PARALEGAL SPECIALIST Job in Cheyenne, WY

Vacancy No. WY-12436748-AR-24-043.2 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $59,966.00 to $94,317.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/5/2024 Close Date 12/17/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Cheyenne, WY


Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a PARALEGAL SPECIALIST, Position Description Number PDD1241000 and is part of the WY Joint Forces Headquarters ARNG, Wyoming Army National Guard.

This is a Title 32 Dual Status Technician Excepted Service position. Military affiliation is required.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Refer to applicable Areas of Consideration below for hiring consideration.

Duties

The primary purpose of this position is for Paralegal support within the Wyoming Army National Guard's Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA) providing ancillary legal research and analysis. Serves as a point of contact for claims, ethics determinations, legal assistance for Army National Guard personnel and their families and provides technical legal guidance and support to National Guard unit commanders and their assigned legal personnel.

(1) Provides ancillary legal work to state/territory SJA and other assigned Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) attorneys servicing the Wyoming National Guard's case load. Conducts legal research of Federal and state/territory code, regulations, policies, procedures, case law, legal and administrative decisions and opinions, etc., and summarizes findings to aide staff attorneys in case or project resolution.
(2) Provides research, analysis, guidance, and support to administer non-judicial punishment, administrative boards, and other legal actions and administrative processes.
(3) Ensures that the administrative, logistical, and funding requirements are met for the delivery of legal services to the supported units.
(4) Serves as the custodian of OSJA resource management, personnel management, knowledge management, and systems integration.
(5) Serves as the primary point of contact for claims. Accepts complaint, summons, documents, or inquiries; identifies the type or purpose; screens for completeness; and identifies the action to be performed.
(6) Serves as the first point of contact for all legal actions within the WYARNG by building and maintaining effective working relationships with key personnel throughout the organization.
(7) Trains, coaches, and mentors other enlisted paralegals within the OSJA.

** This is NOT an all-inclusive list of duties. **

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Open to all United States military branches.
Military members: Submit vMPF rip, DVR, ERB, ERS, MBS, or PDR with resume. Refer to Required Documents below for acronym titles.
Prior service members: Submit a DD Form 214.
Must be assessed into WY ARNG before appt. May take up to 120 days.
Must possess or be able to obtain/maintain a T3/SECRET security clearance.
May be required to successfully complete a trial/probationary period.
Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentive MAY BE authorized, if eligible. Subject to funding and TAG approval.
PCS is not authorized in lieu of incentives.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:
Technicians are paid through Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer (DD/EFT).
Military Technicians are ineligible for military enlistment, retention, and student loan repayment bonuses. Acceptance of a Technician position over 180 days will result in suspension or termination of these military incentives. It is the applicant's responsibility to contact the Wyoming Army National Guard Education Services Officer, (307) 772-5126 for more information regarding military enlistment, retention, and student loan repayment incentives.
Relocation expenses will not be paid by the Government unless noted in the Announcement.
Military Technicians in the excepted service will wear the appropriate uniform while performing as a technician.
Veteran's preference does not apply to National Guard Technician positions in accordance with Title 32 USC 709(f).
If an enlisted member is selected, they will be required to meet the eligibility conditions to commission as a warrant officer. Failure to become a warrant officer may result in termination.

1. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
2. May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required.
3. The duties and responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of your environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal and regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.

Qualifications

TECHNICIAN INFO
Type of Appointment: Permanent
Tenure: Group 1 or 2
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm
FLSA: Exempt
Telework: The duties of this position require primary physical presence. Situational telework may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Para/Line: 1213/240
Selecting Official: CPT Darren Cook

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:
Primary consideration will be made from Areas 1, 2 and 4. If referrals are not made from the target category, subsequent referrals may next be made from Area 6 (if eligible).

Area 1: All permanent and indefinite Wyoming National Guard (NG) WY ARNG employees assigned to the JFHQ-ARNG.
Area 2: All permanent and indefinite Wyoming National Guard (NG) T32 Dual Status technicians employed within the Wyoming National Guard.
Area 4: All current Drill Status Airmen and M-day soldiers of the Wyoming National Guard.
Area 6: Current military members of the United States military branches or prior service members of one of those military branches. Must be willing/eligible to join the Wyoming Army National Guard as a military member prior to appointment to position.

MILITARY GRADE
In-State Applicants (If intent is on Applying for Appointment as an ARNG Warrant Officer)
Min: E5, WO1, O1
Max: E9, CW5, O3

Out-of-State Applicants: (If intent is on Applying for Appointment as an ARNG Warrant Officer)
Min: E5, WO1, O1
Max: E7, CW5, O3

APPOINTMENT GRADE:
Enlisted Applicants' under-grade will not be considered for this vacancy.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS:

(1) Who have served a minimum of two-years in an active status in the rank of Captain (CPT) or above, may be appointed to CW2 if certified by the Department of Army Military Occupational Specialty (DA MOS) Proponent without further training. Any requirement to complete Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) is determined by the applicable DA Proponent.

(2) The term "Active Status" is defined as military service completed in any status other than Inactive National Guard (ING) or in the Retired Reserve.

(3) Commissioned Officers, predetermined qualified only for entry into the Warrant Officer training program (meaning they must attend a WOBC), will be initially appointed in the grade of WO1. Prior Commissioned Officers may be considered for promotion to the grade of CW2 when certified by the DA MOS Proponent.

(4) Commissioned Officers in the rank below CPT appointed as WO1 and must complete the WOBC for the applied MOS as directed by the DA MOS Proponent.

(5) Commissioned officers meeting the requirement to be appointed as a W2 without further training when certified, provided they have met all the previous guidance per AR 135-100 (Appointment of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the Army), must be able to complete three years as a Warrant Officer prior to their 60th birthday. Commissioned Officers required to attend WOBC must be able to complete five years as a Warrant Officer prior to their 60th birthday. (Ref: NGR 600-101)

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a minimum of an Associate's degree OR at least 60 semester hours of college credit toward a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. (Include legible copy of transcripts with application)

Must have successfully completed six semester hours of college English Composition. Speech and public speaking courses may not be substituted for this requirement. Transcripts must clearly indicate completion of the six semester hours of college English Composition.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess experience, education or training that demonstrates the ability to analyze the legal impact of legislative developments and administrate and judicial decisions, opinions, rulings and determinations on agency programs; conduct research for the preparation of legal opinions on matters of interest to the agency.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-9: To qualify, must possess at least one year of specialized experience, education or training to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) equivalent to applying the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and reference sources such as agency manuals and directives. Experience applying the techniques and skills necessary to analyze both issues of fact and issues of law in order to prepare digests of case decisions, evaluate the applicability of precedents, or to draft briefs, other litigation papers, advisory opinions, or findings.

GS-11: To qualify, must possess at least one year of specialized experience, education, or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the formal and informal rules of evidence and skill necessary to evaluate the adequacy and/or admissibility of evidence, to request additional data or further investigation, when needed, or to develop narrative or graphic exhibits to support specified legal arguments and coordinate actions with other federal agencies or state and local jurisdictions that have closely related responsibilities.

NOTE: Minimum Requirements and Specialized Experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position. Applicants must provide from (e.g. 02/2015 - 03/2017 or Feb 2017 - Mar 2017) dates and hours worked per week with description of your specialized experience on the resume.

MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: Selected candidates will be required to be in a compatible military grade and assignment prior to the effective date of placement.

If an enlisted member is selected, as a Condition of Employment, candidate will be required to submit an application for Warrant Officer predetermination and receive approval prior to consideration for appointment by a Federal Recognition Board. Failure to become a warrant officer may result in employment termination.

COMPATIBLE MOS: 270A (Legal Administrator)

If the selectee is not 270A qualified, they must have previously completed or will be required to complete the prerequisite Legal Administrator Course through JAG University.

Enlisted applicants must be a noncommissioned officer (E5) or above, with at least 60 months' time-in-service as a Paralegal Specialist, Financial Management Technician, Human Resources Specialist, or Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Contracting NCO. Time in service is waiverable with exceptional performance and potential as indicated by evaluations, letters of recommendation, and the structured interview.

Commissioned Officers and/or Warrant Officers may apply and do not require the minimum time-in service.

DRIVER'S LICENSE:
Must possess a valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES (KSAs):
Practical knowledge of basic legal principles and concepts to interpret and apply or explain to others a body of law, regulations, directives, precedents, or other reoccurring legal facts, issues or processes impacting leaders, commanders, supervisors, soldiers, airmen and their families.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of legal research and reference sources such as agency manuals, directives, issuances, court reports, appellate records, or commercial legal publications sufficient to locate appropriate data such as applicable precedents, and commentaries which bear on particular legal issues.

Knowledge of techniques and skills necessary to analyze both issues of fact and law in order to prepare digests of case decisions, evaluate the applicability of precedents, or to draft briefs, other litigation papers, advisory opinions, or findings.

Knowledge of, and skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to provide assistance to customers in the preparation of legal documents, or to assist attorneys by providing written summaries of analyses to support specific legal issues.

Education

Refer to Basic Education Requirement above.

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.

Additional information

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered, or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The Wyoming Military Department's (WYMD) 335, Personnel - General Merit Placement & Promotion Plan, is available at:https://www.wyomilitary.wyo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WYMD-335-MPP-15-April-2023.pdf

Please do not send/fax/courier/email any applications or resumes to the Wyoming National Guard Human Resource Office, you must apply on-line via www.USAJOBS.gov. The Human Resource can only process materials received through USA Jobs.

Military Technicians are ineligible for military enlistment, retention, student loan repayment bonuses, and other education incentives. Acceptance of a Technician position over 180 days will result in suspension or termination these military incentives. Contact unit representative or Wyoming Army National Guard Education Services Officer at (307) 772-5126 for more information.

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
Technical Credibility

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating can and will be adjusted to reflect your abilities more accurately, or you may lose consideration for this position.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job-related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills, and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.

Required Documents

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

1. Resume - Required
* Full name, mailing address, email address, and phone numbers where you can be reached
* A narrative of your work (paid or unpaid), training, education, and/or other experiences that may be related to this vacancy
* Show actual begin and end dates (e.g., 02/2015 - 03/2017 or Feb 2017 - Mar 2017) format and hours worked per week for all work experience submitted.
* List all pertinent civilian and military experiences.
* Describe duties (work experience) in your own words. Do not submit copies or official position descriptions.

2. Service Branch Personnel Record - Required
- Army Enlisted/Officer: Enlisted/Officer Records Brief (ERB/ORB)
- Air Force Enlisted/Officer: virtual Military Personnel Flight Rip, Data Verification Record, Career Data
Brief) (vMPF Rip, DVR, CDB)
- US Navy: Personnel Data Record or Electronic Service Record (PDR/ERS)
- US Marines: Master Brief Sheet (MBS)
- US Coast Guard: Personnel Data Record (PDR)
- Prior Service Members: Submit DD Form 214

3. College Transcripts - Required

4. Certificates - If applicable to the position

5. Appraisals/Evaluation Reports - Optional

6. Cover Letter - Optional

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

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

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

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12436748

A complete application package must be submitted 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 your resume and/or other supporting 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.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/

Agency contact information

William Pacheco
Phone
(307) 772-5289
Fax
(307) 772-5168
Email
william.e.pacheco.civ@army.mil
Address
WY Joint Forces Headquarters ARNG
5410 Bishop Blvd
Cheyenne, WY 82009
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

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.


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