Chambers Administrator Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 24-08 Department U.S. Tax Court
Salary $82,764.00 to $128,956.00 Grade 11 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/11/2024 Close Date 10/27/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Chambers Administrator (CA) is responsible for administering the operations of a Presidentially-appointed Judge's Chambers, performing technically complex and confidential administrative duties. The CA serves as the Chambers' point of contact for counsel and parties in pending cases and for Court staff, and develops procedures for managing cases submitted to the Judge for adjudication.

Duties

Administrative duties include: managing the chambers in accordance with standards established by the Judge; establishing procedures for proper handling, organizing, and maintaining of records; providing for the receipt, handling and dispatch of case-related mail, memoranda, legal files, and documents filed in cases assigned to the Judge; recommending improvements in administrative policies within the Chambers; acquiring needed equipment and supplies; receiving, processing, and preparing the Judge's responses to Law Clerk and or Attorney-Adviser applications according to the hiring needs and policies of the Judge; drafting memoranda relating to Law Clerk and or Attorney-Advisor promotions; and acting as the Chambers' manager for purposes of leave approval and time and attendance records. The CA serves as the principal liaison between the Chambers and the Court's administrative services, including Facilities, Financial Management, and Human Resources.

Case management duties include serving as case manager for cases assigned to the Judge; developing and maintaining procedures for tracking cases calendared for trial at trial sessions; reviewing and organizing materials related to trial sessions, such as pretrial memoranda, pending motions, orders previously issued, and final status reports; following procedures for handling sealed records; and overseeing groups of docketed cases assigned to the Judge. The CA also functions as a paralegal, drafting orders, checking factual findings and legal citations in opinions, and reviewing transcripts and incoming motions and memoranda. In addition, the CA proofreads and formats draft opinions, correcting grammar and punctuation as well as checking for accuracy. The CA serves as the Judge's confidential assistant, screening telephone calls, maintaining the Judge's personal schedule, arranging appointments and conferences, and assembling necessary informational materials. The CA will also inform and, if needed, remind the Judge of matters in the Court or the Chambers requiring consideration and disposition.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Applicants must be United States Citizens or Nationals.

  • All Court employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for U.S. Tax Court Employees.

  • Employment at the United States Tax Court is subject to the provisions of the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System, a distinct system of personnel management practices specific to the Court as authorized by Public Law 111-366.

  • The United States Tax Court Personnel Management System adheres to the provisions set forth in section 2301(b) of title 5, United States Code (Merit Systems Principles) and section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code (Prohibited Personnel Practices). All United States Tax Court personnel must conduct themselves in accordance with these provisions.

  • Appointments under the United States Tax Court Personnel Management System subsequent to January 4, 2011, do not grant the rights to (a) appeal a reduction in grade or removal to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code; (b) appeal an adverse action to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code; (c) appeal a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, to the Merit Systems Protection Board under chapter 77 of that title (d) make an allegation of a prohibited personnel practice described under section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, with the Office of Special Counsel under chapter 12 of that title for action in accordance with that chapter; or (e) file an appeal with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under part 1614 of title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

  • Employment with U.S. Tax Court is "at-will;" employment may be terminated at any time by either party, with or without cause.

  • Those who are required must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.

  • Appointment to these positions is contingent upon favorable suitability determination and security background checks, which include a credit check and a criminal check.
See "ADDITIONAL INFORMATION" for complete Conditions of Employment.

Qualifications

Must have at least 3 years of progressive responsibility and experience cite checking opinions and managing caseloads in a judicial or legal services setting.Basis of Rating: Ratings will be based on an evaluation of experience as it relates to the duties of the position, and on the Special Rating Factors listed below. An applicant must provide detailed information in the application package demonstrating that the Special Rating Factors are satisfied. An applicant's resume should reflect how that applicant's background and experience relate to the rating factors listed. An applicant may provide a cover letter that outlines his/her relevant experience.

Special Rating Factors: (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required)

  1. High skill level and ability in using computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, Lexis/Nexis, and Westlaw.
  2. Demonstrated paralegal skills such as cite checking and verifying authorities contained in opinions, orders, and other legal documents.

  3. Demonstrated ability and skill in analyzing, reviewing, and evaluating established office and/or case management procedures to determine if existing procedures are effective and efficient and to develop new procedures to meet new or changing situations.

  4. Ability and skill in drafting legal documents, demonstrating attention to detail and proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  5. Demonstrated ability and skill in effectively communicating with officials, staff, and third parties at all levels with tact, discretion, and professionalism.

Education

College degree preferred.

Additional information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Continued)

  • A candidate selected for this position must be current on his or her Federal income tax obligations before employment with the U.S. Tax Court and must remain current at all times while employed by the U.S. Tax Court.

  • Continued employment post appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the background investigation and credit check and favorable adjudication. A background reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time during employment.

  • All applicant information is subject to verification.

  • New appointments to the Federal service require a probationary period of 52 weeks. Appointments to the Tax Court from other Federal positions may require a probationary period of up to 52 weeks.

  • The Federal Financial Reform Act requires direct deposit of federal wages for Court employees.

EFFECT OF EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT IN THE U.S. TAX COURT ON COMPETIVE STATUS: Title 26, Section 7471(a)(9) provides that "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any employee of the Tax Court who has completed at least 1 year of continuous service under a non-temporary appointment with the Tax Court acquires a competitive status for appointment to any position in the competitive service for which the employee possesses the required qualifications."

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Ratings will be based on an evaluation of experience as it relates to the duties of the position, and on the Special Rating Factors listed below. An applicant must provide detailed information in the application package demonstrating that the Special Rating Factors are satisfied. An applicant's resume should reflect how that applicant's background and experience relate to the rating factors listed. An applicant may provide a cover letter that outlines his/her relevant experience.

NOTE: AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Required Documents

Special Rating Factors (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities the Position Requires): Applicants are required to address each Special Rating Factor providing detailed evidence of the listed factors in the form of clear, concise examples of accomplishment and degree of responsibility. Please use specific examples to illustrate how your qualifications and accomplishments are relevant.REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  1. A letter of interest.

  2. A resume highlighting relevant knowledge and experience. Guidance on preparing a resume for Federal employment can be found here: USAJOBS Help Center - What should I include in my resume?

  3. A supplemental written statement, not to exceed two pages, which provides a brief description of how your experience relates to the duties outlined in this vacancy announcement.
  4. Contact information for 3 professional references.

How to Apply

These application materials must be submitted electronically through USAJOBS by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 10/27/2024. See USAJOBS Help Center - How does the application process work? for guidance. Attention to detail and compliance with instructions on how to apply will be considered in the evaluation of applications.

The Court does not accept hard-copy application packages. The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement or to withdraw the announcement, with or without prior written or other notice.

Agency contact information

US Tax Court
Address
US Tax Court Office of Human Resources
400 Second Street NW
Washington, DC 20217
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the closing date of this announcement, The Human Resources Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your application package. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. At this point you may be contacted for an interview. If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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