Attorney- Adviser (General)

Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services • San Francisco, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an Open Continuous announcement used to fill multiple vacancies. This announcement will remain open until the closing date. Applicant lists will be generated every two weeks with the first cut-off date of 10/15/2026. Additional cut-off dates will occur every two weeks thereafter. Applicants who apply after a cut-off date will be considered for the next referral.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY DUTIES FOR OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL:
The level of responsibility and complexity of assignments will vary by grade and may include: Researching, analyzing, and interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and legal precedents to resolve legal issues and develop recommendations supporting Department programs and operations. Providing legal advice, guidance, and recommendations on matters involving immigrant children, including unaccompanied children, program officials, managers, and other stakeholders regarding the interpretation and application of laws, regulations, policies, and agency authorities to support program operations and decision-making. Preparing and reviewing legal opinions, memoranda, regulations, notices, policy guidance, correspondence, briefs, motions, and other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws and Department policies. Assisting with or providing legal support for administrative proceedings and litigation by preparing legal research, pleadings, briefs, affidavits, memoranda, and other litigation documents, and by coordinating with the Department of Justice and agency officials, as appropriate. Collaborating with Department leadership, program officials, attorneys, and external stakeholders to resolve legal issues, provide regulatory guidance, support negotiations, and advance agency priorities. Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of legal, regulatory, and policy initiatives by providing legal analysis, identifying legal risks, and recommending solutions that support Department objectives and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

DUTIES FOR OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT :
The level of responsibility and complexity of assignments will vary by grade and may include: Provides legal representation to unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in complex immigration matters and proceedings. Managing complex immigration cases involving UAC, including conducting client interviews; researching and analyzing immigration statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative precedent. Providing authoritative legal advice and guidance on matters affecting UAC and other ORR-served populations, and coordinates with ORR officials, Federal agencies, legal service providers, and other stakeholders to address complex legal issues involving immigration proceedings, access to legal services, and the care and custody of unaccompanied children.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service
• Suitable for federal employment
• Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.
• Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date.
• Financial disclosure statement may be required.
• Probationary (or trial) period may be required.
• Must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association. (Must provide transcripts prior to selection).
• Must possess a current active bar membership in good standing. Admission to the bar of any State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, or Federal Court is acceptable. Active bar membership is verified prior to appointment. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with HHS. (Must provide a copy of active bar membership prior to selection).
• A current, valid license with eligibility to practice law in a state, the District of Columbia, or any United States territory or commonwealth is a continuing condition of employment for Federal attorneys.
• GS-11: Requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active bar membership. No prior professional legal experience is required.
• GS-12: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and one year of professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• GS-13: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and two years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
• GS-14: Requires a J.D. or LL.B., active bar membership, and three years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to the GS-13 level.
• Applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time.
• If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and legal precedents to resolve legal issues and develop recommendations supporting Department programs and operations.
• Providing legal advice, guidance, and recommendations on matters involving immigrant children, including unaccompanied children, program officials, managers, and other stakeholders regarding the interpretation and application of laws, regulations, policies, and agency authorities to support program operations and decision-making.
• Preparing and reviewing legal opinions, memoranda, regulations, notices, policy guidance, correspondence, briefs, motions, and other legal documents to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws and Department policies.
• Assisting with or providing legal support for administrative proceedings and litigation by preparing legal research, pleadings, briefs, affidavits, memoranda, and other litigation documents, and by coordinating with the Department of Justice and agency officials, as appropriate.
• Collaborating with Department leadership, program officials, attorneys, and external stakeholders to resolve legal issues, provide regulatory guidance, support negotiations, and advance agency priorities.
• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of legal, regulatory, and policy initiatives by providing legal analysis, identifying legal risks, and recommending solutions that support Department objectives and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Provides legal representation to unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in complex immigration matters and proceedings.
• Managing complex immigration cases involving UAC, including conducting client interviews; researching and analyzing immigration statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative precedent.
• Providing authoritative legal advice and guidance on matters affecting UAC and other ORR-served populations, and coordinates with ORR officials, Federal agencies, legal service providers, and other stakeholders to address complex legal issues involving immigration proceedings, access to legal services, and the care and custody of unaccompanied children.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level