Attorney (Alternative Dispute Resolution)

Summary

This position is located in the DoW Office of Inspector General (DoW IG), Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations (DIG-AI), Whistleblower Reprisal Investigations (WRI) Directorate. The incumbent serves as a mediator and expert on whistleblower reprisal complaints appropriate for resolution under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1996 and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998.

Duties

• Reviews and evaluates complaints of whistleblower reprisal in concert with their supervisor and WRI management to determine whether appropriate for the alternative dispute resolution process.
• Serves as a neutral professional under the confidentiality provision of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1998 (ADRA) and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 (ADR Act) in reaching resolution of disputed matters.
• Advises principal parties in the preparation and conduct of ADR processes. Initiates contact with principal parties to the dispute, obtains information pertinent to the issues at question, guides parties through ADR process.
• Advises on, or prepares legally supportable resolution agreements that fully resolve the open complaint.
• Participates in the design and implementation of training to ensure Agency attorney, investigative staff, and management effectively use ADR processes and retain neutral professionals.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: To meet the basic requirements, you must possess a J.D., LL.B., or LL.M degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants must be an active member, in good standing, of the bar of the highest court of a state, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia, and be permitted to engage in the practice of law. In addition to the basic requirements noted above, resume must document the specialized experience listed below: Time in Grade: For entry at the GS-13 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-12 or equivalent or higher grade, in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-13 level in the Federal service or at an equivalent level. Specialized experience is defined as applying the principles of mediating and drafting legally supportable settlement agreements to resolve matters under the Administrative Dispute Resolution Acts of 1990 and 1996 and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998. Experience also includes demonstrated knowledge of and experience with federal whistleblower reprisal statutes, reviewing and evaluating complaints, prioritizing workloads, and developing training. In addition to the basic qualifications, candidates must have at least five (5) years of specialized legal experience as an attorney in the fields of federal criminal, civil, or administrative law, which demonstrates that candidates can successfully perform the duties of a GS-0905-13 Attorney. 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. Additional Information: PCS costs (moving expenses) WILL NOT be paid. Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives WILL NOT be authorized by the hiring official. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience at this level.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents above. Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. 1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. 2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application. 3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account, or your application will be incomplete. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Jacquis Taylor at (703) 699-0293 or [email protected]~ to obtain an alternative application.