Summary The primary purpose of this position is to assist the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) in providing National Security Law advice and counsel to HQ, USSOCOM and the USSOCOM Global Enterprise. Serve as the SJA's senior subject matter expert on sensitive activities and legal matters governing special operations forces (SOF) engaged in clandestine and special access program-protected activities and operations. Responsibilities As USSOCOM's Senior Advisor to the SJA for National Security Law, provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) legal advice on matters associated with sensitive activities. Be prepared to provide sage legal advice regarding the most nuanced National Security and sensitive activities issues affecting USSOCOM. Provide oral and written legal advice and reviews on sensitive activities, SAPs, signature reduction actions, training plans, core training courses, travel, acquisition, funding, and requirements-validation issues related to the validation issues related to the legality, propriety, and accountability of the command's sensitive operations. Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to ensuring the protection of classified information in accordance with all security policies. Analyzes documents and ensures that sensitive documents are protected from unauthorized users. As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and legal advisor to the SJA on legal matters associated with sensitive activities, ensure a continuous education and emphasis on knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies related to SAPs and other sensitive activities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You 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 (LLB or JD). In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status. Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Comprehensive knowledge of the laws, Executive Orders, DoD Directives and authoritative legal opinions, and court rulings governing the activities of special operations forces in order to provide legal advice and counsel to command and represent USSOCOM interests. 2. Professional knowledge of the varied legislation, regulations and guidance, including but not limited to Constitutional Law, National Security Law, Military Law, International Law, Fiscal Law and Public Law. 3. Knowledge of USSOCOM sensitive activity, Special Access Program (SAP) protected and clandestine mission and security requirements in order to provide legal advice to USSOCOM senior leadership on the planning and conduct of sensitive activities. 4. Skill in recognizing, researching, and analyzing complex issues associated with sensitive activities to apply well reasoned analysis to reach clear, concise conclusions and recommendations, often in areas in which the law and precedents are unclear. 5. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, in and outside the legal profession, both orally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings. 6. Highly skilled in written and oral advocacy, possessing superior negotiation skills, and capable of rational, logical thinking sufficient to prepare and present written briefs and oral arguments, to recognize, analyze, and segregate various legal aspects of complex factual situations, to write concise legal opinions, and to explain complex legal principles and recommend appropriate actions. Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines with minimal required supervision. Additional Conditions of Employment: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force. Additional Information Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
