Paralegal Specialist

Defense Health Agency • Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Defense Health Agency Legal Services Agency (DLSA), Office of General Counsel (OGC), in Pierce, Washington. The position supports the Government’s cost-recovery claims program through investigation, legal research, claim evaluation, correspondence, case management, and clerical support. The position may be filled at the GS-07 or GS-09 level. Candidates new to Federal service may be eligible to negotiate salary and leave accrual. The role requires eligibility for and maintenance of a Secret security clearance or access, a background investigation and credit check, and business travel approximately 5% of the time. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination and a one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• For GS-07, one year of specialized experience assisting with cost-recovery claim investigations, conducting legal research to determine the legal basis for claims, and reviewing case files for completeness; or qualifying education, superior academic achievement, or a combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, one year of specialized experience conducting cost-recovery claims investigations, reviewing case facts to determine claim values, and reviewing case files for completeness; or qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience.
• Qualifying education must demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the work; examples include Paralegal Studies, Law, Business Administration, or Political Science, depending on grade and qualification pathway.
• Applicants who held a General Schedule position within the previous 52 weeks must meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement: 52 weeks at GS-05 or equivalent for GS-07, or at GS-07 or equivalent for GS-09.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment; a background investigation and credit check are required.
• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Applicants using foreign education to qualify must have their credentials evaluated for equivalence to an accredited U.S. education program or receive full credit for the courses at a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Applicants must meet one of the listed employment-authority categories to be eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cases by reviewing and analyzing medical records, police reports, insurance documents, and other evidence to establish third-party responsibility and identify potential recovery actions.
• Research multi-jurisdictional tort law, insurance regulations, and case-law precedents to determine the legal basis for claims.
• Evaluate case facts and evidence to determine claim values and appropriate recovery paths.
• Prepare written payment demands to responsible parties, including tortfeasors, attorneys, insurance companies, and lien-resolution firms.
• Respond to substantive inquiries with rebuttal correspondence asserting the Government’s independent right of recovery.
• Perform claims-program case management, including opening cases in the claims database, screening new files for closure or transfer, and maintaining electronic and/or paper files.
• Obtain, screen, and sort mail; distribute relevant documents to coworkers; and log and safeguard negotiable instruments.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; eligibility depends on position type and whether employment is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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