Attorney Advisor, GS-0905-15, FPL GS-15 (Excepted Service)

This position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for the Office For Civil Rights (OCR), located in Washington, D.C. The Senior Counsel aides the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretaries in providing expert legal advice related to Federal Law that OCR is responsible for enforcing.

This is an Excepted Service position. The job will be filled by alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Applicants selected for an excepted service position are subject to a one-year trial period. Join our Team! The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is looking for the best and brightest to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. As an Attorney Advisor, GS-0905-15, you will be responsible for: Serving as OCR's primary liaison with the Office for Communications and Outreach on press matters and assisting the Assistant Secretary in communicating OCR's legal work (pursuant to civil rights laws under OCR's jurisdiction) and non-legal work succinctly and effectively in response to numerous media requests reaching a dozen or more per day. Training and advising attorneys and other staff who have multiple levels of experience (up to GS-15 level) on communications and legal matters related to OCR work. Coordinating, reviewing and making recommendations on briefing materials for the Assistant Secretary on policy matters or Office activities to be used in speeches, presentations to the Department, or Congressional committees. Assisting in the development of speeches and Congressional testimony. Preparing policy options based on the direction of the Assistant Secretary, secures support for the issues as necessary, and assists in the implementation of those policies (e.g., explaining such to Office for Civil Rights and Department personnel, other agencies, or other parties). Providing guidance and coordination of staff and project management in the Office of the Assistant Secretary on a variety of assignments and with respect to day-to-day personnel matters and strategic operations. Developing policy recommendations for the Assistant Secretary on a variety of management and policy issues. Projects generally involve sensitive, highly-visible issues, or matters of a precedent-setting nature. Providing legal advice on FOIA inquiries and appeals pending before the office, including reviewing the initial disclosures (as necessary), appeal requests and draft appeal determinations for legal sufficiency; researches applicable law; and making recommendations on FOIA policy and procedures.

Condition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Key Requirement (trial period) - As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Key Requirements: Must be a US Citizen. Males 18 and over must be registered with the Selective Service. Must be determined suitable for federal employment. Relocation expenses will not be paid. You may be subject to serve a one-year trial period. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.