Summary

This position is in the Office of the General Counsel, Division of Legal Counsel, FOIA Branch.

The purpose of this position includes supervising the staff's research, analysis and recommendations on the disposition of requests and appeals made under the FOIA, and providing guidance to other offices of the Agency on areas of practice including but not limited to the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act.

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 Supervisory Attorney Advisor GS-0905-15, your responsibilities may include:

• Communicating with Regional offices and other Branches of the Agency to ensure that the FOIA Branch's responses to FOIA requests will not interfere with the operations of the Agency and the enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act.
• Adapting general principles to specific issues and exercising original, creative thinking to determine how complex policy and administrative problems may be best resolved.
• Managing FOIA requests and FOIA appeals assigned to staff - which includes preparing and present facts and law clearly and logically in writing and/or orally.

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.
• 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 for verification.
• This is a positive education position. Current NLRB attorneys are not required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, if attorneys are within 3 years from receiving their JD, a transcript must be provided with their application package.
• This is an Excepted Service position.
• Two-year trial period may be required.
• This position is not part of the Bargaining Unit.
• A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required.
• Submit complete application package online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

Qualifications

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The Ideal Candidate for the Supervisory Attorney-Advisor position will have experience providing advice and assistance regarding complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) matters, expert knowledge either electronically processing or supervising the handling of NLRA cases or FOIA requests for records, experience completing case supervision and multiple tasks efficiently to achieve applicable metrics, and experience dealing with personnel and human resources concerns. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues and senior level management, and strong research, writing, and analytical skills are desired.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

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).

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.

The Agency's Internal or Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.

In addition to the BASIC REQUIREMENT, applicants must also meet the following:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be qualified for this position, applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Supervisory Attorney Advisor at the GS-15 grade level.

Specialized experience includes:

• Experience providing authoritative and technical guidance regarding the application of regulations, case law, and procedures pertaining either to FOIA for the purpose of disclosing records, or to the NLRA for purposes of supervising the case handling of unfair labor practice and representation cases;
• Experience writing and reviewing clear and concise agency determinations, appeals, correspondence, memoranda, and reports that are accurate, objective, and complete for the purpose of transmitting information concerning FOIA disclosures, legal matters, and/or performance metrics or the case handling of unfair labor practices and representation cases; and
• Experience leading a team or project or coordinating the work of others to provide advice, counsel, or instructions on administrative and /or human resources management to assure efficient handling of FOIA or NLRA case matters, administrative and personnel matters.

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 J.D.).

*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. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) 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:

• Attention to Detail
• Decision Making
• Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
• Oral Communication

For further clarification of the competencies listed above, please click here.

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. Your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.

1. Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.
2. Well Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.
3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, please click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12441589 here.

• 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 and your resume, you must submit the following additional 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. Your resume should not exceed 5 pages.
  
  Most Recent Performance Appraisal
  
  If performance appraisal is not dated within the 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 Awards, Realignment/Reassignments, Name Changes and/or Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.
  
  If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide a copy of a SF-50 or SF 50's which shows the length of time in the current/highest grade to support meeting time in grade requirements. (Examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within Grade/Range Increases, and/or SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year.)
  
  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.
  
  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(s)
  
  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 J.D.), 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 07/01/2024 to be considered for this announcement.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
  
  
  • Resume;
  • 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 ONLINE 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 occupational 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
  
  FOIA AND PRIVACY ACT BRANCH
  
  1015 Half St SE
  
  Washington, DC 20570-0023
  
  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 Qualification determinations.
  
  All qualified applicants will then be screened by 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 and your resume, you must submit the following additional 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. Your resume should not exceed 5 pages.

Most Recent Performance Appraisal

If performance appraisal is not dated within the 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 Awards, Realignment/Reassignments, Name Changes and/or Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.

If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide a copy of a SF-50 or SF 50's which shows the length of time in the current/highest grade to support meeting time in grade requirements. (Examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within Grade/Range Increases, and/or SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year.)

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.

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(s)

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 J.D.), 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 07/01/2024 to be considered for this announcement.

How to Apply

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

• Resume;
• 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 ONLINE 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 occupational 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

FOIA AND PRIVACY ACT BRANCH

1015 Half St SE

Washington, DC 20570-0023

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 Qualification determinations.

All qualified applicants will then be screened by 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