Summary
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
All United States Citizens and Nationals.
Duties
This position is located in Hammond, Indiana.
Hammond, Indiana is centrally located in the Northwest Indiana region. With a thriving population and minutes away from Chicago, Northwest Indiana offers low-cost, high-quality living while offering highly competitive salaries at the Chicago locality rate. The proximity of Chicago also offers its art and cultural institutions, world-class entertainment, and dining. The area boasts a variety of living options - from urban living and suburbs to small towns and rural communities. Northwest Indiana is also home to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park - both offering trails, camping and beaches along Lake Michigan.
For more information about the area, visit www.nwiforum.org
For more information about the state of Indiana, visit www.visitindiana.com.
The office is soliciting applications for a Legal Administrative Specialist position within the Civil Division of the Northern District of Indiana. If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing a variety of advanced litigation support functions to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Typical work assignments will include:
- Exercises a basic knowledge of litigation process, legal terminology, and court rules and procedures (e.g., rules of evidence and rules of civil procedure), and ability to apply that knowledge when performing basic litigation support tasks.
- Identifies and utilizes the most appropriate software packages, including databases, spreadsheets, and word processing applications, to meet the needs of developing and managing a database to track and analyze civil cases and relevant information about those cases, including their status.
- Uses various software applications in sophisticated ways to efficiently organize, analyze and present case materials for discovery, document review databases, for depositions, courtroom presentation software, etc., including basic troubleshooting and basic training. Scans, codes, indexes, labels, bates stamps and tags discovery.
- Assures documents are organized for efficient storage and retrieval by preparing appropriate indices, defining data file search criteria and indexing/coding fields and ensures documents are entered and coded in the most efficient and correct way.
- Prepares computerized trial presentation programs and exhibits for legal proceedings.
- In consultation with AUSAs and federal agents, redacts sensitive/confidential/classified information from all discovery materials being produced.
- Through the use of document review applications, numbers (or otherwise identifies), copies, extracts, and prepares for production of discovery matters.
- Exercises a basic knowledge of standard litigation technology software (e.g., processing software, document review databases, and courtroom presentation software) to prepare, manage, produce, or present discovery, evidence, exhibits, or other electronic files relevant to civil cases.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-11 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
Incentive Pay: May be considered for superiorly qualified applicants and in accordance with 5 CFR Part 575.
Relocation Expenses: Permanent Change in Station (PCS) Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part:
- Paid vacation
- Sick Leave
- 11 paid holidays
- 12-weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Reasonable Accommodations
- Health Insurance Benefits
- Dental and Vision benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care
- Federal Retirement Pension (Federal Employees Retirement System)
- Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% employer matching
- Life Insurance
- Long-term care Insurance
Other Benefits:In addition to the above benefits, we also offer:
- Telework
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Compressed Work Schedules
- Student Loan Forgiveness
- Performance Awards & Bonuses
- Employee Assistance Programs
The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees. For more information visit OPM's site for Federal Employee Compensation Package.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov for additional information.
- Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
- Probationary Period: If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
You must apply online and submit a complete application by the closing date of this announcement in order to be considered for this position. (See Required Documents section of this announcement)
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. (See Qualifications section of this announcement)
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, you must meet the experience/education requirements for at least one of the grade levels as described below:
GS-7 Grade Level Qualification Requirements
To be eligible at the GS-7 level you must meet at least one of the following conditions below:
Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: aids in preparing and organizing evidence for production as discovery and for use in trial; prepares trial exhibits such as statistical charts, graphs, and timelines to be presented in court; manages discovery and evidence in paper copies and electronically and may present the exhibits using trial presentation software in court; and aids in processing and organizing legal data and other supportive material.
-OR-
Education: Four (4) years of undergraduate level education in a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (see definition in the "Education Section" of this vacancy announcement) OR one (1) full year of progressively higher-level graduate education. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
-OR-
Combination of Experience and Education: Combinations of successfully completed post high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, college education must be in excess of 120 semester hours or beyond the fourth year.
GS-9 Grade Level Qualification Requirements
To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet the following conditions as defined below:
Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: provide technical assistance to litigation teams on legal automation requirements and systems capabilities to facilitate litigation decisions, trial preparation and trial presentation; develop and apply a basic knowledge of Federal Civil procedures, court requirements, and district practices to implement computer applications needed for civil cases; performs general information system analysis and development in support of District litigation support activities for assigned cases; and assists with the organization, preparation, delivery, and tracking of discovery in cases involving large volumes of documentary and/or digital evidence.
-OR-
Education: Education in a related field (e.g., Information Technology/Data Management, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Electronic Litigation, Criminal Justice): possess a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); or, two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
-OR-
Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Human Resources Specialist. (Only graduate education in excess of the first full year may be used when combining education and experience.)
The complete Qualification Standards used for this position may be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-ADMIN.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov
OR
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
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.
Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be evaluated and rated using DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e., Best Qualified).
You will be rated on the following Competencies (see The OPM Website for definitions):
- Attention to Detail
- Customer Service
- Integrity/Honesty
- Learning
- Reading
- Reasoning
- Self-Management
- Teamwork
To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:
- Online Occupational Questionnaire (Required) - This is completed automatically during the "Apply Online" process. Your responses from the online questionnaire while be used to help determine your eligibility to apply, identify any preferences or special considerations for employment, and if you meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
- Resume (Required) - Your resume must show relevant experience and dates (month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or full-time). 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, 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. Please be sure that the information included in your resume is complete and accurate, we cannot make any assumptions about your qualifications when considering your application.
- Cover Letter (Optional, recommended) - A cover letter is not required, but it is recommended. Any cover letters should be tailored to the agency and position that you are applying to.
- College Transcripts (Required, if applicable) - If you meet qualifications based on education you must include copies of any applicable college transcripts and foreign education evaluation documentation, if applicable, as described under the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.).
- CTAP/ICTAP Documentation (Required, if applicable) - If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP consideration (for more information about CTAP/ICTAP, please see above), you must include the following documentation:
- Separation Notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection;
- SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND
- Most recent performance appraisal.
- Veterans Documentation (Required, if applicable) - If you are entitled to Veterans' Preference, you must indicate the type of preference you are claiming in your application and submit the appropriate documentation, as specified below:
- DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" (Member Copy 4) - In order to verify your Veterans' Preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); or if you are a current Active Duty member you must submit a certification on appropriate military branch letterhead that indicates: 1) your service dates, 2) expected discharge or release date from active duty with a release/discharge date no later than 120 days from the closing date of this announcement, and 3) the character of service (e.g., Honorable); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
- Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" (If applicable) - If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower if a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference" dated October 2013 and all the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
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
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of all the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 06/18/2024 the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 06/18/2024.
4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification.
5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
Assessments.
Click here for Computer System Requirements
(https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements)
6. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12430838
To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.
Next steps
Application Status Updates:Please visit www.usajobs.gov to view the status of your application. You will receive email updates as your application progresses through each step of the process. Please do NOT contact our office for the status of your application.
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. .
Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.
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