Paralegal Specialist

Bureau of Naval Personnel • Charleston, SC

3d

About The Position

This position serves as a Paralegal Specialist in the Corrections and Program Office of NAVCONBRIG NWS. The specialist interprets policies, directives, and instructions; researches cases; and provides legal advice and administrative support concerning military justice administration and law. The role analyzes facts, issues, service records, performance evaluations, and applicable policies to develop conclusions and recommend dispositions to the appropriate authority. It also drafts memoranda, correspondence, and legal assistance documents, including special powers of attorney; coordinates hearing dates with defense counsel, command representatives, and hearing officers; prepares command responses to Congressional inquiries; and coordinates with regional county Sheriff's Offices regarding service of civil court documents to staff members and prisoners. The specialist serves as the terminal Agency Coordinator, ensuring appointed staff members obtain required certification to access criminal history information for prisoners, staff, and contractors.

Employment is subject to federal suitability and citizenship requirements, E-Verify, a pre-appointment physical examination, and obtaining and maintaining an interim and/or final security clearance. The employee must participate in direct deposit, meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements, and complete annual tuberculosis and blood-borne pathogen testing. The position requires continuous use of personal protective equipment during the work shift and may involve travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations, including remote or isolated sites, and extended travel on military or commercial aircraft.

Applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, or qualify through specified graduate education. The role is subject to agency policies and screening requirements concerning possible contact with inmates, including criminal background checks and disclosure of relevant prior misconduct. The position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program; additional vacancies may be filled.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
• Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
• New Department of the Navy employees must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Retired military members appointed to a DoD civilian position within 180 days of retirement are subject to 5 U.S.C. 3326.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
• Must obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entering on duty; failure to maintain the required clearance may result in withdrawal of the offer or removal.
• Must continuously wear required personal protective equipment, which may include helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators, and safety shoes, for the duration of the work shift.
• Must be able to travel, potentially to CONUS and OCONUS locations including remote or isolated sites, and travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods.
• Must complete annual tuberculosis and blood-borne pathogen testing.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Experience must include analyzing complex problems and recommending timely, effective actions; researching, organizing, maintaining, verifying, and disseminating information; and applying knowledge of military justice laws, legal codes, court procedures, legal precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency policies, and government operations.
• Applicants qualifying through education must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; a transcript must be submitted.
• Applicants and employees who may have contact with inmates are subject to agency policies on disclosure of specified prior sexual misconduct, and material omissions or materially false information may be grounds for termination.
• Agency policy requires criminal background record checks and best efforts to contact prior institutional employers for information about substantiated allegations of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation, consistent with applicable law.

Responsibilities

• Interpret policies, directives, and instructions; research cases; and provide legal advice and administrative support on military justice administration and law.
• Analyze facts, issues, service records, performance evaluations, and applicable policies; develop conclusions and recommend dispositions to the appropriate authority.
• Draft memoranda, correspondence, and legal assistance documents, including special powers of attorney.
• Coordinate hearing dates with assigned defense counsel, command representatives, and hearing officers.
• Prepare command responses to Congressional inquiries.
• Coordinate with regional county Sheriff's Offices regarding service of civil court documents to staff members and prisoners.
• Serve as terminal Agency Coordinator and ensure appointed staff members receive required certification to access criminal history information for prisoners, staff, and contractors.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility and benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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