PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

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. 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 knowledge and understanding of the applicable laws, regulations, practices, legal terminology, and legal documentation of military justice in the areas of military justice policy, inquiries, investigations, administrative discipline and discharges, senior officer adverse actions, disability law, both trial and appellate litigation, as well as the provision of legal representation and services for both military accused and victims of crimes. Knowledge of DoD, AF, and DAF/JA structures and operational procedures and possesses the ability to work independently to identify issues relevant to the Military Justice and Discipline Domain’s multiple mission areas. Knowledge of how to interpret, explain, and present, orally or in writing, relevant findings and conclusions using appropriate language, legal reasoning, organization of facts, and principles of law. OR EDUCATION: successfully completed a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your 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: 1. Knowledge and understanding of the applicable laws, regulations, and practices governing military justice and discipline, military justice policy as well as all military justice litigation, in general. 2. Basic understanding and ability to perform legal research using electronic and traditional methods. 3. Experience and ability to gather facts; and to effectively evaluate and analyze them to develop recommended courses of action to Military Justice and Discipline Counsel. 4. Thorough knowledge of current Department of the Air Force organization, structure, programs, functions, functional relationships, channels of communication, and coordinating requirements peculiar to this office. 5. Knowledge and ability to review, analyze, evaluate, and consolidate replies for the Secretariat, Air Staff, The Judge Advocate General, and the Director, Military Justice and Discipline Domain. Ability to effectively express ideas, both verbally and in writing. 6. Working knowledge of records management and attendant procedures in the Department of the Air Force, including procedures and processes for the long term storage of records. Knowledge of several types of software and systems in order to accomplish a variety of office needs including Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Outlook, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Teams, Zoom for Government, Redact Xpress, and Adobe Pro. Knowledge of the Defense Travel System in order to manage travel for the Director, Military Justice and Discipline Domain. 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.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide paralegal and administrative support to the Director and senior staff assigned to the Military Justice and Discipline Domain by conducting legal research, drafting opinions and memoranda; drafting legal reviews and release documents and assembling responses to inquiries.