Attorney-Adviser (General)

Primary job duty of this position is litigation of cases before administrative and judicial forums such as Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Federal courts.

• The employee is expected to develop and maintain expertise in Federal Government Administrative and Employment law with the goal of providing advice, guidance, counseling, and training to clients on a routine basis.
• Litigates cases primarily before the MSPB and EEOC. Conducts all phases of litigation including discovery, motions practice, administrative hearings (bench trials), settlements, and appeals.
• Serves as an Attorney responsible for identifying agency interests, facts, and relevant issues; conducting sound and thorough legal research and insightfully applying the law to draw sound legal conclusions and solutions.
• Practices preventative law to aid clients in policy development in multiple areas, such as military and civilian pay law, military retired pay law, tax law, bankruptcy law, fiscal law.
• Advises senior leadership officials of litigation risks and settlement recommendations and engages in settlement negotiations both inside and outside of formal mediations and settlement conferences.
• Provides suggestions and recommendations for process improvement. Renders opinions on legal problems involving complex issues with little or no legal precedents and makes recommendations for action. Conducts complex meetings and/or special projects.
• For vacancies filled at less than the full performance level of the position, duties will be developmental in nature.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a U.S Citizen or National
• This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.

Qualifications:
GS-12 Qualifications: Assignments require the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. In addition, one of the following requirements must be satisfied:

• Two years of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• The second professional law degree (LL.M.) plus 1 year of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• An attorney without experience may, in unusual cases, be employed at the GS-12 or equivalent level provided the individual has advanced educational attainments substantially beyond those required for work at the GS-11 or equivalent level, and his or her education clearly indicates ability to perform work of the type to be assigned; for example, education that included courses directly pertinent to the work of the agency. The essential point in such cases is to ensure that the individual's education has enabled him or her to step into complex legal work characteristic of the GS-12 or equivalent level, and to operate with the degree of independence and responsibility typical of that level.

GS-13 Qualifications: Assignments require the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. In addition, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of 2 years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

This announcement is being used to fill positions with an entry grade of GS-12, or GS-13 with a full performance level of GS-13. The minimum salary for grade GS-12 is $89,447, the maximum salary is $116,286. The minimum salary for grade GS-13 is $106,365, the maximum salary is $138,276.

Education:
Education requirements are listed in the Qualifications section above.

Additional Information:

• Moving expenses willbe paid.
• The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
• For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements. (https://www.dfas.mil/CivilianEmployees/Civilian-Permanent-Change-of-Station-PCS/)
• Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
• We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
• As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1 or 2 year trial period during which we'll evaluate whether your continued employment advances the public interest. The evaluation will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment advances agency or governmental goals; and whether your continued employment advances the efficiency of the Federal service. At the end of the trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
• This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Travel requirement is Seldom (1-24%).
• This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here)
• Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
• The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
• Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) (https://www.dfas.mil/Careers/Apply/Fair/) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information.
• All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.

Additional Information:
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits:

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.  Learn more about federal benefits. (https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits)
 
Review our benefits (https://www.dfas.mil/Careers/Benefits/)

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Important Note - You Must Follow All Application Instructions Carefully. Errors or Omissions May Affect Your Rating.

All Information Included in The Resume and Occupational Questionnaire Is Subject to Review and Verific

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