PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Duties

• Provides comprehensive executive administrative support to the SJA, Deputy Director, and Branch Chiefs to ensure efficient legal office operations and alignment with command objectives
• Delivers advanced information technology and office automation support to the OSJA to enhance productivity and ensure seamless operations.
• Provides comprehensive paralegal support to attorneys in administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, and national security law to ensure accurate and timely legal services.
• Implements and manages security policies and procedures for the OSJA to protect classified information and ensure compliance with DoW, United States Air Force (USAF), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Joint Functional Area Network System (JFANS), Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Executive Orders (E.O.), and Combatant Command (COCOM) directives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position
• Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
• Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
• Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• This position has been designated as Special Sensitive. The employee is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmental Information clearance as a condition of employment.
• This position is designated by the Air Force as a Test Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Testing Program.
• As a mandatory requirement for employment in this TDP, the incumbent is (A) to refrain from use of illegal drugs; and (B) if required, to submit to urinalysis testing.
• Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive position presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. The selectee must sign a statement acknowledging the position occupied is identified as a TDP
• Employee is required to function as a Notary Public. Must be able to satisfactorily complete training to become a Notary Public and be able to meet other requirements inherent in the appointment as a Notary Public
• In the performance of assigned duties, employee uses tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to promote effective working relationships with a variety of offices and agencies.
• Requires a qualified typist.
• May be required to perform Battle Roster functions during Exercise and Real-World events.
• Battle Roster functions may include, but are not limited to, Joint Personnel Operation Cell, Contingency Command Center, Future Operations Center, Joint Enabling Capability, and other tasks as assigned.
• These duties may require additional duty hours and/or alternate duty locations.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions

GS-09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-07, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes knowledge of the principles, concepts, and theories of executive support activities, and the standard practices, methods, and techniques of administrative support functions sufficient to perform difficult, but well-precedented assignments.

OR
EDUCATION: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., related to the position being filled NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in -grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-07 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Knowledge of basic principles, practices, and quantitative and qualitative evaluative techniques used in program analysis to identify, evaluate, resolve, and present findings/recommendations for senior leader decision making, AND ability to analyze and evaluate problems in order to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions for recommending ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations.
2. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, relationships, and operational planning objectives of Joint Service and DoW organizations.
3. Ability to plan, schedule, coordinate, prioritize, and manage a range of administrative requirements with competing deadlines, AND skill in communicating factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing with tact and diplomacy.
4. Knowledge of legal principles and concepts to interpret and apply directives, precedents, and practices in the areas of operational law, international law, intelligence law, administrative and fiscal law and military justice.
5. Ability to research and apply Joint Travel Regulations, foreign clearance guidance, foreign relations and protocol procedures that apply to military and civilian leaders (foreign and domestic) and the numerous and sensitive nationally unique customs and courtesies of the international community.
6. Skill in applying various office automation software programs, tools, and techniques to support office operations and produce a variety of documents, such as letters, reports, spreadsheets, databases, and graphs, AND ability to work in a fast-paced environment supporting senior military officers and civilians, usually O-6/GO/FO level

GS-11
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures across administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law, sufficient to interpret, apply, and advise on complex and novel legal matters

OR
EDUCATION: A Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D., if related. NOTE: You must submit transcripts

OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in -grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

Knowledge of legal principles, concepts, and procedures in administrative law, military justice, legal assistance, operational law, international law, and national security law to interpret, apply, and advise on legal matters, AND skill in conducting legal research and analysis using automated and traditional tools (such as Westlaw, Lexis, FLITE), synthesizing information from multiple sources, and preparing legal memoranda, advisory opinions, and recommendations for attorneys and command leadership.

Ability to resolve complex or ambiguous legal and administrative issues, and to develop and implement office policies, procedures, and workflows to support legal operations and ensure compliance with requirements.

Knowledge of office automation, information technology, and digital records management (such as Microsoft O365, SharePoint, DISS, DTS, ETMS2), including developing and maintaining knowledge management systems and providing guidance to staff.

Skill in coordinating and leading legal projects, initiatives, and interagency efforts, representing the legal office in working groups, task forces, and planning sessions, and advocating for command legal equities.

Ability to evaluate and synthesize technical evidence, resolve conflicting or ambiguous guidance, and develop approaches to address unique legal challenges, AND skill in mentoring, training, and providing technical guidance to paralegal specialists, administrative staff, and new personnel to support professional development and performance.

Oral and written communication skills to prepare correspondence, briefings, and reports; justify and defend recommendations; and interact with senior leaders, legal professionals, and partner nation representatives across joint and combined organizations.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Conditions of Employment Continued:

• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft in accordance with Joint Travel Regulations in performance of temporary duty (TDY).
• This position has been identified as eligible for situational telework. The position eligibility is separate and distinct from the employee's eligibility. Telework for civilian employees is a discretionary workplace flexibility, not an entitlement. Employee and their supervisors must complete the DD Form 2946, DoD Telework Agreement, prior to participation in telework programs. Civilian employees who will telework must complete the required training within 30 days of appointment. Under DODI 1035.01_DAFI 36-816, Telework Program, a civilian employee's telework arrangement may be terminated at the discretion of the supervisor or at the employee's request.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click for more information.

120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.

Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected, and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click .

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click .