Summary Join our team! The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking an experienced attorney to work in the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program Office. The PSOB Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. Responsibilities Duties under this position include: PSOB Law and Regulations Addresses difficult legal issues in providing legal counsel to the OJP Assistant Attorney General, the BJA Director, the PSOB program's Legal Counsel, and many other stakeholders. Develops materials that justify the program's policies and procedures. Develops decisions, reports, briefs, opinions and other products linked to difficult legal issues in a specialty area affecting a significant segment of public interest. Drafts bills and regulations and prepares complete reports on changes in existing regulations pertaining to PSOB legal matters. Reviews proposed legislation and regulations to determine impact on the PSOB program and drafts memoranda and guidance regarding their impact. Makes recommendations based on the comments of operating organizations, personal program knowledge, awareness of the legal implications of proposed legislation and knowledge of it. Proposes alternative language and policy changes as warranted. PSOB Operations Under the direction of more senior counsel, oversees and manages legal review of PSOB claims. Trains PSOB legal personnel. Reviews and edits the work product of legal personnel assigned to the PSOB program, ensuring legal and factual accuracy and program consistency. Performs legal research in connection with issues of higher complexity that arise in particular claims and advises on federal laws, regulations, rules and policies of the Department and other federal agencies, opinions of OJP's General Counsel, the common law, administrative law and state laws. Prepares and renders legal advice for claims before the program. Recommends policies and develops procedures that implement the PSOB Act. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Eligibility Requirements and Minimum Qualifications To be eligible for this position, applicants must: Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school; and Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction). GS-13 Qualifications: Have a minimum of three (3) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, two (2) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). GS-14 Qualifications: Have a minimum of four (4) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, three (3) of which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Education Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree. Additional Information Duty Station: This position has a duty station of Washington, D.C. The selectee will be required to physically report to the OJP office building at least four (4) days per bi-weekly pay period and may incorporate leave and official travel plans into this reporting requirement. The office director or supervisor may request the selectee's presence in the office more frequently, as determined by the needs of the office. The selectee will be responsible for covering all commuting-related travel expenses. OJP employees are eligible for one transportation benefit - parking or the Department of Justice (DOJ) transit subsidy. Please do not indicate current or former position salary in your application or resume. This position may be eligible for telework per agency policy. OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules. Recruitment incentives may not be authorized. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement.