Attorney (Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Summary

This position is located in the DoW Office of Inspector General (DoW OIG), Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations (DIG-AI), Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations (WRI) Directorate. The incumbent serves as a mediator and expert on whistleblower reprisal complaints appropriate for resolution under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1996 and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998.

Duties

• Reviews and evaluates complaints of whistleblower reprisal in concert with their supervisor and WRI management to determine whether appropriate for the alternative dispute resolution process.
• Serves as a neutral professional under the confidentiality provision of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1998 (ADRA) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 (ADR Act) in reaching resolution of disputed matters.
• Advises principal parties in the preparation and conduct of ADR processes. Initiates contact with principal parties to the dispute, obtains information pertinent to the issues at question, guides parties through ADR process.
• Advises on or prepares legally supportable resolution agreements that fully resolve the open complaint.
• Participates in the design and implementation of training to ensure Agency attorney, investigative staff, and management effectively use ADR processes and retain neutral professionals.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: To meet the basic requirements, you must possess a J.D., LL.B., or LL.M degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants must be an active member, in good standing, of the bar of the highest court of a state, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia, and be permitted to engage in the practice of law. In addition to the basic requirements noted above, resume must document the specialized experience listed below. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-12) or equivalent which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is required. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience applying the principles of mediating and drafting legally supportable settlement agreements to resolve matters under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1996 and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998. Experience also includes demonstrated knowledge of and experience with whistleblower reprisal statutes, reviewing and evaluating complaints, prioritizing workloads, and developing training. In addition to the basic qualifications, candidates must have at least three (3) years of specialized legal experience as an attorney in the fields of federal criminal, civil, or administrative law, which demonstrates that candidates can successfully perform the duties of a GS-0905-13 Attorney. Experience also includes demonstrated knowledge of and experience with whistleblower reprisal statutes, reviewing and evaluating complaints, prioritizing workloads, and developing training. 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.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience at this level. How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the announcement has closed, your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics). Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ [email protected]. Other Information

NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of War considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (see below) to their submissions. - You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, if you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be. - If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability. - If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference. - If you do not have a copy of your VA letter, you can download it at VA.gov. https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/. Submission of a resume alone is NOT a complete application. This position may require the completion of additional form/s and/or supplemental materials. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your application not being considered for employment. Military retirees seeking to enter civil service in the Department of War now require a waiver if they are within 180 days following their official date of retirement (5 United States Code 3326.). All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.