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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Paralegal Specialist

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079

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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. 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 tracks 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 (see http://www.sss.gov/). 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, an Internet-based system, 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-07: Specialized Experience:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service that included experience such as: Conducting research to assist with identifying factual and legal issues; Extracting data from manuals, directives, court reports. appellate records, or legal publications; and Assisting with reviewing cases to determine the need for additional data from claimants, officials, or attorneys. OR Education:

One full year of graduate level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. OR Superior Academic Achievement:

Successful completion of all the requirements for a bachelor\'s degree with Superior Academic Achievement. In order to be creditable under this provision, Superior Academic Achievement must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. Superior Academic Achievement is based on:(1) Class Standing - Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of either (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on your official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.; OR (3) Honor Society Membership - Applicants may be considered eligible based on membership in one of the approved national scholastic honor societies listed by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achsnatl.org/). 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%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) by 18. Add the two percentages. Minimum Qualifications for GS-09: Specialized Experience:

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that included experience such as: Conducting research to identify and analyze factual and legal issues and relevant evidence to prepare for cases; Extracting and analyzing data from manuals, directives, court reports. appellate records, or legal publications; and Preparing drafts of briefs, other litigation papers, or reports outlining case precedents. OR

Education:

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. 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%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. 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 (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. 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 : If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: . Additional information

In light of the nature of DCLD\'s work, paralegal assignments are fast-paced, high-profile, and need to be addressed in real-time. The paralegals selected in response to this announcement will be given significant responsibilities on an immediate basis. Applicants should be adept at prioritizing multiple assignments, exercise sound legal and practical judgment, efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex and novel legal issues, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment both individually and as part of a team. Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to take initiative and work in a reliable, decisive, and professional manner. Promotion Potential:

When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval. Background Investigation:

To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. This section also notes that ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and pre-employment drug testing is required. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to uphold the rule of law and the United States Constitution. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Benefits

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the website and select "Benefits." A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required. How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you are qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Direct Hire Authority

These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management\'s Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. Veterans

Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). Career Transition Assistance Program

This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Current or Former Political Appointees : The Office of Personnel Management must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply and to include information about disability status as defined by law. To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your

resume

showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. 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 2. Other

supporting documents ( only submit if applicable to you) : Are you qualifying based on education?

Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Are you a veteran entitled to preference?

Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)?

If so, submit:

A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee?

Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from . Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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