Paralegal Specialist - Washington, United States - US Government Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Description

Summary

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Litigation Branch in Washington, DC.

Learn more about this agency

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Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

05/07/2024 to 05/21/2024

• Salary

$102,237 - $150,181 per year

• Pay scale & grade

CT 11

• Help

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Washington, DC
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-Time

• Service

Competitive

• Promotion potential

11

• Job family (Series)

0950 Paralegal Specialist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

No

• Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)

• Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CFTC-OGC

• Control number

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This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• Land & base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

• Military spouses
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from current federal employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, persons eligible under special hiring authorities including Schedule A and VEOA, and CTAP/ICTAP eligible candidates in the local commuting area.

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Duties

The Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement Branch represents the Commission in the U.S.

District Courts, Bankruptcy Courts, Courts of Appeals, and various administrative bodies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merit Systems Protection Board, and Federal Service Impasses Panel.

It also assists the Solicitor General in representing the Commission before the U.S. Supreme Court.

OGC litigation staff represents the Commission in appeals of enforcement actions, challenges to agency actions, derivatives-industry bankruptcies, employment lawsuits, other administrative litigation, and as amicus curiae in a range of matters.

The Branch reviews draft regulations, releases, and other proposed agency actions for litigation risk, including but not limited to compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act and Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) provisions such as the requirement that the Commission consider the costs and benefits of many of its actions.

The Branch advises the Commission on its adjudication function.

As a Paralegal Specialist, the incumbent is primarily responsible for assisting attorneys in the Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement Branch


Typical duties include:

• Assists attorneys in the preparation of court filings by verifying and checking legal citations (cite-checking) and legal references in prepared legal documents and preparing tables of contents and authorities. Proofreads briefs, pleadings, memoranda, opinions and other documents; drafts legal instruments such as certificates of service, transmittal letters and cover memoranda.
• Contracts with outside vendors for copying and binding of legal briefs and appendices. Arranges timely delivery of legal documents to courts and tribunals.
• Reviews incoming bankruptcy notices to determine whether the Commission has an interest in the bankruptcy.
• Reviews and maintains email inbox for to ensure that all court notices reach the correct attorney.
• Receives and distributes incoming mail; reviews incoming documents for necessary response, if any.
• Makes travel arrangements for staff members; ensures that authorizations and vouchers are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Utilizes data management and litigation support systems (i.e. Practice Manager, Relativity, Case Map, Pacer, and Lexis and Westlaw) to locate, organize and categorize exhibits, appendices, administrative records and other documents as needed for court filings.
• Utilizes OGC's Elaw case management system to review, store, index, and search electronic copies of documents obtained in the course of investigations and litigation. Maintains case files and corrects file deficiencies or discrepancies.
• Devises filing systems or docket tracking systems as needed to increase efficiency of the Branch.
• Independently reviews case files maintained in hard copy to determine which files are eligible to be retired to off-side document storage area; prepares files; and supervises the preparation of files for retirement to off-site storage facilities.
• Performs legal research or retrieval of legislative history, precedent cases, decisions, and opinions, regulations, policies, procedures, case law, Internet sites, etc., to provide assistance to staff attorneys in the development of legal matters. References may include but are not limited to the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission Regulations. Based on information found during research, prepares legal summaries or compiles resources to be used in litigation, pending approval by the assigned attorney.
• Ensures that records are accurate, and readily available for staff to use during their investigations and litigation.
• As needed and available, assists other units of OGC by researching and analyzing legal issues; assuring accuracy and consistency in legal documents prepared by the office, cite checking and proofreading briefs, pleadings, memoranda, opinions and other documents; drafting legal instruments such as certificates of service, transmittal letters and cover memoranda.
• Prepare correspondence and memoranda requiring minimal or no edits.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background/Security Investigation
• May be required to serve a probationary/trial period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to time-in-grade requirements, if applicable

Time-in-Grade. You must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

CT-11 Level: To qualify for the CT-11 level you must you must meet at least ONE of the following conditions, as defined below: Specialized experience is defined that through which one has gained experience:

Specialized Experience:
One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the CT/GS-09 level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience includes all of the following:

• Examining and processing a variety of documents, including legal documents, and using a variety of electronic or manual filing systems to acquire and store information.
• Conducting research under attorney supervision, analysis and evaluation of data in response to complex or sensitive requests;
• Assists attorneys with motion filing, preparation of exhibits, attachments to motions, and production of documents in litigation matters, including legal cite-checking.

OR

Substitution of education for experience:
The experience requirements for the CT-11 above may be met by the successful completion of a PH.D.

or equivalent graduate degree, OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.M., if related.

Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of a Paralegal Specialist. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to meet the qualification requirement at CT-11.

Education

Please refer to the OPM Position Classification Standard for Paralegal Specialist Series, GS for the specific Education/Experience requirements for this position.

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see


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.


For further information, visit:
Additional information

This is not a Bargaining Unit Position.

Relocation:
Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Probationary Period:
You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period, if applicable.

Time-in-Grade: You must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, if applicable.

More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.

The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade.

A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience.

Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the
CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.

The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives.

The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions.

This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.

Read more

• Benefits

Help

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.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our 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.

Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement.

If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online assessment questionnaire.

If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

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.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits

Help

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.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our 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.

• Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.

Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.

You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

• Resume showing all relevant and related experience (cover letter is optional). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
• Performance appraisal (optional);
• SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable.
• Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR u).
• If you wish to be considered under an applicable Veteran's authority such as VEOA, 30% or more disabled vet, etc., you must submit a copy of your Veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service), along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active-duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command.
• Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority.

Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at:

Candidates MUST submit:

• A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice;
• A copy of your most recent Performance Rating;
• A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and
• A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local

commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or

transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).

Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the
CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If
CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.

Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at:
The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities:

• VEOA

2. 30% or more disabled veteran

• Individuals with disabilities
• CTAP
• ICTAP
• Military Spouse
• Special Authorities
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA
• Former Federal Employees

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 schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

• How to Apply

YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE:
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV.

To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already.

LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV.

Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents.

If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile.

If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at or phone at The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.

to 7:00 p.m. EST.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.

For information on what each Application Status means, visit:

Agency contact information

Steven Inneh

Phone

Fax

Email

Address

Commodity Futures Trading Commission


CFTC
Three Lafayette Centre

Street, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 200581

United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

For information on what each Application Status means, visit:

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement.

Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

• Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Help

Required Documents

• Resume showing all relevant and related experience (cover letter is optional). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
• Performance appraisal (optional);
• SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable.
• Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
• Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR u).
• If you wish to be considered under an applicable Veteran's authority such as VEOA, 30% or more disabled vet, etc., you must submit a copy of your Veteran's documentation including a DD-214 (member 4 copy preferred, however, the documentation provided must contain dates and character of service), along with a VA letter, SF-15, etc., if applicable. If you are a current active-duty service member, please submit an official statement of service from your command.
• Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority.

Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at:

Candidates MUST submit:

• A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice;
• A copy of your most recent Performance Rating;
• A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and
• A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local

commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or

transfer of function outside the local commuting area.

Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP).

Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the
CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

If
CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application.

Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at:
The following links provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities:

• VEOA

2. 30% or more disabled veteran

• Individuals with disabilities
• CTAP
• ICTAP
• Military Spouse
• Special Authorities
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA
• Former Federal Employees

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 schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Help

How to Apply


YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE:
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV.

To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already.

LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV.

Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents.

If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile.

If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at or phone at The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.

to 7:00 p.m. EST.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated.

For information on what each Application Status means, visit:

Read more

Agency contact information

Steven Inneh

Phone

Fax

Email

Address

Commodity Futures Trading Commission


CFTC
Three Lafayette Centre

Street, NW

Washington, District of Columbia 200581

United States

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

For information on what each Application Status means, visit:

Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement.

Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

Read more

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

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Help

Overview

• Accepting applications
• Open & closing dates

05/07/2024 to 05/21/2024

• Salary

$102,237 - $150,181 per year

• Pay scale & grade

CT 11

• Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Washington, DC
• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-Time

• Service

Competitive

• Promotion potential

11

• Job family (Series)

0950 Paralegal Specialist

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

No

• Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)

• Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CFTC-OGC

• Control number

This job originated on For the full announcement and to apply, visit Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at will be considered.