Paralegal Specialist

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Our highly-skilled, diverse, and innovative workforce creates a strong foundation of safety and security. Through the principles of humanity and normalcy, we develop good neighbors.

Qualifications:

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.

Education

GL-09: A Master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B or J.D., if related.

GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; OR Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; OR LL.M., if related.

Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.

OR

Experience

GL-09 and GS-11

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level in federal service. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Some examples of this qualifying experience are:

GL-09:

• Experience researching exemptions and case law, summarizing factual situation and legal basis of complaint, and developing persuasive arguments supporting an agency's position in response to requests under FOIA/PA and other litigation.
• Experience conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing factual investigative reports and position papers, based on policy, statutory authority and case law in response to legal inquiries, litigation, interrogatories and other discovery procedures.
• Experience researching relevant regulations and precedents, gathering responsive material, coordinating with other staff resources/departments, and determining releasable documents or segregable portions of record pursuant to FOIA/PA in the preparation of pleadings and legal documents respective to FOIA/PA and/or other litigation.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing variety of legal instruments, identifying pertinent issues, selecting and compiling substantive information, applying statues and appropriate legal precedents, and preparation of responsive legal documents and pleadings (such as, interrogatories, complaints filed by opposing parties, declarations, litigation reports, and/or requests for representation).

GS-11:

• Experience researching exemptions and case law, summarizing factual situation and legal basis of complaint, and developing persuasive arguments supporting an agency's position in response to requests under FOIA/PA and other litigation, and substantiating rationale in the event of appeal.
• Experience conducting extensive legal research and analysis, preparing factual investigative reports and position papers, based on policy, statutory authority and case law in response to variety of complex legal inquiries, litigation, interrogatories and other discovery procedures.
• Experience researching relevant regulations and precedents, conducting supplemental investigation/witness interviews for development of facts, gathering responsive material, coordinating with other staff resources/departments, and determining releasable documents or segregable portions of record in the preparation of pleadings and legal documents respective to FOIA/PA and other litigation.
• Experience reviewing and analyzing variety of legal instruments, identifying pertinent issues, applying statutes and other legal precedents, selecting and compiling substantive information, recommending action/response, and following required procedures in the preparation and submission of legal documents and pleadings (such as, interrogatories, complaints filed by opposing parties, declarations, litigation reports, requests for representation, others).

OR

Combination of Education and Experience

GL-09 and GS-11: Have a combination of education and experience. This experience must have equipped you with the qualifications to perform the major duties of this position as described above.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Responsibilities:

Assists in the preparation for litigation, analyzes facts and legal questions, and performs similar functions.

Evaluates and prepares proposed disposition letters for more complex claims submitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Civilian Employee's Claims Act, and Section 3722 of Title 31, United States Code.

Research and analyze legal issues involved, conduct a supplemental investigation if the initial investigation of the claim so warrants.

Prepares difficult interrogatory responses, litigation reports, requirements for government attorneys, and compiles records in response to Requests for Production pursuant to Rule 3 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures.

Responsible for locating new sources of information which may involve contact or correspondence with other departments and agencies, interviews staff and investigation of facts and allegations.

Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position, and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.