PSOB Hearing Officer

Summary

Join the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)! We are seeking experienced attorneys to serve as PSOB Hearing Officers, providing the first level of de novo appellate review following claim denials. The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) delivers death, disability, and education benefits to eligible public safety officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty and to their survivors and families.

Duties

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responsible for providing federal leadership and assistance in support of state and local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities and its Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0905-15 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Reviews and analyzes information in a claim record after initial denial of that claim, as well as additional evidence provided by claimants or representatives. Coordinates with the PSOB staff for access to records as needed and advice regarding matters of law. Holds hearings, issues subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses, conducts examinations and receives evidence. When hearings are granted, presides over them (written record or oral, as applicable). Establishes procedures and timelines, rules on procedural matters and admissibility of evidence. Ensures all parties have a fair opportunity to present arguments. Evaluates evidence and legal arguments, which may include: medical evidence and expert opinions; line-of-duty and causation documentation; employment, incident and death/disability records; statutory and regulatory standards under the PSOB Act; and arguments submitted by the claimant and PSOB staff. Renders timely appellate determinations once evidence collection is concluded and the administrative record is closed. Files notices of determination specifying the factual findings and legal conclusions that support the decision. Maintains a record of all proceedings and makes complete and timely entries in PSOB's case management system. Participates in all required training and maintains a working knowledge of the PSOB Act and its implementing regulations. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Position Requirements: Must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be a current member in good standing of a State Bar which continues throughout the length of this position. Qualifications

To qualify for the position of PSOB Hearing Officer, at GS-0905-15, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below. Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction). Have a minimum of four (4) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/16/2026. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the eligibilities and qualifications listed on the announcement. If you are found to be basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your resume and application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Other Information

These are temporary Excepted Service, Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment, not to exceed 1-year. Appointments may be extended at Agency discretion. Other Position Requirements: Requires admission to the bar and active license in at least one jurisdiction. Requires professional knowledge of the statutes, orders, rules and regulations applicable to the adjudication of federal claims. Requires expertise in how to work in partnership with public safety officers and national public safety organizations or similar organizations. Requires knowledge of the mission, structure and overall responsibilities of public safety agencies at the state and local levels. OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules. Additional selections may be made from this announcement. 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to [email protected]. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.