Chief, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 2024-14 Department Office of Special Counsel
Salary $163,964.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/6/2024 Close Date 11/27/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

We are seeking an experienced Attorney-Mediator to lead OSC's Alternative Dispute (ADR) Unit, overseeing the mediation of complaints and serving as the agency's expert in negotiation and dispute resolution. You will provide legal advice on matters under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 and related statutes. This is a challenging and rewarding role, offering a key opportunity to manage and develop OSC's ADR program while providing leadership and expertise.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and nationals authorized to work in the U.S.

Duties

Why Join OSC? OSC consistently ranks highly in the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) for workplace satisfaction!

Division Overview:
The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Unit is responsible for providing alternative dispute resolution services for selected complaints filed with OSC, which includes coordinating OSC's ADR program with the Agency's responsibilities under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1996, and the interaction with these obligations with the Privacy Act, FOIA, and other relevant statutes. The ADR Unit also provides agency-wide expertise and training on negotiation and mediation law, practice and theory.

ADR Unit Chief
This position serves as the Chief of the ADR Unit, a key program at OSC that offers mediation for complaints filed with OSC. You will directly oversee management, continual development and integration of ADR services within OSC's overall agency operations. You will serve as the agency's negotiation and dispute resolution expert and be responsible for providing educational, administrative, and specialized ADR expertise to the agency. You will provide legal advice on matters under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996 and related statutes, regulations and ethical guidelines.

Duties:

  • Manage and continually develop the ADR program for the effective resolution of complaints filed with OSC in accordance with federal laws, ethical standards, and best practices in ADR. Provide management, educational, administrative and technical expertise to the OSC in all dispute resolution processes. Provide expert legal advice and counsel on the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, regulations and best practices applicable to the resolution of legal disputes within the OSC's statutory jurisdiction. Oversee policies, rules, and procedures within the ADR Program.
  • Lead and supervise a team of attorney-mediators, providing administrative and technical direction, guidance and coaching. Mediate and employ appropriate alternative dispute resolution techniques to resolve highly complex and sensitive legal issues.
  • Effectively integrate the ADR program with OSC's investigation and prosecution processes.
  • Maintain case management and data tracking procedures to quantify and monitor ADR at OSC for internal and public-facing reports. Conduct post-mediation evaluations and data analysis to provide useful comparisons over time, generate lessons learned, and assess the value of ADR to those who use it. Manage ADR program system of records and ensure compliance with the ADR Act of 1996, the Privacy Act, FOIA and other relevant Federal law.
  • Serve as the OSC subject matter expert and educator within the area of ADR including dispute resolution and negotiation skills and techniques. Provide expert guidance to OSC attorneys on negotiation and other collaborative processes to help resolve highly complex legal issues. Ensure that OSC staff receive appropriate training in ADR and negotiation skills, as resources permit.
  • Maintain current knowledge on ADR related academic research, best practices and the resolution of employment law disputes, and the interpretation and application of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996.
  • Conduct outreach and coordinate with significant stakeholders, including officials of Federal agencies and public interest groups, to obtain information to create increasingly effective ADR processes, practices and policies, and to encourage participation in OSC's ADR program.
Ideal Candidate:
  • Demonstrated expertise in mediating complex and sensitive cases.
  • Experience managing ADR programs and processes.
  • Strong knowledge of ADR research and active involvement in ADR organizations.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, and communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.
  • Ability to manage a high volume of cases effectively.
  • Passion for public service and dedication to federal workforce integrity.
This position may require occasional travel for mediations and other matters. It is based in Washington, D.C., to facilitate interaction with staff and stakeholders.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship or National authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Individuals born after 12-31-1959 and required to register for Selective Service under the Military Selective Service Act of 50 USC App. 453, must be registered or otherwise exempt from Selective Service. See "Additional Information" section below.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period.
  • May be eligible for incentive pay.
  • May be eligible for superior qualifications/special needs pay setting.
  • Direct Deposit of pay is required.
  • E-Verify will be used to confirm employment eligibility on new employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Suitable for Federal employment as determined by appropriate background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a supervisory/managerial probationary period.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet the basic education and bar membership requirements:
  • A professional law degree (L.L.B., J.D., L.L.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; and
  • An active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico.
And

Specialized Experience

For the GS-15 Grade Level:
Possess four (4) years of post J.D. legal experience, and have at least four (4) years of specialized experience, with at least one (1) of these years equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service, in:
  • leading or supervising a team;
  • meditating complex legal disputes;
  • communicating complex information orally and in writing;
  • analyzing, investigating and litigating complex cases; and
  • designing and enhancing conflict and dispute resolution systems and strategies.
Your resume must explicitly outline your qualifications. We will not make assumptions on your experience.

NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-0905 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined above.

Applicants qualifying through education, but who have not yet graduated or received final grades, may apply using their current grades at time of application. If selected, you will be required to verify final grades and/or provide additional documentation.

Annual Leave Accrual Credit
Selectees for their first Federal position may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credited will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant resume and documentation submitted.

Additional information

ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: In accordance with VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56),Current military members may apply by submitting a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain: (1) your rank; (2) dates of active duty service; (3) type of discharge and projected character of service (i.e. honorable); (4) projected Veteran's preference, if applicable; (5) date terminal leave begins, if applicable; (6) date of expected discharge or release that is within 120 days of your employment application submission; and (7) signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. If selected, your qualifying separation, veteran's preference, and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found to have an incomplete application. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if on terminal leave.

SELECTIVE SERVICE: Individuals born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. You can find more information on Who Must Register and Exemptions here. In addition, you can find more information on what to do if you failed to register here.

These are not Bargaining Unit positions.

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.

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.

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Management will consider any Federal performance appraisals and/or awards you submit with your application as an indication of your experience and work history. These documents will not be scored as part of the assessment process.

In accordance with 5 C.F.R. Section 302.101(c), these positions are in the Excepted service and not subject to the provisions of Veteran's Preference. However, candidates who list and provide verification of their Veteran's Preference will have their Preference status identified to the selecting official for consideration as part of their application package.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Resume, including a) personal information such as name, address, contact information; b) education; c) detailed work experience related to this position including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year), title and Grade level for any Federal service, i.e. GS-9); d) scope and complexity of the functions, activities and services you managed and your level of contacts; and any other qualifications. We recommend that your resume not exceed five (5) pages as only the first five (5) pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications;
  2. Cover Letter, required;
  3. Writing Sample, dated within the last five (5) years;
  4. Other required supporting documents:
  • Law school transcript(s) to confirm your education;
  • Verification an active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico;
  • Current or Previous Federal (whether Excepted or Competitive Service) employees:
    • Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade; AND
    • Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan, without a rating, is not an acceptable substitute.
  • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty for consideration of Veteran status.

If you submit multiple copies of the same document, only your most recent uploaded document (by date & time stamp) will be considered. If your resume or supporting documents are illegible or unreadable, or if you fail to include any of the above-mentioned required documents, you may lose consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be considered further. If your application materials contain sensitive or inappropriate information, including but not limited to: photographs; classified or government sensitive information; copied and pasted portions of this job announcement; obscene information, etc., you may not be considered.

Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-selection, disqualification from further consideration or withdrawal of tentative or final job offers.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
Your application and supporting documents must be submitted and received through the online application process by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date of this announcement.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account if you do not have one.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

Agency contact information

Human Capital Office
Address
Office of Special Counsel
1730 M St NW
Washington, DC 20036
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your application was received.
Your application will be evaluated as outlined above and if you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. We anticipate a large number of applicants, and only the top candidates will be contacted for interview. You will receive automated notifications through the USAjobs system as updates are available.

Selecting officials may choose any appropriate competitive, non-competitive or alternative candidate under Federal regulations and Agency policy. Interviews may be conducted individually, by panel, by third party, teleconference, video teleconference, or in person. Selecting officials have the option to interview any, all or none of the referred candidates. Management has the right to fill or not a fill this vacancy, as well as to cancel and re-announce as appropriate.

Additional Vacancies
This announcement may be used to fill additional or similar vacancies at the same or equivalent grade level.


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


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