Paralegal Specialist

Bureau of Justice Grants • Washington, DC

6d

About The Position

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect children, serve crime victims, and address public safety challenges.

The Paralegal Specialist supports OCR compliance and enforcement activities by reviewing, processing, and preparing documents related to complex legal issues and case development. The role supports attorneys during telephonic and video interviews by taking detailed notes and formally documenting responses, and organizes claims-processing data into reports for OCR staff.

The position evaluates correspondence, complaints, reports, and data from recipients of federal funding to identify legal issues. It also performs legal research into relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and cases; works with attorneys and senior staff to support investigative work; and researches funding records using internal and external databases to determine whether entities receive DOJ financial assistance.

Requirements

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959, unless an approved exemption is on file.
• Must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the announcement closing date and continue to meet them throughout the hiring process.
• Must meet the time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
• Must complete the required USA Hire online assessment within 48 hours of the announcement closing date.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
• Specialized experience includes extensive legal research using LEXIS or WestLaw, PACER, and e-CFR; evaluating correspondence and complaints and recommending disposition; reviewing, processing, and preparing documents involving civil rights or complex legal issues; and preparing legal documents, memoranda, checklists, and reports recommending disposition.
• Qualification must be met through experience; education cannot substitute for the required experience.
• Resume must support responses to the online questionnaire and qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Review, process, and prepare documents concerning diverse and complex legal issues, including case development and documentation as cases progress through the office's review process.
• Support attorney staff during telephonic and video interviews of complainants, recipient staff, and other witnesses through detailed note-taking and formal documentation of responses.
• Organize claims-processing data into reports for review by OCR staff.
• Examine and evaluate incoming correspondence, complaints, and other written reports to determine the legal issues involved.
• Review and analyze incoming correspondence and data from recipients of federal funding.
• Conduct legal research and analysis into federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and cases relating to civil rights.
• Work with attorneys and senior staff to develop information needed for the office's investigative work.
• Conduct funding research using internal and external databases to determine whether entities receive DOJ financial assistance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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