Paralegal Specialist-Direct Hire Authority

Summary

Veterans' preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information. The primary purpose of this position is to support the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) as a paralegal, providing legal support for the most complex, often precedent, installation level cases in military justice, administrative law, claims, environmental law, contract law, labor law, international law, and operations law to the organization and tenant units.

Duties

Perform substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of the paralegal, would be performed by an attorney, in compliance with American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-110, Professional Responsibility Program and Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 51-101, The Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps (AFJAGC) Operations, Accessions, and Professional Development. Under the supervision of an attorney, provide administrative and litigation support in processing and execution of all judicial, and nonjudicial (Article 15, UCMJ), and other adverse actions, to include administrative discharges/separations according to applicable laws and instructions, the Manual for Courts-martial (MCM) and other guidance. Manages designs, develops, upgrades, installs and maintains office automation systems, including hardware, software, and voice mail communications systems for the Eglin Law Center. Incumbent provides assistance to the legal assistance program as needed or other duties in support of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. Performs other administrative, clerical, or additional duties in support of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. Qualifications

Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, for Administrative and Management positions. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 3 years of general experience, 1 year (52 weeks) at the next lower broadband NH-01, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-04 or equivalent in other pay systems. General experience is described as provide a basic knowledge of generalize experience will be providing administrative and litigation support in processing and execution of all judicial, and nonjudicial, and other adverse actions, to include administrative discharges/separations according to applicable laws and instructions, the Manual for Courts-martial (MCM) and other guidance. NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement. OR EDUCATION: 4- year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. Ideal Candidate:The ideal candidate for this position is a disciplined legal professional who possesses an understanding of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), and Department of the Air Force Instructions. They must be capable of performing substantive legal work that directly supports attorney-led litigation, from drafting complex charges and specifications to managing administrative discharge boards. This individual should demonstrate exceptional research and writing skills, ensuring all legal reviews and transcripts are accurate and mission-ready. Beyond technical proficiency, the candidate must exhibit a high degree of empathy and professionalism when managing the Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), serving as a trusted advocate and liaison for those navigating the military justice system. In addition to their legal acumen, the ideal candidate is a tech-savvy administrator who can seamlessly pivot to the role of Computer Security Administrator (CSA). They must possess technical proficiency to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, maintain web application, and manage specialized databases like DCMS, WASP, and WebLIONS. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who can oversee office automation systems while simultaneously managing the daily operations of a legal office, including Defense Travel System (DTS) coordination and notary services. Successful candidates will be characterized by their ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and government officials, maintaining a high standard of office management and organizational discipline under the pressure of a high-tempo Legal Office environment. 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: Knowledge of rules, procedures, policies, and programs of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate to perform the procedural and administrative work of the organization sue as preparing and editing legal documents and administrative correspondence, maintaining files and record , and assembling information for various legal documents and reports; knowledge of legal services and terminology in the area of military justice, legal assistance, and legal research techniques; and knowledge of grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and required legal formats and directives regarding preparation of written communications to produce legal and administrative documents and communications. Knowledge of office functions to screen telephone calls and visitors, customer assistance, prepare and review correspondence, and perform other administrative work of the organization. Ability to interpret and apply regulatory and procedural requirements to process unusually difficult and complicated transactions. Understanding of hardware and software installation and inte, ration requirements for office automation systems, LAN administration, and working knowledge of JA specific soft are/web based programs is required. Knowledge of grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and required legal formats and directives regarding preparation of writtencommunications to produce legal and administrative documents and communications is required. Skill in logic and interpersonal skills to conduct interviews, recognize, explore, and exploit leads, detect discrepancies in information, distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information, and analyze, interpret, and evaluate information obtained is required. Knowledge of principles and concepts to interpret regulation and instructions is required. Working knowledge of computers and computer software is r quired to support office operations and procedure a variety of textual documents, such as letters, reports, memorandums, and form letters. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Understanding of the Staff Judge Advocate Manpower Standard and civilian personnel actions both GS and NSPS personnel programs, is required. Skill in typing (40 wpm); a qualified typist is required. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Working knowledge of the Internet and Web page design is recommended. 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. Your responses to the questionnaire may be compared to the documents you submit. The documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Other Information

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in selection. This job announcement may close at any time - apply now! This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-02 equivalent to a GS-05 to GS-11. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.