Attorney-Adviser (General) Job at US Social Security Administration
Duties
As an Attorney Advisor at the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, you will be required to perform the following: analysis, research and develop cases, formulate comprehensive decisions and act on requests for hearings held under Titles II, XI, XVI and XVIII of the Social Security Act, as amended.
Serves as an Attorney Adviser to one or more Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) rendering advice and assistance in pre-hearing development and preparation of cases for hearing, post-hearing development and other post-hearing actions.
Typically, the incumbent: drafts decisions for ALJs in some of the more sensitive and/or legally complex cases involving significant policy issues and questions regarding the application of Federal Circuit Court opinions or Acquiescence Rulings in particular cases; performs research and identifies unusual issues typically related to matters of State law; thoroughly reviews class action cases and cases remanded by the Courts and the Appeals Council; drafts interrogatories to medical and vocational experts; reviews and evaluates highly complex disability cases which require reevaluation to comply with Agency interpretation of U.S. Supreme Court Decisions; responsible for formulating legally defensible decisions which address all medical and legal aspects of even the most difficult cases; and provides information to the claimant and/or his/her representative concerning applicable laws, procedures and requirements.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Must have a qualifying degree or certificate
- Background and/or security investigation required
- Job offers are contingent on background / security investigation results
- Selectees are required to serve a trial period
- Relocation expenses will not be paid
- Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Qualifications
GS-09 Level - Basic Requirements: First Professional Law Degree (J.D.) AND proof of current active bar membership.
GS-11 Level - The Basic Requirements and one of the following:
1. Fifty-two weeks of professional legal experience or experience as a practicing Attorney in which assignments involved complex and difficult legal questions requiring extensive research, analysis, and evaluation of information in controversial areas. Such experience would include: a) preparation of legal documents for filing by drafting complaints, orders to show cause (judge issues this document), indictments, preliminary motions (requests) and supporting affidavits and briefs; b) drafting of pleading and motions for cases in litigation, conducting investigations to obtain facts, study of legal precedents and preparation of recommendations; and c) assisting attorneys in charge of court cases by cross-examining witnesses and drafting findings of facts, conclusions of law and orders based on the record (you must provide the dates including month, day and year of employment and the hours worked per week); OR
2. A second professional law degree (LL.M.) which requires one full year of graduate study ; OR
3. The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) with a record that shows superior law student work or activities as demonstrated by one of the following:
- Academic standing in the upper third of the law school graduating class;
- Work or achievement of significance on the law school's official law review (explain duties and hours devoted per week);
- Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif;
- Winning of a Moot Court (Appellate) Competition or membership on the Moot Court team, which represents the law school in competition with other law schools;
- Full time or continuous participation in a legal aid (Paralegal or Legal Assistant) program equivalent to 6 months of full time work (dates including month, day and year of employment and hours worked per week are required) (this position works for the Attorney). Not to include one-time, intermittent or casual participation;
- Significant summer law office clerk experience while attending law school equivalent to 6 months of full time work (dates including month, day and year of employment and hours worked per week are required)(this position works for the Judge); OR Legal Intern experience under the supervision of an Attorney is creditable if it involves the following kinds of work: preparation of answers or briefs; review of affidavits; legal research on questions arising from statutes; preparing drafts of proposed opinions on individual cases; claims or other matters with or without established formats and precedents; preparation of documents following guidelines and instructions; review of State and Federal legislative proposals identifying impact; investigation and preparation of cases, etc.
- Law Clerk experience is by its very nature Attorney experience and therefore is qualifying for Attorney positions.
- Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement while in law school.
GS-12 Level - The GS-11 requirement plus one additional year (i.e., 52 weeks, full time) of professional legal experience or experience as a practicing Attorney (including the examples of experience described in the GS-11 grade level requirement). OR
Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (example: If you worked 20 hours per week for a 12 month period, you will be credited with six months of experience.)
Additional information
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Full-time-Excepted Service; and Applicants may be required to submit to a timed writing test during the application process.
This is a career-ladder position leading to the GS-12 grade level.
A writing sample is required.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
Albuquerque, NM located at 555 Broadway N. E., STE 200, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Alexandria, LA located at 3403 Government ST, Alexandria, LA 71302
Dallas (Downtown), TX located at Harwood Center, 1999 Bryan ST, STE 2300, Dallas, TX 75201
Dallas (North), TX located at 12790 Merit DR, Building 9, STE 500, Dallas, TX 75251
Fort Smith, AR located at Central Mall, 5111 Rogers AVE, STE 475, Fort Smith, AR 72903
Fort Worth, TX located at Federal Office Building, 819 Taylor ST, Room 9A27, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Houston (North), Texas located at 4015 Aldine Bender RD, Houston, TX 77032
Little Rock, AR located at 2405 Federal Office Building, 700 West Capitol AVE, Little Rock, AR 72201
Metairie, LA, located at Galleria, 1 Galleria Blvd, STE 2000, Metairie, LA 70001
New Orleans, LA located at 1515 Poydras, STE 800, New Orleans, LA 70112
Oklahoma City, OK located at 301 NW 6th ST, Room 300, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
San Antonio, TX located at 10222 San Pedro AVE, San Antonio, TX 78216
Shreveport, LA located at Room 700, Louisiana Tower, 401 Edwards ST, Shreveport, LA 71101
Tulsa, OK located at Eastgate Metroplex, 14002 E 21st ST, STE 500, Tulsa, OK 74134
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11959369
Applicants will be evaluated for basic eligibility only. The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation may be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the qualification requirements for this position. Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Recent Graduate Program and claim certain types of preference.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at an accredited U.S. college, university, or other education program. It is the applicant's responsibility to acquire U.S. certification. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. A detailed resume- For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
3. Proof of active 2023 Bar Membership (e.g., screen print of your profile from a bar web site which reflects your full name, current 2023 date and active status, OR copy of a recent 2023 bar card.)
4. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 05/16/2023.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Janice Sherfield at Janice.Sherfield@ssa.gov or 2147674288.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Agency contact information
Janice Sherfield
Phone
2147674288
Email
Janice.Sherfield@ssa.gov
Address
Region VI ODAR
1301 Young St
Room 550
Dallas, TX 75202
USNext steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive a least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Recent Graduate Program and claim certain types of preference.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants must submit a copy of their transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at an accredited U.S. college, university, or other education program. It is the applicant's responsibility to acquire U.S. certification. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This job is open to
-
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens
Please Note :
chrismaxcer.com is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, chrismaxcer.com provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, Site.com is the ideal place to find your next job.