Immigration and Customs Enforcement Logo
Position Title
Paralegal Specialist (FOIA/PA)
Agency
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Announcement Number
IGP-12682702-ST-CDK Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 to Friday, February 21, 2025
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
• 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. (limit characters)
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.). (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
  • 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. (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
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago? (limit characters)
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?
  • You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
 (limit characters)
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:
  • 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 ICTAP 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. (limit characters)
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.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center. (limit characters)
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:
  • 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.
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf (limit characters)
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.
 (limit characters)
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.
 (limit characters)
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.
           -OR-
  • 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.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest PS Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action), showing that you meet the requirements above.
 (limit characters)
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). (limit characters)
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). (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
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.)
 (limit characters)
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)
7. Applicants who have permanently held a position with a full performance level equivalent to GS-12 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-12 or higher? (limit characters)
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) (limit characters)
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) (limit characters)
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) (limit characters)
Assessment 1
The following questions will 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. (limit characters)
1. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience for the GS-07 grade level? (limit characters)
2. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience for the GS-09 grade level? (limit characters)
3. Which of the following statements best describes your education and/or experience for the GS-11 grade level (limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Reviewing and interpreting legal guidelines to determine and apply exemptions to documents or information. (limit characters)
5. Determining completeness of documents and taking action to locate missing information or documentation. (limit characters)
6. Coordinating with and/or referring requests to other offices and/or agencies as required. (limit characters)
7. Assisting in researching and reviewing legal matters related to handling initial requests for agency records. (limit characters)
8. Conferring with staff and requesters on FOIA legal policy questions that arise in the context of processing requests. (limit characters)
9. Determining the appropriate system to use to request the supporting documents. (limit characters)
10. Assist in drafting responses to requestors, detailing the exemptions applied and providing a clear explanation for the information withheld. (limit characters)
11. Assist in preparing responses to requestors, explaining the reasons for request denials and referring to applicable guidelines or regulations. (limit characters)
12. Conducting research and analyzing legal provisions, interpreting regulations and using judgment in evaluating documents and information. (limit characters)
13. Examining case files prepared by FOIA assistants to determine accuracy and sufficiency of evidence and documentation. (limit characters)
14. Negotiating with managers, their staff within the organization and with outside agencies regarding FOIA policy and processes. (limit characters)
15. Assist with providing guidance on FOIA regulations, identifying applicable disclosure exemptions, and handling confidential business information. (limit characters)
16. Reviewing and ensuring proper responses to outgoing FOIA requests are in compliance with FOIA regulations and polices (limit characters)
17. Identify and determine the precise materials and documents being requested. (limit characters)
18. Performing legal administrative duties concerning hearings, appeals, litigation and advisory services. (limit characters)
19. Preparing correspondence to the requestor with an explanation of the exemptions withheld. (limit characters)
20. Preparing necessary correspondence to substantiate the reasons for denying requests. (limit characters)
21. Reviewing outgoing FOIA responses to ensure proper coordination with appropriate parties, in compliance with FOIA regulations and policies, and full response to the request (limit characters)
22. Performing detailed research, analysis, and evaluation of data for inclusion or exclusion of documents and/or information under the Acts, which may include such matters as policy statements. (limit characters)
23. Keeping abreast of the status of recent developments in the field of public disclosure, including recent court and departmental decisions, and current legislative activities. (limit characters)
24. Providing advice regarding FOIA regulations, disclosure of agency records, exemptions from full or partial disclosure, and confidential business information (limit characters)
25. Negotiating with managers and their staff at all levels of government agencies and requesters on FOIA legal policy questions that arise in the context of processing complex requests. (limit characters)
26. Researching and analyzing legal issues that arise in conjunction with handling complex initial requests for agency records. (limit characters)
27. Performing an in-depth review and analysis of each request received and determines exactly what materials and documents are sought. (limit characters)
28. Applying appropriate on-screen redactions and FOIA exemptions. (limit characters)
29. Developing recommendations for actions and drafts advisory opinions for review and approval. (limit characters)
30. Drafting legal memoranda concerning issues covering a range of questions relating to statutory interpretations, administrative procedures, and the potential impact on agency procedures (limit characters)
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