Attorney-Adviser (Labor)

Defense Health Agency • Fort Belvoir, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as an Attorney-Adviser (Labor) in the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Office of General Counsel in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This Excepted Service position does not confer competitive status and has a full performance level of GS-14. Management may fill the position at either the GS-13 or GS-14 level.

The attorney advises DHA leadership on civilian personnel law, labor relations, and equal employment law; provides preventive-law guidance to management; researches and prepares oral and written legal opinions; counsels leaders and supervisors on grievance resolution and EEO matters; represents the agency in administrative litigation; and conducts settlement negotiations on the agency’s behalf.

Requirements

• Graduate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school with a first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
• Be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. territory, or a U.S. commonwealth; documentation of active status must be dated within three months of application submission.
• For GS-13: at least two years of professional legal experience acquired after admission to the Bar, commensurate with the position’s duties and responsibilities.
• For GS-14: at least three years of professional legal experience acquired after admission to the Bar, commensurate with the position’s duties and responsibilities.
• Obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Meet a suitability or fitness determination based on a completed background investigation, if required.
• Demonstrate skill in civilian personnel law and labor relations.
• Demonstrate skill in administrative hearings practice.
• Demonstrate skill in oral and written advocacy.
• Demonstrate the ability to professionally and ethically manage a heavy caseload involving clients with complex legal needs.
• If currently employed as a federal attorney, meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement: 52 weeks at the next lower grade within 30 days of the announcement closing date, or prior service at the same or a higher grade; time-in-grade may be waived at management’s discretion.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Business travel may be required up to 5% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Veteran’s preference eligibility is considered a positive factor in attorney hiring.
• Military spouse preference may be claimed.

Responsibilities

• Advise DHA leadership on civilian personnel law, labor relations, and equal employment law issues.
• Provide preventive-law guidance by informing management personnel about the impact of changes in civilian personnel and labor laws and regulations.
• Prepare, research, and issue oral and written opinions on civilian personnel law, discrimination, and labor relations matters.
• Counsel DHA leaders and supervisors on informal grievance resolution and provide guidance on EEO matters.
• Represent the agency as a litigation attorney before the Merit Systems Protection Board, Federal Labor Relations Authority, EEOC, Federal Service Impasses Panel, Office of Special Counsel, federal arbitrators, and similar boards and administrative forums.
• Conduct settlement negotiations on behalf of the agency.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• A relocation incentive may be offered, if applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree