Legal Assistant (OA) - MP

Summary

This position is located in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's (PBGC) Office of General Counsel (OGC), General Law and Operations Division (GLOD), Appeals Division (AD).

More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Military spouses
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities
  
  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Current competitive service permanent career/career-conditional federal employees, reinstatement eligibles, displaced/surplus employees (CTAP/ICTAP eligibles), veterans eligible under the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (VOW)/Veterans' Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), disabled veterans with 30% or more disability, former Action Volunteers-Peace Corps/VISTA/etc., persons with disabilities and others who are eligible for special appointing authorities.

Duties

The candidate selected for this position will:

1. At the GS-07 grade level:
   
   
   1. Answer assigned written inquiries from participants, beneficiaries, and others regarding their appeals and/or potential appeals.
   2. Use a wide range of office software applications to prepare documents to process electronically stored information and prepare it for review by the appeals staff.
   3. Directly answer inquiries concerning how and where to file appeals and extension requests, status of pending appeals, and general questions concerning the appeals process.
   
   
   At the GS-08 grade level: In addition to the GS-07 duties listed above:
   
   
   1. Serve as the primary point of contact for appellants and potential appellants with matters pending before the Appeals Board.
   2. Responsible for assisting the individuals in filing appeals and obtaining optional forms used to file appeals and submit extension requests.
   3. Directly respond to inquiries of appellants, potential appellants, Appeals Board Members, Appeals Analysts, and others in agency.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S citizen
• You may undergo a personnel security background investigation
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt
• 1-year probationary period required unless met during prior Federal service
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

All qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the announcement closing date.

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications and/or education for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

GS-07: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the private sector reviewing legal documents and/or related support work, writing technical products, and inputting electronic legal documents into a case tracking system. Answer written inquiries, and screen incoming correspondence and requests for information pertaining to appeals matters.

Examples include: responding to inquiries verbally and in writing, gathering documents, establishing and maintaining electronic files and systems, analyzing inquiries and conducting research, and drafting correspondence to individuals internal or external to the organization.

GS-08: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the private sector reviewing legal documents, writing technical products, and inputting electronic legal documents into a case tracking system; selecting and compiling participant and beneficiary data that provides insight on appeals issues. Answer written inquiries, and screen incoming correspondence and requests for information pertaining to appeals matters.

Examples include: responding to inquiries verbally and in writing, compiling participant and beneficiary data, establishing and maintaining electronic files and systems, analyzing and conducting research, and drafting correspondence to individuals internal and external to the organization.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: In order to be eligible for this position, all current Federal employees must provide proof of meeting the time-in-grade requirement (i.e., at least 52 weeks of experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service). This information must be in both your resume and on an SF-50. Those who do not provide proof of having met the time-in-grade requirement will be deemed ineligible for this position.

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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Education

NO EDUCATION IS REQUIRED.

Additional information

To be considered under a special hiring authority such as the Schedule A appointing authority for persons with disabilities; the direct-hire authority to appoint veterans with service-connected disabilities of 30 percent or more; Peace Corps or VISTA service; or another excepted service/special hire authority, you must submit documentation to support your claim for eligibility with your application package.

PBGC encourages qualified applicants with disabilities to apply. If you are requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact PBGC's Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator, Roderick Duncan, at (202) 286-7803 or Duncan.Roderick@pbgc.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

All Veterans are encouraged to visit CareerOne for resume writing tips and skill conversion terms.

If you believe that you have been subjected to discrimination, you may contact the PBGC Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO): OEEO Main Office Phone: 202-229-4363

Email: EEO@PBGC.gov

• 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.
  
  Visit PBGC Benefits for information on our Agency Benefits offered.
  
  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.

Referral: You will be assigned to one of three quality groups. Each group represents a quality level (i.e., Best Qualified, Qualified, Minimally Qualified). Candidates will be considered in quality group order. If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application may be referred to a selecting official for consideration. You may be required to participate in a selection interview (telephonic and/or in person at the discretion of the Selecting Official in accordance with hiring policies).

If your resume does not support the answers you gave on the assessment questionnaire, you may be rated Not Qualified or you may be placed in a lower quality group.

Your name will be placed in one of the three following quality groups:

1. Best-Qualified - highly proficient regarding the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to this position.
2. Qualified - competent regarding the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) related to this position.
3. Minimally Qualified- possessing only the minimum qualifications required for this position.
   
   Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs):
   
   1. ability to communicate in writing
   2. skill in performing office tasks
   3. ability to communicate orally

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above based on the competencies listed above (which is equivalent to PBGC's "qualified" quality group); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs.

Candidates who apply under Competitive Merit Promotion procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are best qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the assessment questionnaire. The best qualified candidates will be referred if all other requirements are met.

Candidates who apply under Noncompetitive and Special Hiring Authorities procedures will undergo a quality review to determine if they are minimally qualified based on the content of their resume and their responses to the assessment questionnaire. The minimally qualified candidates will be referred if all other requirements are met.

Your rating may be lowered if your responses to the online questions are not supported by the education and/or experience described in your application.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• 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.
  
  Visit PBGC Benefits for information on our Agency Benefits offered.
  
  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.
  
  RESUME: You must submit a resume. Your resume must include your name and contact information and should clearly show your possession of the specialized experience and KSAs so that we can determine your qualifications for this position. Your resume should be specific to the position you are applying for, relating your skills and experience to those noted in the job posting.
  
  PLEASE DO NOT include photographs, hypertext/hyperlinks, or other inappropriate material or content. This information will not be used to make eligibility or qualification determinations.
  
  WRITING SAMPLE: Each applicant must submit an original sample of their written work that is at least two pages in length and does not exceed ten pages in length (double or single spaced). The writing sample should normally be from work done in a prior job or educational institute. Redactions of client names, addresses, or account numbers are expected in such submissions. We will not use your writing sample to determine your qualifications; however, your writing sample will go to the Selecting Official along with your resume if you are referred. If you do not submit a writing sample, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position.
  
  COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter should state your interest in this position and the strengths that you feel will make you an asset to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. We will not use your cover letter to determine your qualifications; however, your cover letter will go to the Selecting Official along with your resume if you are referred.
  
  SF-50 (NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTION): All status candidates or reinstatement eligibles must submit an SF-50 indicating:
  
  
  • The length of time you have held your highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments, promotions, and within-grade increases).
  • the highest grade (block 18) and step (block 19) you held on a permanent basis.
  • your tenure code (block 24); and
  • the type of position occupied (block 34).
  
  
  Please note that it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to show that all requirements have been met.
  
  VETERANS PREFERENCE: If claiming veteran's preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. For veteran's preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy or Member 7 copy), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If the appropriate copy of the DD-214 is not submitted and the discharge status is not confirmed, you will not receive credit for the claimed active-duty military service. To gain access to your DD-214 online, please visit: Request Military Service Records | National Archives. Information on Veterans Preference is available in the Vet's Guide that can be found at OPM's website: Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference
  
  Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: CTAP and ICTAP candidates must submit documents showing eligibility for selection priority (e.g., RIF separation notice, Certificate of Expected Separation, or other proof of eligibility for priority selection); an SF-50 showing the current (or former) position, grade level, promotion potential, and duty location; and the most current performance appraisal including the performance rating.
  
  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
  
  In order to be considered, submit all of the required information (including your supplemental documentation) before midnight EST on the closing date.
  
  If you are not able to apply online or require reasonable accommodations, contact Tamara Jackson on (202) 229-6020or at jackson.tamara@pbgc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
  
  Please complete all the steps in the online application process at USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov). You may make updates to your information at any time prior to midnight EST on the closing date of this announcement.
  
  
  • Register with USAJOBS, which will store your information and resume. You will only need to complete this step once.
  • Locate and review the vacancy announcement on USAJOBS. Click the "Apply" link and then select a resume to submit with your application. If you do not have a resume to select, or you want to upload a new one, click "Add Resume" and upload your resume. You can also click "Edit" to edit an already-uploaded resume. Once you have selected a resume, click "Save and Continue."
  • Add or remove your supporting documents.
  • Once you have attached your resume and supporting documents, review your application package to ensure that they have been attached, then check the box next to "I acknowledge that I have reviewed my resume and document(s)." Then Click "Save and Continue."
  • Complete the "Include Personal Information" page and click "Save and Continue,"
  • On the "Continue Application with Agency" page, read the terms and certify by checking the box if you agree. Then click "Continue to Agency Site." This will take you to the application for the position.
  • Click "Apply to this Vacancy."
  • Complete or review the eligibility questions, which determine the types of positions you are eligible for.
  • Specify which series, grade(s), and location(s) you wish to be considered for.
  • Complete the online vacancy questions, then click "Finish". You will continue to the Vacancy Documents page.
  • Review your attached documents from USAJobs. If there are other documents that you need to attach, upload those here as well.
  • You will then see a summary of your application, including the documents that you submitted. You are strongly encouraged to save or print a copy of this page as proof of submission and receipt of your application and documents.
  • To finish, click "Submit Application."
  
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Tamara Jackson
  
  Phone
  
  202-229-6020
  
  Fax
  000-000-0000
  Email
  
  jackson.tamara@pbgc.gov
  
  Address
  
  PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION
  
  Human Resources Department
  
  445 12th Street SW
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20024
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  You are encouraged to complete your USAJOBS personal account completely to receive notifications at each point in the recruiting process. Utilizing this option allows you to review and track the status of your application and receive email notifications from the hiring office.
  
  You may check the status of your applications by clicking on the My USAJOBS tab at the USAJOBS website.
• 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

RESUME: You must submit a resume. Your resume must include your name and contact information and should clearly show your possession of the specialized experience and KSAs so that we can determine your qualifications for this position. Your resume should be specific to the position you are applying for, relating your skills and experience to those noted in the job posting.

PLEASE DO NOT include photographs, hypertext/hyperlinks, or other inappropriate material or content. This information will not be used to make eligibility or qualification determinations.

WRITING SAMPLE: Each applicant must submit an original sample of their written work that is at least two pages in length and does not exceed ten pages in length (double or single spaced). The writing sample should normally be from work done in a prior job or educational institute. Redactions of client names, addresses, or account numbers are expected in such submissions. We will not use your writing sample to determine your qualifications; however, your writing sample will go to the Selecting Official along with your resume if you are referred. If you do not submit a writing sample, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position.

COVER LETTER (OPTIONAL): Your cover letter should state your interest in this position and the strengths that you feel will make you an asset to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. We will not use your cover letter to determine your qualifications; however, your cover letter will go to the Selecting Official along with your resume if you are referred.

SF-50 (NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTION): All status candidates or reinstatement eligibles must submit an SF-50 indicating:

• The length of time you have held your highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include appointments, promotions, and within-grade increases).
• the highest grade (block 18) and step (block 19) you held on a permanent basis.
• your tenure code (block 24); and
• the type of position occupied (block 34).

Please note that it may be necessary to submit more than one SF-50 to show that all requirements have been met.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: If claiming veteran's preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume. For veteran's preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy or Member 7 copy), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. If the appropriate copy of the DD-214 is not submitted and the discharge status is not confirmed, you will not receive credit for the claimed active-duty military service. To gain access to your DD-214 online, please visit: Request Military Service Records | National Archives. Information on Veterans Preference is available in the Vet's Guide that can be found at OPM's website: Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: CTAP and ICTAP candidates must submit documents showing eligibility for selection priority (e.g., RIF separation notice, Certificate of Expected Separation, or other proof of eligibility for priority selection); an SF-50 showing the current (or former) position, grade level, promotion potential, and duty location; and the most current performance appraisal including the performance rating.

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

In order to be considered, submit all of the required information (including your supplemental documentation) before midnight EST on the closing date.

If you are not able to apply online or require reasonable accommodations, contact Tamara Jackson on (202) 229-6020or at jackson.tamara@pbgc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Please complete all the steps in the online application process at USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov). You may make updates to your information at any time prior to midnight EST on the closing date of this announcement.

• Register with USAJOBS, which will store your information and resume. You will only need to complete this step once.
• Locate and review the vacancy announcement on USAJOBS. Click the "Apply" link and then select a resume to submit with your application. If you do not have a resume to select, or you want to upload a new one, click "Add Resume" and upload your resume. You can also click "Edit" to edit an already-uploaded resume. Once you have selected a resume, click "Save and Continue."
• Add or remove your supporting documents.
• Once you have attached your resume and supporting documents, review your application package to ensure that they have been attached, then check the box next to "I acknowledge that I have reviewed my resume and document(s)." Then Click "Save and Continue."
• Complete the "Include Personal Information" page and click "Save and Continue,"
• On the "Continue Application with Agency" page, read the terms and certify by checking the box if you agree. Then click "Continue to Agency Site." This will take you to the application for the position.
• Click "Apply to this Vacancy."
• Complete or review the eligibility questions, which determine the types of positions you are eligible for.
• Specify which series, grade(s), and location(s) you wish to be considered for.
• Complete the online vacancy questions, then click "Finish". You will continue to the Vacancy Documents page.
• Review your attached documents from USAJobs. If there are other documents that you need to attach, upload those here as well.
• You will then see a summary of your application, including the documents that you submitted. You are strongly encouraged to save or print a copy of this page as proof of submission and receipt of your application and documents.
• To finish, click "Submit Application."

Agency contact information

Tamara Jackson

Phone

202-229-6020

Fax
000-000-0000
Email

jackson.tamara@pbgc.gov

Address

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

Human Resources Department

445 12th Street SW

Washington, District of Columbia 20024

United States

Next steps

You are encouraged to complete your USAJOBS personal account completely to receive notifications at each point in the recruiting process. Utilizing this option allows you to review and track the status of your application and receive email notifications from the hiring office.

You may check the status of your applications by clicking on the My USAJOBS tab at the USAJOBS website.

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