoranda, notices, decisions, orders or assessments.
(limit characters)
For the following questions, please indicate YES or NO to best describe your experience. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
18. Do you have experience in writing drafts of legal memoranda, reports, summaries or correspondence, using appropriate spelling, punctuation, grammar and legal citations?
(limit characters)
19. Do you have experience drafting correspondence in accordance with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements?
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training.
A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
20. Prepares minutes of official agency actions.
(limit characters)
21. Provides technical assistance to an organization's employees regarding compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and reviewing emails and other documents for potential release under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
(limit characters)
22. Works with information from meetings that adhere and ensure the Government in the Sunshine Act.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
23. Are you a career or career-conditional employee at the FTC? (limit characters)
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position. (limit characters)
24. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)