Attorney-Adviser (Information Law Unit)

Summary

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is looking for an experienced attorney to serve in the new Information Law Unit (ILU). This attorney has the opportunity to assist in the development of the programs they will be implementing, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management.

Duties

Why Join OSC? OSC is a mission-driven agency with incredibly dedicated employees. Unit Overview The Information Law Unit (ILU) is a new unit that is responsible for running OSC's information-law programs and providing agency-wide expertise and training on information law topics, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management. The ILU is part of OSC's Office of General Counsel. Duties Under the supervision or mentorship of experienced attorneys, you may be responsible for: Providing legal review, analysis, and advice regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA); Processing FOIA and PA requests (includes developing searches, review of documents, assessment of exclusions and exemptions, and applicability of relevant laws); Independently analyzing data about withholdings and releases and preparing accurate and timely reporting; Providing legal advice and guidance on issues pertaining to privacy, FOIA, records management, and other relevant areas of law; Preparing draft correspondence and documentation, including justifications for denials and exemptions and expedited processing determinations; Other related information-law duties. Ideal Candidate We are looking for candidates who bring enthusiasm to information law and dedication to the privilege of public service, think big picture and pay attention to detail, and work well within a team setting. The ideal candidate will have experience in FOIA, Privacy Act, or records (such as retention, CUI practices, or NARA regulations or systems). Flexibility and a strong commitment to OSC's statutory mission are essential. Positions may be filled at any GS grade level (11 through 14) depending on applicant experience. Qualifications

Education Qualifications for all positions: A professional law degree (L.L.B., J.D., L.L.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. In addition to Education, applicants must meet the minimum Experience Requirements outlined below: Position Title Bar Membership Legal Experience Requirements GS-11, Attorney-Adviser Required ** None GS-11, Law Clerk N/A Law school graduates who have not yet been admitted to the bar and who have not served in a judicial clerkship may be temporarily employed at the GS-11 level, not to exceed 14 months as law clerk trainees GS-12, Attorney-Adviser Required ** 1 year of professional legal experience post bar admission. GS-12, Law Clerk N/A Law school graduates who have not yet been admitted to the bar and who have served one year in a judicial clerkship may be temporarily employed at the GS-12 level, not to exceed 14 months as law clerk trainees GS-13, Attorney-Adviser Required ** 2 years of professional legal experience post bar admission, with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level GS-14, Attorney-Adviser Required ** 3 years of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level Your resume must explicitly outline your qualifications. We will not make assumptions about your experience. NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-0905 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined above. Annual Leave Accrual Credit Selectees for their first Federal position may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credited will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant resume and documentation submitted.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Management will consider any Federal performance appraisals and/or awards you submit with your application as an indication of your experience and work history. These documents will not be scored as part of the assessment process. In accordance with 5 C.F.R. Section 302.101(c), positions in the Excepted service are not subject to the provisions of Veteran's Preference. However, candidates who list and provide verification of their Veteran's Preference will have their Preference status identified to the selecting official for consideration as part of their application package. Other Information

ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: In accordance with VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56), current military members may apply by submitting a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain: (1) your rank; (2) dates of active duty service; (3) type of discharge and projected character of service (i.e. honorable); (4) projected Veteran's preference, if applicable; (5) date terminal leave begins, if applicable; (6) date of expected discharge or release that is within 120 days of your employment application submission; and (7) signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. If selected, your qualifying separation, veteran's preference, and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found to have an incomplete application. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if on terminal leave. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Individuals born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. You can find more information on Who Must Register and Exemptions here. In addition, you can find more information on what to do if you failed to register here. DEVELOPMENTAL POSITION: This position can be filled at any grade level for which the applicant is qualified. If filled at the lower grade level, noncompetitive promotion to the next grade level is authorized but not guaranteed. It is dependent upon meeting time-in-grade requirements, specialized experience, required training and any other management requirements to demonstrate ability to perform the next higher/target grade level. These are not Bargaining Unit positions.