U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Paralegal Specialist
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Summary: Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of ICE OPLA 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 DHS, with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff 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 EOIR. OPLA also provides specialized legal advice and legal support to 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 tracks the progress of admin claims and litigation cases. Processing payments of vouchers billed 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 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. 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 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, including 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 relevant to the work. OR Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify if the computed percentage is at least 100% (calculation method described in the notice). Minimum Qualifications For GS-12 Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level, including 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. Qualification claims will be verified. Note: Experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer service; and you will receive credit for qualifying experience. Education
If using education to meet qualifications, submit official or unofficial transcripts or a list of courses, grades, and hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education apply as stated in the notice. Additional Information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced, high-profile, and require immediate responsibility. Applicants should be able to prioritize multiple assignments, produce quality legal analyses of complex issues, and work effectively individually and in a team. Demonstrated initiative and professional demeanor are valued. Benefits and Evaluation
Promotion Potential:
Promotion depends on performance and agency needs. This is not a commitment to future promotions. Background Investigation:
DHS requires reliability and trustworthiness. All selected applicants must undergo a background investigation. ICE conducts drug testing as part of pre-employment requirements, and offers are contingent on a negative result. Review our benefits information on the DHS Careers site for details. A student loan repayment incentive may be available with a service agreement. How You Will Be Evaluated:
Your qualifications will be reviewed against the minimum requirements. Qualified applicants may be referred for an interview. Direct Hire and Veterans
Direct Hire Authority:
These positions will be filled through OPM Direct Hire Authority. The Rule of Three, Category Rating, and Veterans Preference will not apply. Veterans Preference information remains available. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP):
Eligibility criteria and documentation are described in the notice. Current or Former Political Appointees:
Disclosure may be required per OPM guidance. Additional
The Department of Homeland Security encourages applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. For foreign education, ensure proper credential evaluation as described above. Preview the assessment questionnaire at the provided link.
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Summary: Join the fast-paced federal litigation practitioners of ICE OPLA 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 DHS, with more than 1,800 attorneys and 260 support staff 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 EOIR. OPLA also provides specialized legal advice and legal support to 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 tracks the progress of admin claims and litigation cases. Processing payments of vouchers billed 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 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. 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 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, including 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 relevant to the work. OR Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify if the computed percentage is at least 100% (calculation method described in the notice). Minimum Qualifications For GS-12 Specialized Experience:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-11 level, including 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. Qualification claims will be verified. Note: Experience includes paid and unpaid work, including volunteer service; and you will receive credit for qualifying experience. Education
If using education to meet qualifications, submit official or unofficial transcripts or a list of courses, grades, and hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education apply as stated in the notice. Additional Information
Paralegal assignments are fast-paced, high-profile, and require immediate responsibility. Applicants should be able to prioritize multiple assignments, produce quality legal analyses of complex issues, and work effectively individually and in a team. Demonstrated initiative and professional demeanor are valued. Benefits and Evaluation
Promotion Potential:
Promotion depends on performance and agency needs. This is not a commitment to future promotions. Background Investigation:
DHS requires reliability and trustworthiness. All selected applicants must undergo a background investigation. ICE conducts drug testing as part of pre-employment requirements, and offers are contingent on a negative result. Review our benefits information on the DHS Careers site for details. A student loan repayment incentive may be available with a service agreement. How You Will Be Evaluated:
Your qualifications will be reviewed against the minimum requirements. Qualified applicants may be referred for an interview. Direct Hire and Veterans
Direct Hire Authority:
These positions will be filled through OPM Direct Hire Authority. The Rule of Three, Category Rating, and Veterans Preference will not apply. Veterans Preference information remains available. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP):
Eligibility criteria and documentation are described in the notice. Current or Former Political Appointees:
Disclosure may be required per OPM guidance. Additional
The Department of Homeland Security encourages applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. For foreign education, ensure proper credential evaluation as described above. Preview the assessment questionnaire at the provided link.
#J-18808-Ljbffr