Paralegal Specialist

Customs and Border Protection • Buffalo, NY

20d • Onsite

About The Position

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to provide legal support of those executing the law enforcement duties at the port level. This position starts at a salary of $93,598.00 (GS-12, Step 1) to $121,680.00 (GS-12, Step 10). In this Paralegal Specialist position, you will become you will become a key member of a team of homeland security professionals providing key legal support for the law enforcement duties at the port level.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
• You may be required to pass a background investigation
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures
• You must meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 10/15/2026.
• Developing and evaluating all evidence, facts, and circumstances relating to cases and making determinations and recommendations as appropriate within the requirements of the mitigation guidelines, laws, and regulations
• Preparing clear and concise statements of fact and exercising sound judgment in arriving at decisions
• Reviewing and making decisions as to the acceptability of evidence in fraud cases, significant seizures cases, and cases involving penalties and liquidated damages
• Preparing and issuing final decision letters stating findings of fact and conclusions of law upon which the level of culpability is determined by the final reviewing office and stating assessment of penalty or decision to deny relief.

Nice To Haves

• Incumbent may be required to attend FOIA/PA training or must have previously attended FOIA/PA training.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and adjudicating seizures, penalties, prior disclosures, immigration carrier fines, and claims for liquidated damages within the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FPF) Officer's authority through to solution.
• Reviewing and making determinations as to the presence of probable cause and/or the acceptability of evidence in order to ensure the sufficiency of cases within the jurisdiction of the FPF Officer.
• Applying risk management principles and techniques to effectively manage, prioritize, and complete the daily workload.
• Composing written correspondence and briefings to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed