Deputy Principal Legal Advisor for Legal Operations

Department of Homeland Security

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Office of the Principal Legal Advisor

Summary

The incumbent of this position is one of the senior executive assistants to the Principal Legal Advisor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on immigration and customs related legal activities, providing mission-critical legal services, counsel, and training to support ICE initiatives and programs vital to protecting U.S. national security, public safety, and the integrity of the immigration system.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Clarification from the agency

All groups of qualified individuals within the Civil Service (i.e., only current Federal Civil Service employees may apply).

Duties

The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) protects the homeland by diligently litigating cases while adhering to the highest standards of professional conduct, providing timely and accurate legal advice, and optimizing resources to advance the missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE. OPLA is part of the Office of the General Counsel within DHS. The General Counsel, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, serves as the Department's chief legal officer and principal legal advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security. As such, the General Counsel is responsible for all of the Department's legal determinations and for overseeing all of its attorneys.

OPLA serves as the principal legal representative for DHS/ICE in various forums, including representing DHS before the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) under 6 U.S.C. § 252(c). OPLA provides legal advice to ICE officers and agents in Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations, and offers litigation support to U.S. Attorney's Offices and the DOJ Office of Immigration Litigation on federal court matters related to ICE operations. OPLA handles complex, high-profile immigration and customs enforcement issues that require creative legal solutions to balance national security and individual liberties. Additionally, OPLA represents DHS in Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Federal Labor Relations Authority hearings; provides ethics counsel; and manages commercial and administrative law matters. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., OPLA has nine regions nationwide, each led by a regional counsel, and maintains 143 office locations.

The duties of the Deputy Principal Legal Advisor for Legal Operations position include:

Overseeing the provision of legal advice and assistance on matters concerning the enforcement of the nation's immigration and customs laws; overseeing the prosecution and litigation of cases before the EOIR Immigration Courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals in removal proceedings against aliens alleged to be in the United States in violation of the law; and overseeing the prosecution of criminal cases and the defense of civil cases before the U.S. District Courts and U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals by ICE attorneys.
Providing guidance and support in connection with matters that may include highly controversial or sensitive issues, or previously undecided questions where adverse decisions could negatively affect ICE operations; overseeing the provision of crucial litigation support and advice to the DOJ U.S. Attorneys' Offices and OIL in the prosecution and defense of cases before the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States on matters related to the operations of DHS and ICE; and advising and representing ICE in special interest and other sensitive cases, including those involving terrorism, human rights violators, and national security matters.
Assisting the Principal Legal Advisor (PLA) and Executive DPLA (EDPLA) in developing and planning legal operations and ensuring continuity of administration for the legal functions of ICE. This includes implementing the various strategic plans of DHS, ICE, and OPLA; directing legal activities in connection with highly significant problems; directing the provision of a full range of legal advice and services; participating in the development of ICE policies, directives, and procedures; and ensuring they are consistent with the intent of the law and are administratively sound, efficient, and economical in operation.
Responding to Congressional inquiries; reviewing and analyzing proposed legislation and case law; preparing, reviewing, and approving official documents and letters for signature by the Director, Deputy Director, and other senior management officials; and attending conferences with, and as appropriate, rendering legal opinions to the Director, Deputy Director, Principal Legal Advisor, and other senior managers of ICE, senior officials of the Department and other government departments, and outside private sector organizations.
Serving under the general direction of the PLA and EDPLA; performing duties with broad authority, which carries wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. Other than on matters of unusual significance, decisions and judgments are not reviewed. Exercising sound judgment in determining whether particular matters should be brought to the attention of the PLA, EDPLA, or other senior officials.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
File a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law.
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

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this 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. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or TQs.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the TQs.

TQ 1: Candidate must have experience that demonstrates (1) an expert knowledge of immigration law and procedures; (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 abilities involving both legal and logistical matters in an agency, law firm, or other organization. Candidates should have an ability to work with legal and policy professionals to evaluate and develop agency objectives, authorities and programs and have excellent legal writing skills that demonstrate clear and concise analysis.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the TQs listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in a U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50 or certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law and be a 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. You must submit documentation supporting that you meet this qualification when applying to this job opportunity announcement.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 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: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html.

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

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

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.

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), applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information.

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

Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives may be authorized at Management's discretion.

Background Investigation: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all employees to be reliable and trustworthy. Selected applicants must complete a background investigation for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, including review of financial issues, criminal offenses, and drug use.

Employment offers will comply with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, OMB and OPM guidance, and OMB hiring policies. These may change.

DHS maintains a drug-free workplace per Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy. Employees in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing. All applicants selected for DHS Headquarters must pass a drug test.

If you receive a conditional offer, you must complete Optional Form 306 and certify the accuracy of your application. False statements may result in withdrawal, dismissal, fines, or imprisonment.

DHS uses e-Verify to confirm work eligibility for all new hires.

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.

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 to determine if you possess the ECQs and TQs listed above. The ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your 2-page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual(s) selected must have their executive qualifications certified by the OPM SES QRB before appointment. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, QRB-certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

Required Documents

A complete application includes the items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible. Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to 2 pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each), with 1-inch margins on the top and bottom, 1/2-inch margins on the left and right, and a font no smaller than 11 points, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the SES must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. Please do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.

2. Vacancy Question/Assessment Questionnaire Responses: Responses are automatically submitted through USAJOBS when you apply to this vacancy.

3. Additional Required Documents: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable.

Current or Former SES Members: Must provide your SES appointment Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SESCDP Graduates: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
Current Federal Civil Service Employee: Must provide a copy of your SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
You must possess a professional law degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) acquired through graduation from an accredited School of Law and be a 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. You must submit documentation supporting that you meet this qualification when applying to this job opportunity announcement.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click "Apply" to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will not be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process, at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

Agency contact information

Shaunta Newby

Phone: (202) 732-3661
Email: Shaunta.Newby@ice.dhs.gov

Address: OPLA FIELD LEGAL OPS
8222 N Beltline Rd
IRVING, TX 75063
US

Next steps

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov/. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Deputy Principal Legal Advisor for Legal Operations Job in Washington, DC