Attorney-Adviser (Labor)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Representation Appeals, which reports to the office of the Board's Chairman. The Board is responsible for the adjudication of unfair labor practice cases and representation cases arising under the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (Act), as amended. The incumbent of this position serves as senior counsel in the Office of Representation Appeals.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Current NLRB employees serving in the Excepted Service. (Internal Employees Only). You must submit an SF-50 that shows you currently work for the NLRB.

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Duties

As a Attorney-Adviser (Labor) GS-0905-13/14, your typical work assignments may include:

• Recommending cases in which oral argument by parties before the Board, should be granted and provide special advisory assistance to the Board Members in preparation for such hearings, and attending oral arguments when directed.
• Preparing a "bench memorandum" setting forth the contested issues the Board must decide and the Region's disposition of these issues, the parties' arguments, and counsel's recommendations as to how the Board should resolve each contested issue.
• Making oral presentation of cases to a panel of three Board Members, the full Board, or with individual Board Members, and participating in discussions on the merits and proposed disposition of cases.
• Researching statutes, decisions, opinions, legislative history, and other legal authorities on the points of law involved and the application of such findings to the case at hand.
• Studying formal trial or hearing record, including complete transcripts of testimony and exhibits, together with the Hearing Officer's or the Regional Director's; decision and appeals and briefs of counsel filed subsequent thereto.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U. S. Citizenship Required.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized.
• May be subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.
• This position is in the Excepted Service.
• This is a Bargaining Unit position.
• AREAS OF CONSIDERATION:
• First Area of Consideration - All unit employees employed on the Board-side of the Agency
• Second Area of Consideration - All Agency employees
• Active Bar license is required for verification. Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. A Self-Certification Form is not acceptable verification.
• NLRB Attorneys may not be required to submit a copy of their transcripts. NLRB employees within 3 years from receiving their Juris Doctorate Degree, must provide a transcript with their application package.
• Submit complete application package online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
• This is not a remote position.

Qualifications

All qualifications and eligibility requirements specified in the announcement must be met.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate for the Attorney-Adviser (Labor) position has senior-level expertise and knowledge in traditional labor law (familiarity with representation case-law, in particular, is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate an ability to provide expert advice on complicated matters. The ideal candidate should have outstanding oral communication skills and a commitment to public service are vital. Prior experience in a judicial clerkship or similar position is valuable but not required.

Basic Requirements

An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL. B. or JD).Bar Membership and Certification: Applicants must be an active member of the Bar in good standing of any state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial court under the US constitution. Your active BAR license must reference BAR number and indicate the status of good standing. An Agency's Internal or Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.

In addition to the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also meet the following:

Minimum Qualifications for GS-13

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an Attorney-Adviser (Labor) at the GS-13 grade level.

Specialized experience includes:

• Experience reviewing and recommending disposition of cases that require individual expert level handling; and
• Experience participating in special research and study projects that contribute to the organization's decision on significant cases; and
• Experience providing recommendations to policies, regulations, procedures, and proposed legislation that affects the organizations functions.

This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the position description, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Minimum Qualifications for GS-14

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an Attorney-Adviser (Labor) at the GS-14 grade level.

Specialized experience includes:

• Experience analyzing disposition of cases that require individual expert and/or highly expeditious handling; and
• Experience performing special research and study projects which serve as a basis for the organizational Members' and their decision on significant precedent cases; and
• Experience providing changes to the organizations policies, regulations, and procedures.

This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the position description, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

For more detailed information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website here.

NOTE: All Agency employees must provide a copy of their SF-50 "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Excepted). As a current NLRB excepted service employee, you may determine your status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2. Also, block 34 must reflect "2". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for 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

An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL. B or JD).

(NOTE: Current NLRB Attorneys may not be required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, NLRB employees within 3 years from receiving their juris doctorate degree, must provide a transcript with their application package.)

Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation here.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

You must meet all qualification requirements. (Required - if applicable) 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 these criteria, please click here.

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 accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information regarding Foreign Education, please click here.

Additional information

Supplementary Vacancies

Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation

The National Labor Relations Board is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sex orientation), age, disability, genetic information, political affiliations, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Agency's Selective Placement Coordinator by email here. NLRB offers a wide array of reasonable accommodations and programs for individuals with disabilities. (Note: for additional information for job seekers with disabilities, please click on the following website here.)

Placement Policy

The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by Promotion or Reassignment. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

The National Labor Relations Board offers career opportunities that feature competitive starting salaries and the potential for performance-based increases, flexible hours, and the ability to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. You will enjoy a range of comprehensive and competitive employment benefits that include Work/Life Balance Programs (Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Employee Assistance Program, and the Child Care Subsidy Program), the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and the Transit Benefit Program.

• 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.
  
  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 and compare this information to your response on the assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job.

If minimum qualifications are met, we will evaluate your application package, to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and/or education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.

You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you, withdrawing an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.

You will be further evaluated on the following Competencies required for the position:

Decision Making, Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence, Oral Communication, Reasoning, and Written Communication

When the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documents will be conducted by Rating and Ranking Panel Members to determine qualified applications. Applicants deemed Best-Qualified may be referred to the Selecting Official. All applications will receive notification when a final selection has been made.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

• 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.
  
  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.
  
  In addition to your responses to the assessment questionnaire, you must submit the following documents specific for this vacancy:
  
  Resume
  
  Your resume must describe your job-related experiences and will be used to verify your qualifications. Therefore, it is important that the information be relevant, detailed where appropriate, and addresses the competencies for this position. Your resume must contain the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present) to include the hours worked per week (i.e., 40 hours full-time per week). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If your resume consists of more than 5 pages, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
  
  Most Recent Performance Appraisal
  
  If performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months or if you are unable to provide a performance appraisal, an explanation why must be provided. Please include a document in your application package explaining why the performance appraisal is not available.
  
  Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50)
  
  Most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade.
  
  (NOTE: Performance Award, Realignment/Reassignment, Name Change and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.)
  
  As an employee in the Excepted Service, you may determine your status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "2". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.
  
  Proof of Bar Certification
  
  A copy of your BAR License that certifies you are an active member of the Bar in good standing of any state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the US Constitution. Your active BAR license must reference BAR number and indicate the status of good standing. An Agency's Internal or a Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.
  
  Other documents (if applicable).
  
  Transcript
  
  An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient for this application package. The unofficial transcripts must be verifiable; contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses (with grades), semester hours, and GPA. If the position has a positive education requirement (i.e. LL. B or JD), as indicated under the "Education" section, the unofficial transcripts must show type of degree and degree date received (conferred).In lieu of unofficial transcripts, a verification of enrollment letter is also sufficient; however, all required information listed above for the unofficial transcript must be included in the verification letter, including type of degree and degree date received (conferred) if applicable. If selected, an official copy of the transcripts is required and must be received before employment.
  
  Current NLRB Attorneys may not be required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, NLRB employees within 3 years from receiving their juris doctorate degree, must provide a transcript with their application package.
  
  Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJOBS does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.
  
  All materials must be received by 10/09/2024 to be considered for this announcement.
  
  
  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 provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
  
  
  • Resume; and
  • Assessment Questionnaire; and
  • Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the Required Documents section).
  
  Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.
  
  To begin the process, click the APPLY button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  
  Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the SUBMIT MY ANSWERS button at the end of the process.
  
  If you have never applied through USAJOBS for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USAJOBS account.
  
  To change or update your application, simply reapply through USAJOBS, before the closing date. New or updated resumes are considered "incomplete" applications until the required virus scan is cleared.
  
  To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  National Labor Relations Board
  
  Email
  
  employment.solutions@nlrb.gov
  
  Address
  
  BOARD STAFF OFF OF REPRESENTATION
  
  1015 Half St SE
  
  Washington, DC 20570-0001
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once a review of your resume and required documents have been completed, you will be notified of your application status.
  
  Applicants will be initially reviewed for Minimum Qualifications determinations. All qualified applicants will then be screened by the Rating and Ranking panel members and placed into one of three categories: Best-Qualified, Well-Qualified, and Qualified. Applicants that meet the Well-Qualified category or higher may be referred to the Selecting Official for further consideration.
  
  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Applicants will receive notification when a final selection has been made.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

In addition to your responses to the assessment questionnaire, you must submit the following documents specific for this vacancy:

Resume

Your resume must describe your job-related experiences and will be used to verify your qualifications. Therefore, it is important that the information be relevant, detailed where appropriate, and addresses the competencies for this position. Your resume must contain the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present) to include the hours worked per week (i.e., 40 hours full-time per week). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If your resume consists of more than 5 pages, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Most Recent Performance Appraisal

If performance appraisal is not dated within the last 18 months or if you are unable to provide a performance appraisal, an explanation why must be provided. Please include a document in your application package explaining why the performance appraisal is not available.

Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50)

Most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade.

(NOTE: Performance Award, Realignment/Reassignment, Name Change and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.)

As an employee in the Excepted Service, you may determine your status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "2". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.

Proof of Bar Certification

A copy of your BAR License that certifies you are an active member of the Bar in good standing of any state, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the US Constitution. Your active BAR license must reference BAR number and indicate the status of good standing. An Agency's Internal or a Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.

Other documents (if applicable).

Transcript

An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient for this application package. The unofficial transcripts must be verifiable; contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses (with grades), semester hours, and GPA. If the position has a positive education requirement (i.e. LL. B or JD), as indicated under the "Education" section, the unofficial transcripts must show type of degree and degree date received (conferred).In lieu of unofficial transcripts, a verification of enrollment letter is also sufficient; however, all required information listed above for the unofficial transcript must be included in the verification letter, including type of degree and degree date received (conferred) if applicable. If selected, an official copy of the transcripts is required and must be received before employment.

Current NLRB Attorneys may not be required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, NLRB employees within 3 years from receiving their juris doctorate degree, must provide a transcript with their application package.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJOBS does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.

All materials must be received by 10/09/2024 to be considered for this announcement.


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 provide a complete Application Package, which includes:

• Resume; and
• Assessment Questionnaire; and
• Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the Required Documents section).

Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.

To begin the process, click the APPLY button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the SUBMIT MY ANSWERS button at the end of the process.

If you have never applied through USAJOBS for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USAJOBS account.

To change or update your application, simply reapply through USAJOBS, before the closing date. New or updated resumes are considered "incomplete" applications until the required virus scan is cleared.

To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Agency contact information

National Labor Relations Board

Email

employment.solutions@nlrb.gov

Address

BOARD STAFF OFF OF REPRESENTATION

1015 Half St SE

Washington, DC 20570-0001

US

Next steps

Once a review of your resume and required documents have been completed, you will be notified of your application status.

Applicants will be initially reviewed for Minimum Qualifications determinations. All qualified applicants will then be screened by the Rating and Ranking panel members and placed into one of three categories: Best-Qualified, Well-Qualified, and Qualified. Applicants that meet the Well-Qualified category or higher may be referred to the Selecting Official for further consideration.

If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Applicants will receive notification when a final selection has been made.

Fair & Transparent

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

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