PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Fort Richardson, Alaska


Employer: Army National Guard Units
Industry: Paralegal Specialist
Salary: Competitive
Job type: Full-Time

Summary

Opened Area(s) of Consideration: 1, 2, 3

DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION:

Area 1 - AKNG Permanent or Indefinite technicians.

Area 2 - All AKNG members.

Area 3 - All other current military members who are eligible to join the Alaska Army National Guard.

PDCN: D1242000/D1241000

Selecting Supervisor: Andrew VanCannon

This job is open to

  • Federal employees - Excepted service

    Current excepted service federal employees.
  • National Guard & reserves

    Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.
  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.


Duties

GS-09, D1242000

Provides ancillary legal work to the state/territory SJA and other assigned Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) attorneys servicing the state/territory 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. Performs research on a variety of legal subjects which may include, but are not limited to: Federal and state/territory code, and legislative proposals; military justice and status issues for Title 10 and Title 32 members; claims; labor relations; equal opportunity; administrative actions; contractual agreements; ethics; environmental concerns; law enforcement; bankruptcy; taxation; legal assistance; and a wide variety of miscellaneous legal issues. Performs research and preparation of notes and memoranda regarding allegations and possible charges, maintains logs and files, and files motions. Facilitates legal training for unit readiness non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and Directorate of Manpower and Personnel (J1) personnel, or others by request, on a variety of topics including but not limited to: the military justice system (both Federal and state/territory), inquiries and investigations, unlawful command influence, adverse administrative actions, administrative separations, the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968, urinalysis testing and other issues affecting traditional guard members and NG full-time employees. Serves as a point of contact for ethical determinations. Screens requests for ethics opinions and gathers the applicable facts. Analyzes the specifics of each situation. Conducts legal research and applies cumulative knowledge to the factual element and recommends a course of action or refers that recommendation to the SJA. Exercises judgment in screening and determining those that can be personally serviced or require referral to an attorney or another provider. These issues include, but are not limited to, preparation of powers-of-attorney and wills; notary services; legal review of correspondence or documentation; information on legal rights, benefits, privileges, or obligations; explaining pertinent legal provisions, regulations, and related administrative practices; and their application to specific cases or questions; claims, voting requirements, loan contracts, motor vehicle registrations, titles, transfers, and releases; etc. Performs a variety of administrative/clerical support functions to insure the effective operation of the office and legal programs in the absence of an office administrator, etc. Performs other duties as assigned.

GS-11, D1241000

Provides ancillary legal work to state/territory SJA and other assigned Army National Guard (ARNG) and Air National Guard (ANG) attorneys servicing the state/territory 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. Research is performed on a variety of legal subjects which may include, but are not limited to: Federal and state/territory code, and legislative proposals or intent; military justice and status issues for Title 10 and Title 32 members; claims; labor relations; equal opportunity; administrative actions; contractual agreements; ethics; environmental concerns; law enforcement; bankruptcy; taxation; legal assistance; and a wide variety of miscellaneous legal issues. Provides research, analysis, guidance, and support to administer courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative boards and other legal actions and administrative processes. Reviews procedures, timing criteria and documents relative to the administration of justice under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and associated state/territory code. Performs research to identify factual and legal issues to uncover relevant information for summaries of precedent cases, interviews, testimony, depositions, and related case material for use by the attorneys. Serves as the primary point of contact for claims. As required by the action, performs preliminary investigation and gathers pertinent information, researches legal and factual issues, interviews claimant, involved parties and potential witnesses and builds case files, and recommends disposition of claim. Reviews changes in regulations on the Freedom of Information Act and updates and advises other legal personnel and field staff of changes. Consults and assists in formulation of NGB regulations regarding the release of information, etc. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Alaska Army National Guard membership is required.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Secret Clearance is required.
  • Bargaining Unit: Non- Bargaining
  • APPOINTMENT FACTORS: Excepted/Enlisted in the Alaska Army National Guard.
  • MILITARY GRADE REQUIREMENT: Due to the nature of this position, the minimum military grade is Specialist (SPC/E4) and the maximum military grade is Master Sergeant (MSG/E8).
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position.
  • 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.
  • Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
  • Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
  • The duties/responsibilities of your job may significantly impact the environment. You are responsible to maintain awareness of environmental responsibilities as dictated by legal/regulatory requirements, your organization, and its changing mission.
  • DESIRABLES: Military Paralegal Certification (Army Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): 27D; or Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC): 5J0X1.
  • DESIRABLES: Civilian Paralegal/Legal Studies associate's degree or Certificate.
  • DESIRABLES: Civilian Paralegal Certification (e.g. National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).


Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE is experience in administrative, professional, technical, or other responsible work that utilizes knowledge of management principles and practices. Experience analyzing problems, drawing logical conclusions, and communicating effectively with others. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is experience which is directly related to the position to be filled and which has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position.

GS-09 - Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, GS-07. Specialized experience includes experience 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. Provides research, analysis, guidance, and support to administer courts-martial, non-judicial punishment, administrative boards and other legal actions and administrative processes. Serves as a point of contact for ethical determinations. Screens requests for ethics opinions and gathers the applicable facts. Analyzes the specifics of each situation.

OR

Education - Applicant must have a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree.

NOTE: In order to be considered for this position using education as a basis of qualification, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

GS-11- Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade, GS-09. Specialized experience includes experience, education, or training 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. Manages the Preventative Law Program. Conducts legal research of Federal and state/territory code, regulations, policies, procedures, case law, legal and administrative decisions and opinions, etc. 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.

OR

Education - Applicant must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

NOTE: In order to be considered for this position using education as a basis of qualification, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Resume must have complete dates and hours worked per week for each occurrence of both civilian and military employment (Example: 2 JAN 1980 to 3 MAR 1981; 0800-1630 M-F or JAN 1980 to MAR 1981; 40 hrs/wk) Use of year only will result in disqualification. The duties listed must fully substantiate -in your own words- that you meet the minimum requirements and specialized experience listed above, in detail; otherwise, you will not be considered qualified for this position.

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Your experience will be evaluated on the basis of duties performed. Your record of experience and/or training must show possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position:

-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 interviewing techniques and skill sufficient to interview potential witnesses, claimants, involved parties and other sources of information to ascertain facts.

-Knowledge of legal documents to determine nature of action requested, if properly completed, what information is needed or missing, and proper routing of documents.

-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.

-Knowledge of the various titles of Federal law and state/territory codes governing and significant current national and local developments impacting National Guard programs and missions.

-Knowledge of legal reference sources including statutes, codes, subject specific directives, regulations, manuals and other issuances (i.e., types of orders and there sources); court and administrative appellate decisions and nuances sufficient to ascertain legislative history and intent, precedent cases, decisions and opinions relevant to current case work.

-Knowledge of document control and security measures to insure no untimely or inappropriate release of investigative information occur jeopardizing pending prosecution and/or defense actions or the physical well being of participants, their counsel, witnesses, etc.

-Knowledge of legal documents and criminal, civil or military justice procedures sufficient to ensure timely and accurate initiation of, or response to legal documents and submissions and routing.

-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.

Additional information

- If you are a current Federal employee or former Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" and/or a copy of the SF-50. You may submit your most recent performance appraisal.

- The National Guard is exempt from the Veterans Preference Act. Submission of a copy of your DD-214 is not required unless you are hired for technician position.

- If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 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.

- Cost of Living Allowance (COLA): Entitled to 1.69% COLA in addition to base salary, subject to change.

- Direct Deposit Program: If selected for technician position with the Alaska National Guard, you will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program. (Salary will be automatically deposited to bank/credit union account).

- Military Bonuses And Student Loan Repayment Program: If you are selected for this position, you should always check with your servicing incentive manager (AKARNG - J1 or AKANG - Retention Office) to verify how accepting this position will affect your entitlement prior to considering an offer of employment.

  • 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 application process is complete, a review of your application/resume will be made to determine your Area of Consideration (AOC) and to ensure you meet the basic eligibility and minimum job requirements. Your initial rating will be based on your responses to the questionnaire in this document. This process measures the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Your final rating will be based on our evaluation of your responses, as verified through a review of your resume and other supporting documents. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score can and will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility and rating.

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

Conflict Management, Customer Service, Strategic Thinking, and Technical Credibility

  • 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.
  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

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

    1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

    2. Questionnaire. This is accomplished by submitting the application. There is nothing that needs to be attached to this application to meet this requirement.

    3. Any additional documentation you wish to submit for consideration.

    Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process. We recommend using the resume building within USAJOBS. Please log into USAJOBS, go to your "Documents", make sure you're in the "Resumes" section and select the "Upload or build resume" button, then click on "Build resume". Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume:

    Job Information:

    - Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying.

    Personal Information:

    - Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code).

    - Country of Citizenship.

    - If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.

    Education:

    - High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED.

    - Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.

    - Major field(s) of study.

    - Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours.

    Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions):

    - Job title.

    - Duties and accomplishments.

    - Number of hours per week.

    - Employer's name and address.

    - Supervisor's name and phone number.

    - Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.

    - Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).

    - Salary.

    Other Qualifications:

    - Job-related training courses (title and year).

    - Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)

    - Job related certificates and licenses.

    - Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)

    Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested.


    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 and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

    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



    Lucy Dieterich


    Phone

    (907) 428-6462

    Email

    lucy.m.dieterich.mil@army.mil

    Address

    Alaska Army National Guard

    P.O Box 5800

    JBER, AK 99505

    US

    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. Referral to the hiring official will be IAW our agency Merit Promotion Plan and current Labor agreement. Qualified applicants may be further evaluated by a ranking panel. Referred candidates will be further evaluated and interviewed by a selection panel.
  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request


Required Documents

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

1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

2. Questionnaire. This is accomplished by submitting the application. There is nothing that needs to be attached to this application to meet this requirement.

3. Any additional documentation you wish to submit for consideration.

Your resume, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications can be submitted electronically using the document upload process. We recommend using the resume building within USAJOBS. Please log into USAJOBS, go to your "Documents", make sure you're in the "Resumes" section and select the "Upload or build resume" button, then click on "Build resume". Please be sure to include all of the following information in your resume:

Job Information:

- Vacancy Identification Number, title, grade and location for which you are applying.

Personal Information:

- Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code).

- Country of Citizenship.

- If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.

Education:

- High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED.

- Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.

- Major field(s) of study.

- Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours.

Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions):

- Job title.

- Duties and accomplishments.

- Number of hours per week.

- Employer's name and address.

- Supervisor's name and phone number.

- Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.

- Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).

- Salary.

Other Qualifications:

- Job-related training courses (title and year).

- Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)

- Job related certificates and licenses.

- Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)

Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested.


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 and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

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



Lucy Dieterich


Phone

(907) 428-6462

Email

lucy.m.dieterich.mil@army.mil

Address

Alaska Army National Guard

P.O Box 5800

JBER, AK 99505

US

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. Referral to the hiring official will be IAW our agency Merit Promotion Plan and current Labor agreement. Qualified applicants may be further evaluated by a ranking panel. Referred candidates will be further evaluated and interviewed by a selection panel.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Created: 2024-05-11
Reference: 790757100
Country: United States
State: Alaska
City: Fort Richardson


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