Attorney-Adviser (Information Law Unit)

About the role

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is looking for an experienced attorney to serve in the new Information Law Unit (ILU). This attorney has the opportunity to assist in the development of the programs they will be implementing, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management.

What you will do

• OSC is a mission-driven agency with incredibly dedicated employees.
• Unit Overview The Information Law Unit (ILU) is a new unit that is responsible for running OSC's information-law programs and providing agency-wide expertise and training on information law topics, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management.
• The ILU is part of OSC's Office of General Counsel.
• Duties Under the supervision or mentorship of experienced attorneys, you may be responsible for: Providing legal review, analysis, and advice regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA); Processing FOIA and PA requests (includes developing searches, review of documents, assessment of exclusions and exemptions, and applicability of relevant laws); Independently analyzing data about withholdings and releases and preparing accurate and timely reporting; Providing legal advice and guidance on issues pertaining to privacy, FOIA, records management, and other relevant areas of law; Preparing draft correspondence and documentation, including justifications for denials and exemptions and expedited processing determinations; Other related information-law duties.
• Ideal Candidate We are looking for candidates who bring enthusiasm to information law and dedication to the privilege of public service, think big picture and pay attention to detail, and work well within a team setting.
• The ideal candidate will have experience in FOIA, Privacy Act, or records (such as retention, CUI practices, or NARA regulations or systems).
• Flexibility and a strong commitment to OSC's statutory mission are essential.
• Positions may be filled at any GS grade level (11 through 14) depending on applicant experience.

How you will be evaluated

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Management will consider any Federal performance appraisals and/or awards you submit with your application as an indication of your experience and work history. These documents will not be scored as part of the assessment process. In accordance with 5 C.F.R.

Section 302.101(c), positions in the Excepted service are not subject to the provisions of Veteran's Preference. However, candidates who list and provide verification of their Veteran's Preference will have their Preference status identified to the selecting official for consideration as part of their application package.

Documents you must provide

• Resume, including a) personal information such as name, contact information; b) education; c) detailed work experience related to this position including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year), title and Grade level for any Federal service, i.e. GS-9); d) scope and complexity of the functions, activities and services you managed and your level of contacts; and any other qualifications.
• We recommend that your resume not exceed two (2) pages as only the first two (2) pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications; Cover Letter, required; Other required supporting documents: Law school transcript(s) to confirm your education; Verification an active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, if applicable; Current or Previous Federal (whether Excepted or Competitive Service) employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade; AND Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
• A performance plan, without a rating, is not an acceptable substitute.
• DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty for consideration of Veteran status.
• If you submit multiple copies of the same document, only your most recent uploaded document (by date & time stamp) will be considered.
• If your resume or supporting documents are illegible or unreadable, or if you fail to include any of the above-mentioned required documents, you may lose consideration due to an incomplete application package.
• It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
• Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be considered further.
• If your application materials contain sensitive or inappropriate information, including but not limited to: photographs; classified or government sensitive information; copied and pasted portions of this job announcement; obscene information, etc., you may not be considered.
• Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for non-selection, disqualification from further consideration or withdrawal of tentative or final job offers.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your application was received. Your application will be evaluated as outlined above and if you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Only the top candidates will be contacted for interview.

You will receive automated notifications through the USAjobs system as updates are available. Selecting officials may choose any appropriate competitive, non-competitive or alternative candidate under Federal regulations and Agency policy. Interviews may be conducted individually, by panel, and by teleconference, video, or in person.

Selecting officials have the option to interview any, all or none of the referred candidates. Management has the right to fill or not a fill this vacancy, as well as to cancel and re-announce as appropriate. Additional Vacancies This announcement may be used to fill additional or similar vacancies at the same or equivalent grade level.

Additional information

ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: In accordance with VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56), current military members may apply by submitting a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214.

A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain: (1) your rank; (2) dates of active duty service; (3) type of discharge and projected character of service (i.e. honorable); (4) projected Veteran's preference, if applicable; (5) date terminal leave begins, if applicable; (6) date of expected discharge or release that is within 120 days of your employment application submission; and (7) signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters.

If selected, your qualifying separation, veteran's preference, and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found to have an incomplete application.

Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if on terminal leave. SELECTIVE SERVICE: Individuals born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. You can find more information on Who Must Register and Exemptions here.

In addition, you can find more information on what to do if you failed to register here. DEVELOPMENTAL POSITION: This position can be filled at any grade level for which the applicant is qualified. If filled at the lower grade level, noncompetitive promotion to the next grade level is authorized but not guaranteed.

It is dependent upon meeting time-in-grade requirements, specialized experience, required training and any other management requirements to demonstrate ability to perform the next higher/target grade level. These are not Bargaining Unit positions.