Chief Counsel Atlanta Job in Atlanta, GA

Vacancy No. DE-12565597-ES-25-TC Department DHS Headquarters
Salary $147,649.00 to $221,900.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/24/2024 Close Date 11/25/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Atlanta, GA


Summary

The General Counsel, who is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) chief legal advisor and principal legal advisor to the DHS Secretary and, has final authority and responsibility for legal policy determinations within DHS and its components. The incumbent serves as the Chief Counsel for the Atlanta Field Location for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Duties

The Chief Counsel for Atlanta provides leadership, expert direction, overall management, and authoritative counsel to staff about ICE legal programs and initiatives crucial to the operation of the OPLA Atlanta Field Location (OPLA Atlanta). The incumbent is the principal legal consultant and advisor to the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge (SAC), the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office Director (FOD), and the members of their staff in all legal matters that arise within his or her area of responsibility (AOR).

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Responsible for overall strategic planning, development, implementation, and administration of all ICE legal programs and initiatives in OPLA Atlanta. These legal programs involve immigration trial and appellate practice; constitutional law; criminal law and procedure; citizenship and nationality law (including naturalization and denaturalization matters); identity and benefit fraud; smuggling; cybercrimes; labor exploitation; child exploitation; human rights violations; national security; customs law; detention issues (including those related to noncitizen juveniles); S, U, and T visas; victim-witness issues; the Violence Against Women Act; immigrant and non-immigrant visas; and employment law.
  • Oversees the provision of crucial litigation support and counsel to the U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) and the Department of Justice Office of Immigration Litigation (OIL) on matters pending in federal court related to the operations of DHS and, particularly, ICE. In this regard, the incumbent functions as the principal authoritative legal counsel in OPLA Atlanta to OPLA/ICE/DHS management on a broad and diverse range of highly complex legal services, activities, and functions that are related to these programs and initiatives, and that promote the effect direction, management, utilization, and administration of OPLA Atlanta.
  • Provides program direction, management, and authoritative counsel to OPLA Atlanta legal staff engaged in representing DHS in proceedings before the Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). In this regard, the incumbent provides leadership and expert counsel to staff regarding the litigation and case-management strategies that are appropriate. The incumbent's expert direction, management, and oversight of cases is vital to ensuring that the highest level of legal competency is applied to the development of ICE's case theory in the preparation for hearings, the preparation of witnesses, the direct examination and cross-examination of witnesses, the presentation of oral arguments advancing the agency's objectives, the negotiation of cases with opposing counsel and the decision regarding which cases warrant appeal or the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.
  • Provides expert counsel to staff in conducting legal research and preparing legally accurate and persuasive memoranda or law advocating DHS/ICE position to submit to EOIR, federal courts, and/or other tribunals.
  • Responsible for preparing advisory memoranda for ERO officers, HSI agents, the DHS General Counsel, the USAOs, and OIL.
  • Responsible for directing the provision of a full range of legal advice and services and ensuring that DHS and ICE positions are consistent with the law and are technically and administratively sound, efficient, and economical in nature.
  • Establishes, leads, and manages comprehensive strategic and long-range planning processes to foster the effective management of DHS and ICE resources to achieve stated goals, enhance program support, and improve customer service standards.
  • Assesses new DHS and ICE policy issuances for conformance and impact on program requirements and principles. Through participation on various working groups, panels, and committees, the incumbent ensures that legal issues are considered in DHS and ICE planning and policy development.
  • Participates with the DHS General Counsel and ICE Principal Legal Advisor in making recommendations on overall office programs. The incumbent represents the DHS General Counsel and the ICE Principal Legal Advisor with senior DHS and ICE management, other Federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
  • Serves as an expert advisor and counsel to high-level officials of DHS and ICE, and to officials of other Federal agencies. With a clear understanding of authorities, rules, and responsibilities between level of government, the incumbent provides legal counsel on issues related to immigration and customs enforcement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
  • You must be able to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/Special Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
  • You may be required to undergo periodic drug testing.
  • You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • You will be required to complete form OGE-278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Form.
  • You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association.
  • You must be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector.

The application process to recruit for this position is the TRADITIONAL-BASED method. The applicant must address each Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) separately.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five ECQs and the TQs listed below.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):

Unless you are currently serving under a Career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduate, you must address the ECQs. Your narrative must address each ECQ separately and demonstrate the underlying competencies in the narrative. Examples should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities; the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.).

Applicants should use the Challenge, Context, Action and Results (CCAR) model below when responding to each ECQ:
  • CHALLENGE: Describe a specific problem or goal.
  • CONTEXT: Describe individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
  • ACTION: Describe the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
  • RESULT: Describe specific examples of measures/outcomes that had impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Your narrative response should not exceed 10 pages, be typed in 12-point font with one-inch margins. It is recommended that you include two recent (not older than 10 years) examples per ECQ and draft your ECQs in a PDF document before uploading into the system to ensure these guidelines are met. Information that exceeds these guidelines will not be reviewed. Detailed information on each ECQ, the underlying and fundamental competencies, sample narratives and a tips sheet for writing effective ECQs are available in the "Guide To Senior Executive Service Qualifications" Senior Executive Service Executive Core Qualifications and Senior Executive Service Qualifications & Fundamental-Competencies.

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating.

NOTE: Those applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service appointment, who are eligible for reinstatement into the Senior Executive Service, or who have successfully completed a Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, need not submit a narrative statement covering each of the Executive Core Qualifications. However, those applicants must address the following Mandatory Technical Competencies.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ)s:

In addition to the Executive Core Qualifications, all candidates must show evidence of the following TQs below in order to meet basic qualifications for this position. Please label and include your name on each page. Please give examples and explain how often you used your skills, the complexity of the knowledge possessed, the level of people you interacted with, the sensitivity of the issues you handled managing a large public or private sector organization that administers complex, rules-based benefits or services, etc. It is recommended that you draft your TQ(s) in a PDF document and then upload into the system. You must address each TQ separately and you should not exceed 2 pages per TQ. You are required to respond to all TQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as 'ineligible.'

TQ 1. Experience that demonstrates: (1) an expert knowledge of immigration law and procedures and the provision of advice on the same to senior law enforcement officials or executives; (2) a strong litigation background, particularly with regard to immigration, national security, and criminal prosecution; (3) service-minded leadership; (4) a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with operational elements in implementing, coordinating, and prosecuting enforcement initiatives; (5) a demonstrated ability to structure and lead major projects and initiatives, and to coordinate teams effectively; (6) a demonstrated ability to operate effectively during transition, and to master the changing structure and functions of a legal program; and (7) a demonstrated ability to work independently and decisively.

TQ 2. Demonstrated management experience involving both legal and logistical matters in an agency, law firm, or other organization; experience working with legal, law enforcement, and/or policy professionals to evaluate and develop policies, procedures, and objectives for an organization; and excellent legal writing skills that demonstrate sophisticated, clear, and concise analysis.

DO NOT COMBINE THE TQ AND ECQ STATEMENTS. Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualification factors will result in your application being disqualified.

Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.

Education

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: Site Search | U.S. Department of Education.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage.

Additional information

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses may be authorized at Management's discretion.

Relocation Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.

Mobility Agreement: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. As a member of the ICE-OPLA team, you may be subject to frequent changes in posts of duty and positions. Mobility is a condition of employment, so you must be prepared to accept, without objection, the judgment of your superiors concerning reassignments for operational and/or career development purposes, or for other reasons determined to be in the best interest of OPLA.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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.

A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:

1. Minimum requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position. You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found "ineligible".

2. Rating and Ranking: A panel of subject matter experts will review your application and evaluate your qualifications for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. Interviews will be at the discretion of the panel and/or selecting official.

3. Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selecting official for consideration and possible interview. The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur.

Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.

The application process to recruit for this position is the TRADITIONAL-BASED method. You must address each ECQ separately and limit your statements to no more than two pages per ECQ, totaling no more than ten pages addressing all ECQs. Combine all ECQ responses into one document (i.e., all narratives in one PDF document). Additionally, you must address each TQ separately, and you should not exceed two pages per TQ. You are required to respond to all TQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as 'ineligible.' DO NOT COMBINE THE TQ AND ECQ STATEMENTS.

Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by the QRB before appointment can occur.

Required Documents

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

  1. Resume - Your resume should demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully fulfill responsibilities inherent in most SES positions such as: directing the work of an organizational unit; ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects; monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance; supervising the work of employees; and exercising important policymaking, policy determining, or other executive functions.
    • Include start and end dates for each position (e.g., month and year; month, day, and year).
  2. Transcripts
    • Your transcripts must support your claim that you meet the education requirements for the position.
    • Upload under "Transcript" document type in the agency application system.
  3. Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) statements
    • The ECQs are listed in the Qualifications section.
    • Address each ECQ separately.
    • Limit your statements to no more than two pages per ECQ, totaling no more than 10 pages addressing all ECQs. Combine all responses into one document (i.e., all narratives in one PDF document)
    • Provide one or two examples of relevant experience per ECQ. For each example, describe your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and the results of your actions.
    • Applications directing the reviewer to search within the application or to see the resume (e.g., "Refer to Resume") are considered incomplete and may not receive further consideration.
    • The Writing Executive Qualifications Statements section of the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you with writing your ECQ statements. We recommend following the Challenge, Context, Action, and Result (CCAR) model to write your ECQ statements.
    • Upload under "Executive Core Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.
  4. Technical Qualifications (TQs):
    • Each of the TQs listed in the Qualifications section of the Job Opportunity Announcement MUST be addressed.
    • Number each of your responses with the TQ number you are addressing and provide specific examples of your experience, education and accomplishments that are applicable.
    • Please limit your responses to no more than two pages for each TQ.
I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service--the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services. I must submit
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • Proof of holding of federal civil service position
    • If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50--for example, the United States Postal Service--provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member. I must submit:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible. I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions. I must submit:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
I am applying as an SES Candidate Development Program graduate. I must submit:
  • Certificate of Executive Qualifications
    • Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.
IMPORTANT: Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

The complete application package MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/25/2024.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted. If you cannot apply online, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact DHSHQSeniorExecutiveServicesTeam@hq.dhs.gov.

DHS is an equal employment employer: Selection for positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other differences.

DHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (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, please indicate this in your resume. Serving in a Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES appointment WILL NOT eliminate you from consideration.

Agency contact information

Trinice Clayborne
Address
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will review your experience and qualifications to determine if you possess the required ECQs and TQs for the position based on the information submitted in your package. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members to determine the "highly qualified" candidates who will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Once a selection has been made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB), unless the selectee is a noncompetitive candidate that has been successfully certified by the OPM QRB.

We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. (https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2016/08/newly-established-leave-policy-gives-disabled-veterans-more-time-to-address-medical-issues-1/).

Thank you for your employment interest in the Department of Homeland Security!


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


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