Paralegal Specialist

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: (OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards, Administrative and Management Positions, Paralegal Specialist, 0950).

01MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements may qualify for the position at the GS-5 level - 3 years of general experience, one year of which is equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level, that demonstrates the ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; and communicate effectively orally and in writing. A 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree.

A combination of education and specialized experience listed above totaling at least 100%. For example, 2 years of general experience (67% of the experience requirement) and 40 hours of undergraduate study (33% of the education requirement) would qualify an applicant for this position.

Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements may qualify for the position at the GS-7 level - 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level filing various court documents that are received for court action; entering judicial documentation into a tracking software system; taking and maintaining written notes of court proceedings; collecting payment of filing fees, court costs, fines and bonds paid by court clients; maintaining the court calendar; researching tribal codes, laws, and ordinances to determine necessary course of action; explain legal correspondence in person or by phone; and providing proper information or assistance to court clients or legal representatives.

1 full year of graduate level education OR Superior Academic Achievement in undergraduate studies. A combination of education and specialized experience listed above totaling at least 100%. For example, 6 months of specialized experience (50% of the experience requirement) and 9 hours of graduate study (50% of the education requirement) would qualify an applicant for this position.

Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements may qualify for the position at the GS-9 level - 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level transcribing notes into legal court orders; annotating terminology used in court proceedings such as witness statements and testimony; certifying copies of court records; recommending and implementing procedural and administrative changes as needs arise such as updating court forms or procedures; reviewing tribal enactments to ascertain whether administrative actions are required; and making determinations for administrative action of tribal requests A master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR an LL.B. or J.D. degree.

A combination of education and specialized experience listed above totaling at least 100%. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable as a substitute for specialized experience. For example, 9 months of specialized experience (75% of the experience requirement) and 27 hours of graduate study (25% of the education requirement) would qualify an applicant for this position. Only education in excess of the first 18 semester hours of a graduate course of study is creditable.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if identical vacancies occur in the same location within 90 days from the closing date.

As Paralegal Specialist, GS-0950, your typical work assignments may include, but not limited to: Assist with all aspects of the Court of Indian Offenses. Discharge all related court functions and procedures as assigned by the Magistrate. Assure transparency of the Court of Indian Offenses and administer day-to-day operations.