Legal Assistant (OA) Job

Vacancy No. OPM-OPLA-12794002-DHA-JDM Department Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Salary $34,454.00 to $55,486.00 Grade 5 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/5/2025 Close Date 9/26/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Birmingham, ALEloy, AZFlorence, AZPhoenix, AZ


Summary

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, in multiple locations as specified in this announcement.

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority for the occupation and is open to all U.S. citizens.

Duties

As a Legal Assistant (OA), you will perform a variety of duties such as:

  • Perform a variety of support functions related to tracking and managing Immigration Court dockets.
  • Prepare non-legal memoranda and correspondence.
  • Provide data gathering and analysis support for a variety of legal processes.
  • Identify and prepare inactive case files for shipping.
  • Monitor and track mail distribution and timelines.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • A pre-employment drug test will be required.
  • 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.
  • DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
  • Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability.
  • License required: No
  • Pre-employment physical required: No
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No
  • Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Minimum Qualification requirements as noted below.

Minimum Qualifications for the GS-05:
Specialized experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-04 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Reviewing documents with legal implications for accuracy and completeness (e.g., court documents, real estate documents, contracts, insurance, or benefits claims, mortgage or loan applications, tax forms, or other types of legal documents);
  • Preparing files and other materials for shipping;
  • Maintaining file systems; and
  • Obtaining needed information from files or general reference sources.
OR
Education substitution: Successful completion successfully completed four years of education above high school in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. This education was obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college, or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.

OR
Combining Education and Experience: Appropriate combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience also may be used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-05 grade level. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience.

Minimum Qualifications for the GS-06:
Specialized experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Assisting with the management of calendars and tickler systems;
  • Monitoring schedules and tracking upcoming appointments and important deadlines;
  • Assisting with tracking and assigning court dockets or other scheduling systems;
  • Preparing inactive files and related material for shipping; and
  • Tracking mail distribution and timelines to ensure time sensitive information is delivered as scheduled.
Minimum Qualifications for the GS-07:
Specialized experience: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-06 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:
  • Maintaining docket calendars and tickler systems.
  • Managing, tracking, and assigning court dockets.
  • Updating databases and gathering pertinent data in response to status inquiries and/or requests for information.
  • Shipping inactive files and time sensitive materials according to schedule.
  • Reviewing incoming files and distributing information to requesting individuals.
Typing Requirement: In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements, applicants for this position must show possession of the ability to type at least 40 words per minute based on a 5-minute sample, with three or fewer errors. You may self-certify your proficiency in the Occupational Questionnaire.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

NOTE: 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.

Education

If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of 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.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

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.

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.

Benefits: 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; 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 "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.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you are qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. The "Rule of Three", Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet.

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). View information on veterans' preference.

Career Transition Assistance Program: This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet eligibility criteria for CTAP or ICTAP; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For information on eligibility criteria and required documentation, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794002

Required Documents

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

1. Your resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications
2. Other supporting documents (only submit if applicable to you):

  • Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed.
  • Are you a veteran entitled to preference? Submit Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 or other (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or notice form. Those applying for 10-Point preference must fill out the SF-15 and provide an official document dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions.
  • Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? If so, submit:
    • A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
    • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
    • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
    • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
  • Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
    • Position title;
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
    • Agency; and
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

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 Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794002 and submit the required documentation outlined under the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.

The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/26/2025.

PLEASE NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on09/26/2025.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Agency contact information

STAFF ACQUISITION (ASB)
Address
OPLA MISSION SUPPORT DALLAS
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on your USAJOBS account throughout the process. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

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.

Additional Locations

  • Tucson, AZ
  • Adelanto, CA
  • Concord, CA
  • El Centro, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Otay, CA
  • Sacramento, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Van Nuys, CA
  • Centennial, CO
  • Denver, CO
  • Hartford, CT
  • District of Columbia, DC
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Fort Myers, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Miami, FL
  • Orlando, FL
  • Pompano Beach, FL
  • Tampa, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Lumpkin, GA
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Des Moines, IA
  • Boise, ID
  • Chicago, IL
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Louisville, KY
  • Baton Rouge, LA
  • Jena, LA
  • New Orleans, LA
  • Oakdale, LA
  • Boston, MA
  • Chelmsford, MA
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Hyattsville, MD
  • Detroit, MI
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Saint Paul, MN
  • Kansas City, MO
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Omaha, NE
  • Elizabeth, NJ
  • Newark, NJ
  • Chaparral, NM
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Batavia, NY
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Nassau County, NY
  • New York, NY
  • Newburgh, NY
  • Suffolk County, NY
  • Brooklyn Heights, OH
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Columbus, OH
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Portland, OR
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • York, PA
  • San Juan, PR
  • Charleston, SC
  • Columbia, SC
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  • Nashville, TN
  • Conroe, TX
  • Dallas, TX
  • Dilley, TX
  • El Paso, TX
  • Harlingen, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • Irving, TX
  • Laredo, TX
  • Los Fresnos, TX
  • Pearsall, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Salt Lake City, UT
  • Annandale, VA
  • Richmond, VA
  • Sterling, VA
  • Seattle, WA
  • Spokane, WA
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Milwaukee, WI


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


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