Supervisory Paralegal Specialist

Summary The MSPB is responsible for adjudicating appeals filed by Federal employees. The selectee of this position serves as a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist responsible for the supervision of a staff of paralegal specialists. You'll be responsible for all administrative functions in support of the mission of the office. In addition to supervising legal administrative operations, you'll perform a full spectrum of paralegal duties to directly assist Administrative Judges. Responsibilities The duties may include, but are not limited to: Directs a staff that provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to all of the Administrative Judges, the Office of Regional Operations, and the MSPB. Evaluates resource needs, develops staffing proposals and oversees resource utilization, includes the performance of analytical duties focusing on improvements in the work processes of the organization. Collaborates across the agency and participates in the development of the formal operating guidelines and drafts supplemental guidelines pertaining to agency operations. Initiates formal personnel actions and monitors the performance of subordinates on an on-going basis, includes monitoring and handling employee conduct matters, exercises approval authority for a full range of leave requests. Provides administrative and paralegal support to the Regional director and the Regional office, which may include legal research, drafting or reviewing orders and initial decisions. Reviews new appeals and submitting pleadings in pending appeals, updating and entering casefile information in the Board's electronic case management system, and other paralegal duties as needed. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including the following specialized experience and/or education, as identified by grade level. FOR THE GS-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Practical knowledge of a body of laws and related rules, regulations, and precedents involved in Federal employee appeals and litigation relating to Federal employment; skill in interpreting and applying them to varying situations; skill in evaluating the relevancy of precedents and summarizing pertinent data on issues. Skill in researching and maintaining legal databases using electronic resources; or skill in communicating with others in order to exchange legal information. Such experience is characterized by skill in problem analysis and problem solving sufficient to communicate in the style and mode appropriate for work at the level of an appeals court. Performing the range of duties as described above has equipped you with the comprehensive knowledge of the field of federal employment law and related areas of law that impact the rights, status, and obligations of federal employees. (Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level.) 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 This position does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100 to receive selection priority. This position is being concurrently announced under Merit Promotion Announcement Number MP-13049792-26-BRH. Current or former Federal employees or other eligible applicants may apply to both announcements to expand all possibilities of consideration since different referral criteria apply to each type of announcement. See the above announcement for more information. Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expense associated with reporting for duty will be the responsibility of the selected employee. Locality pay will vary based upon the selectee's duty location. A final salary determination will be made upon selection. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: 1-800-877-8339. MSPB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER and employment decisions are based on merit factors only. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in an employment decision by this agency, you have the right to seek counseling to resolve your complaint. You must do so within 45 days of the alleged discrimination action. If you desire to seek counseling, call the MSPB Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202 653-6772, Ext 4405. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.