Summary Serve in a key advisory role to the Benefits Review Board (BRB) as Associate General Counsel for its Black Lung Division A in the Office of General Counsel, with responsibility for providing general and administrative directions to the Division's Staff Attorneys. The reviews appeals of decisions under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (and its extensions - including the Defense Base Act). This position is outside the bargaining unit. Responsibilities Major Duties Reviews cases assigned to Senior and Staff Attorneys in the proposal and final disposition phases of case development, including those of a precedential nature; those involving new or novel issues; those with conflicting evidence; or those affected by changed legislation. Provides first level management review and approval for most personnel actions involving assigned attorney staff, including performance ratings, performance improvement plans, awards, and disciplinary actions short of removal. Ensures consistent and responsible application of DOL and BRB performance, production, and personal and professional ethics rules. Listens to and resolves staff-related individual and group problems within the scope of assigned authority and recommends action on matters beyond that authority. Recommends disposition on major matters and takes direct action on minor concerns. Coordination Coordinates on matters of like concern with other Associate General Counsels, such as adjustments in case processing to better meet BRB production goals; the content and application of performance standards and production goals; assessment of training and development; program content and training needs; interpretation of amendments to controlling legislation; and application of decisions of higher courts departing from established precedent or reasoning. Advisory Services The Associate General Counsel - through extensive experience with and study of controlling law, court decisions, and past BRB interpretations and applications - provides both practical and incisive advice to the Chief Judge and Board Members in the treatment of specific issues and in the appropriate adjudication of cases. During day-to-day contact with the Board Members, counsels on matters such as disposition of similar cases in the past, linkage to cases in process, the practical effect of specific legal options on the immediate parties involved, and a particular decision's long-range impact. Discusses various possible interpretations on new or novel issues and possible treatment of issues on which U.S. Circuit Courts have given differing decisions. May explore issues in-depth, where appropriate, by conferring on specific cases to develop a consensus or by researching and preparing a memorandum, either personally or by delegating the assignment to a staff member. Actively seeks reasonable interpretation of current issues to maintain consistency and adherence to the doctrine of stare decisis. Provides advice where substantially differing opinions exist among Board Members. May be assigned continuing responsibilities to act in the absence of the General Counsel in managing the activities of BRB staff. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. To qualify for an attorney position, applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S.; and have acquired the amount of experience indicated below for each grade level. GS-15 grade level: Applicants must have four (4) years of post-law school legal experience of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. At least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying experience must be specialized experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position at a level close to the work of this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the job. Specialized Experience: One year (52 weeks) of post-J.D. specialized experience at or equivalent to, the GS-14, in or directly related to this position. Specialized Experience that is qualifying for this position is described as: Having a working knowledge of the Black Lung Benefits Act, as amended, 30 U.S.C §§901-944, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. §§901-950, and its extensions; or similar experience through appellate or federal law, such as workers' compensation experience. Candidates will have demonstrated the ability to lead subordinate staff; apply analytical, research, and writing skills; evaluate and review cases; and provide advice and recommendations to Board Members or equivalent on the appropriate adjudication of cases. NOTE: A LL.M. may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience. Transcripts: You must provide a copy of your law school transcript to be considered for this position. Verification of your academic degree(s) is necessary to determine your qualifications or eligibility for this position; therefore, you will be required to submit an official transcript for verification purposes before you are hired. However, unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application phase of the process. Please note that your J.D. or LL. B degree must be conferred before you can begin working. Writing Sample: In addition to your transcript applicants must also provide an unedited legal writing sample that is no more than ten (10) pages long with your application in order to receive further consideration. The writing sample can a portion of a brief or memorandum. Education An LL.B or J.D. is a requirement for this position. If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information. Additional Information Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the Required Documents section for additional requirements. Supervisory Financial Disclosure (if applicable) - This position is subject to the confidential financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). Therefore, if selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest(s) and your prospective position with DOL. This information will be required annually. The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high-quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers. Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. Click for Telework Eligibility Information. Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy. The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process - Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act. Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions. All DOL employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.
