Senior Counsel to the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations

Summary

This position is located in the Immediate Office of the Inspector General, in Washington, DC. The mission of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is to detect and deter fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct in the Department of Justice (DOJ). In addition, the OIG assists DOJ managers in promoting integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of DOJ programs and operations.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of Senior Counsel to the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations include: Makes legal and policy recommendations based upon research, analysis and the evaluation of expert information. The incumbent uses legal training, practical experience and knowledge of OIG and Department personnel and activities to advise INV on matters affecting the mission of the OIG and the efficiency of the department of Justice. Oversees, reviews, and edits INV reports and correspondence requiring the Inspector General's approval. These materials include INV investigations, Attorney General reports, semiannual reports, Congressional reports and other reports. Provides expert direction to staff conducting investigations of alleged violations of fraud, abuse, and integrity laws that govern DOJ employees, operations, grantees, and contractors. The Senior Counsel provides expert advice and input in the identification of significant violations of policies or procedures of the Department that become evident in the course of inquiries and assists in developing procedural reform recommendations that may have significant impact on organizational operations. Handles cases assigned by the AIG, which in the AIG's opinion require the attention of a senior member of the staff. Such cases include those involving sensitive, highly-visible issues; facts that are difficult to develop and prove; or matters of a precedent-setting nature. The Senior Counsel works with the AIG, Deputy AIG, criminal investigators, and other staff in the planning of investigative strategy and tactics. The Senior Counsel also performs other special projects and assignments for the AIG and the Inspector General. Advises the AIG on substantive legal matters encountered in the investigation or litigation of the office's sensitive cases. The Senior Counsel brings to the attention of the AIG matters of concern, recommends changes in strategy, and if required, prepares other options for the AIG's consideration. The incumbent negotiates resolutions to problems, particularly those involving the coordination of legal strategy. Provides expert legal advice and counsel to INV staff in support of law enforcement activities. The incumbent ensures staff compliance in the proper completion and filing of subpoenas and other documents in law enforcement matters or cases under review by appropriate legal authorities. The Senior Counsel reviews INV reports and legal documents prepared by staff for soundness of substance and compliance with policy, Department regulations, and applicable law. The incumbent provides legal advice and counsel on OIG law enforcement policies, procedures, and practices. Utilizes a high level of expertise to write and/or edit information on programs, policies, functions and research. The incumbent will prepare probing and innovative analyses that explain complex issues with broad impact. The Senior Counsel will prepare written products that are characterized by substantial breadth and depth and cover many different issues. Receives and reviews information or allegations concerning conduct of Department employees that may be in violation of laws or of Department regulations, orders and applicable standards of conduct. The incumbent advises the AIG and INV staff on a recommended course of action in response. The Senior Counsel also provides INV input on Department and congressional inquiries. Represents INV in meetings within the OIG Front Office, other OIG Divisions, Department leadership, Department components, subject matter experts, Congressional staff, and the public. The Senior Counsel provides information, answers questions, coordinates activities, resolves differences, and achieves agreements relating to INV activities. Communicates information that is extremely technical, complicated and/or sensitive to others so it is comprehensive enough so they can form opinions and base decisions on that information. Qualifications

To meet the minimum requirements for a Senior Level position, candidates must be recognized subject matter expert with directly related experience. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Candidates must demonstrate their experience meets the Professional Technical Qualifications for this position in their two-page resume and this experience must have been at a sufficiently high level of difficulty to clearly show the candidate possesses the required subject matter expertise and technical qualifications set forth below. 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; community; social; student, etc.). 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. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to the position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS): PTQ 1: Federal Investigative Law and Legal Oversight Demonstrated expert knowledge of the laws, regulations, authorities, and procedures governing federal investigations involving fraud, abuse, misconduct, and integrity violations. Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice on investigative strategy, evaluate evidence and allegations, review investigative reports and legal documents for sufficiency and compliance, and guide complex or sensitive investigations. PTQ 2: Complex Legal Analysis and Executive Advisory Support Demonstrated expert ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis and develop legal and policy recommendations on sensitive, high-visibility, or precedent-setting investigative matters. Demonstrated ability to advise senior officials on investigative strategy and legal risks, prepare and review executive-level reports and correspondence, recommend corrective actions for systemic issues, and communicate complex legal matters to senior leadership and external stakeholders. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs).

Education

The candidate must have a law degree from an accredited law school program and must be a member of a bar in good standing, in the United States or a Territory of the United States. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed by rating panel to determine if you possess the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed above. PTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Superior applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Other Information

OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office. This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position. You may be required to complete the Fair Credit Act Memo. All employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice. DOJ EEO Statement/Policy: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf. As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov).