Summary The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia mission is to enforce the criminal laws of the United States and the District of Columbia, represent the interests of the United States in civil litigation, and respond to the public safety needs of the community by leading an effective, well-coordinated law enforcement effort that contributes to the overall goal of improving the quality of life in the District of Columbia. Responsibilities If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing professional services to victims and witnesses of crime within the criminal justice system in the fields of sociology, psychology, and criminology through the Victim Witness Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Typical work assignments will include: Evaluating urgent needs and delivering immediate crisis intervention services, including grief and trauma-related counseling. Interviewing victims and witnesses to evaluate both their urgent needs and longer-term support requirements. Creating individualized service or action plans based on identified needs and assessment findings. Providing victims and witnesses with timely referrals to essential support services and resources. Offering criminal justice advocacy by assisting with witness preparation, ensuring ongoing communication about court proceedings, and providing guidance and support in preparing statements for the court at all stages of the process. Educating victims and witnesses on the effects of victimization, safety planning, available protections, justice system processes and options, their legal rights, and the financial resources accessible to them. This position is also being announced to applicants under Merit Staffing procedures under 26-DC-13005291-MP. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required basic requirement and specialized experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying: Basic Requirement: You must meet one of the items listed below (A, B, or C): A. Possess a degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Must provide transcripts) B. Possess a combination of education and experience -- that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. (Must provide transcript) C. Possess four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. AND To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing (3) of the (4) duties listed below: Providing direct victim/witness support in local or federal courts demonstrating knowledge of legislation and successful navigation of the court system to benefit and support crime victims and witnesses. Assisting in developing and/or providing training, information, or resources to attorneys or support staff. Interviewing victims and/or witnesses of crimes to assess their needs and determine services needed. Maintaining communication with victims or witnesses to advocate on their behalf with federal, state, and local agencies. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. Education Additional Information Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorized. Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Justice requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for a clearance as a condition of placement in this Nonsensitive/Moderate Risk position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility, click here. The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria. Additional information about CTAP eligibility, click here. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments: Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
