U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Paralegal Specialist
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Summary
Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) and leverage your legal experience to protect the homeland. Organizational Location:
These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in multiple locations.
Duties
ICE OPLA is the largest legal department within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff working in 98 locations throughout the United States and at ICE Headquarters. OPLA provides a full range of legal services to all ICE programs and offices and serves as the exclusive representative of DHS in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review. OPLA also provides specialized legal advice and legal support to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) entities in civil litigation and through the adjudication of administrative tort claims.
Responsibilities
DCLD's paralegals assist OPLA attorneys who serve as agency counsel and manage certain federal civil litigation cases filed against ICE. DCLD assists in all aspects of federal litigation, including strategy, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, in cases ranging from common-law tort suits, Bivens suits (suits seeking money damages against ICE employees in their individual capacities), and claims seeking injunctive or declaratory relief, including class action habeas corpus relief. DCLD attorneys and paralegals adjudicate administrative claims for personal injuries and property damage pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act. At the full performance level, DCLD paralegals' responsibilities include:
Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing for OPLA attorneys the facts, law and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against ICE.
Performing complex legal research using generally accessible sources and commercial databases.
Applying law to facts to make recommendations to ICE attorneys and supervisors with respect to the adjudication of federal tort claims.
Maintaining assigned reporting and electronic recordkeeping systems that track the progress of admin claims and litigation cases.
Processing payments of vouchers billing to the appropriate specific programs in HSI, ERO or other funding sources using the Treasury system for claimants.
Processing fees to be paid from Equal Access to Justice claims
Assisting ICE attorneys with civil discovery including collection, review and production of agency records, medical records, depositions and other litigation documents.
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Conditions of employment
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
One-year probationary period may be required.
A pre-employment drug test will be required.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
DHS uses e-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability.
License required: No
Pre-employment physical required: No
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
You must demonstrate you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.
Minimum Qualifications For GS-11
Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service that included experience such as:
Assisting in collection, review, and summarization of facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against agencies for attorneys
Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to practices in processing claims based upon research into emerging precedents or legal theories to Senior Paralegal Specialists
Preparing responses to discovery requests, dispositive motions, settlements, and charges for disciplinary and adverse actions to assist attorneys in case work.
OR Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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%.
Minimum Qualifications For GS-12
Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service that included experience such as:
Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against agency for attorneys
Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to practices in processing claims based upon research of precedents or legal theories
Preparing responses to requests regarding discovery, dispositive motions, settlements, and charges for disciplinary and adverse actions to assist attorneys in case work.
Preparing documents for signature by attorneys after incorporating legal analyses and citations of precedent case law.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Note
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment.
Education
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: show that foreign education credentials have been evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education; otherwise provide full credit information. For details, visit the agency posting.
Additional Information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced, high-profile, and require real-time addressing. Applicants should be adept at prioritizing multiple assignments, producing quality legal analyses, and working effectively in a fast-paced environment both individually and as part of a team. Applicants should demonstrate initiative, reliability, decisiveness, and professionalism.
Benefits and Evaluation
Benefits:
DHS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; leave; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, and more. How You Will Be Evaluated:
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications above. If qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager and may be interviewed.
Direct Hire and Veterans
Direct Hire Authority:
Positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Veterans Preference may still be considered if applicable.
Career Transition Assistance Program:
CTAP/ICTAP eligibility may apply if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee.
Current or Former Political Appointees:
OPM must authorize offers to current or former political appointees if applicable.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply and supports veteran and disability programs. For non-competitive appointment eligibility and required documents, see official guidance.
Application Preview
To preview the assessment questionnaire, visit the provided link in the posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) District Court Litigation Division (DCLD) and leverage your legal experience to protect the homeland. Organizational Location:
These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), in multiple locations.
Duties
ICE OPLA is the largest legal department within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff working in 98 locations throughout the United States and at ICE Headquarters. OPLA provides a full range of legal services to all ICE programs and offices and serves as the exclusive representative of DHS in removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review. OPLA also provides specialized legal advice and legal support to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) entities in civil litigation and through the adjudication of administrative tort claims.
Responsibilities
DCLD's paralegals assist OPLA attorneys who serve as agency counsel and manage certain federal civil litigation cases filed against ICE. DCLD assists in all aspects of federal litigation, including strategy, motion practice, discovery, and settlement negotiations, in cases ranging from common-law tort suits, Bivens suits (suits seeking money damages against ICE employees in their individual capacities), and claims seeking injunctive or declaratory relief, including class action habeas corpus relief. DCLD attorneys and paralegals adjudicate administrative claims for personal injuries and property damage pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act. At the full performance level, DCLD paralegals' responsibilities include:
Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing for OPLA attorneys the facts, law and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against ICE.
Performing complex legal research using generally accessible sources and commercial databases.
Applying law to facts to make recommendations to ICE attorneys and supervisors with respect to the adjudication of federal tort claims.
Maintaining assigned reporting and electronic recordkeeping systems that track the progress of admin claims and litigation cases.
Processing payments of vouchers billing to the appropriate specific programs in HSI, ERO or other funding sources using the Treasury system for claimants.
Processing fees to be paid from Equal Access to Justice claims
Assisting ICE attorneys with civil discovery including collection, review and production of agency records, medical records, depositions and other litigation documents.
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Conditions of employment
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
One-year probationary period may be required.
A pre-employment drug test will be required.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
DHS uses e-Verify to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability.
License required: No
Pre-employment physical required: No
Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
You must demonstrate you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.
Minimum Qualifications For GS-11
Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service that included experience such as:
Assisting in collection, review, and summarization of facts, law, and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against agencies for attorneys
Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to practices in processing claims based upon research into emerging precedents or legal theories to Senior Paralegal Specialists
Preparing responses to discovery requests, dispositive motions, settlements, and charges for disciplinary and adverse actions to assist attorneys in case work.
OR Education: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR Combination of Education and Experience: 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%.
Minimum Qualifications For GS-12
Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level in the Federal service that included experience such as:
Collecting, organizing, reviewing, and summarizing facts, law and special circumstances relating to administrative tort claims filed against agency for attorneys
Receiving, analyzing, and recommending changes to practices in processing claims based upon research of precedents or legal theories
Preparing responses to requests regarding discovery, dispositive motions, settlements, and charges for disciplinary and adverse actions to assist attorneys in case work.
Preparing documents for signature by attorneys after incorporating legal analyses and citations of precedent case law.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Note
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment.
Education
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: show that foreign education credentials have been evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education; otherwise provide full credit information. For details, visit the agency posting.
Additional Information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced, high-profile, and require real-time addressing. Applicants should be adept at prioritizing multiple assignments, producing quality legal analyses, and working effectively in a fast-paced environment both individually and as part of a team. Applicants should demonstrate initiative, reliability, decisiveness, and professionalism.
Benefits and Evaluation
Benefits:
DHS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; leave; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include flexible work schedules, telework, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, and more. How You Will Be Evaluated:
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications above. If qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager and may be interviewed.
Direct Hire and Veterans
Direct Hire Authority:
Positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Veterans Preference may still be considered if applicable.
Career Transition Assistance Program:
CTAP/ICTAP eligibility may apply if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee.
Current or Former Political Appointees:
OPM must authorize offers to current or former political appointees if applicable.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply and supports veteran and disability programs. For non-competitive appointment eligibility and required documents, see official guidance.
Application Preview
To preview the assessment questionnaire, visit the provided link in the posting.
#J-18808-Ljbffr