Legal Assistant

The Department of the Interior is devoted to protecting and preserving the natural resources of this great nation, including National Parks, Landmarks, and the well-being of communities, including those of Native American, Alaska Natives and affiliated Islanders.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualification Requirements:
To qualify for this position you must meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements for the grade to which you are applying.

GS-5
To qualify for this position at the GS-05 grade level you must meet the (A) Specialized Experience OR (B) Educational Requirement OR (C) Combination of Education and Experience for the grade to which you are applying.

NOTE: Applicants qualifying based in whole or part on education are required to provide transcripts (unofficial) as proof of meeting the requirements. Failure to provide the documents will result in you receiving an INELIGIBLE rating.

A. Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-05, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (MUST MEET ALL THREE)
1. Sorting, categorizing and distributing mail;
2. Using a paper AND electronic filing system; and
3. Utilizing basic computer software skills to produce reports, correspondence, spreadsheets; and keeping calendars

In addition, to meeting ALL THREE statements defined above, applicants MUST MEET AT LEAST 2 of the following 5 specialized experience statements:
1. Performing data entry duties using a database, access or excel;
2. Utilizing customer service skills and phone etiquette;
3. Copying, mailing, and scanning;
4. Preparing travel authorizations, vouchers or making travel arrangements utilizing a computer online reservation system;
5. Acting as timekeeper for time and attendance purposes or in another payroll processing capacity.

-OR-

B. Education: Four full academic years (120 semester hours) beyond high school at an accredited institution.

-OR-

C. Combination of Education and Experience: a combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) that totals 100% of the requirement. For example, one full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience.

NOTE: If qualifying in whole or in part on education you are required to submit a copy of your unofficial or official transcript to verify education.

GS-06
To qualify for this position at the GS-06 grade level you must meet the Specialized Experience described below. NOTE: You may not substitute education for Specialized Experience at the GS-06 grade level.

Specialized Experience:
To qualify for the GS-06, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.
Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: (MUST MEET ALL FOUR)
1. Sorting, categorizing and distributing mail;
2. Using a paper AND electronic filing system;
3. Copying, mailing, and scanning; AND
4. Utilizing basic computer software skills to produce reports, correspondence, spreadsheets; and keep calendars;

In addition, to meeting ALL FOUR statements defined above applicants MUST MEET AT LEAST 2 of the following 4 specialized experience statements:
1. Performing data entry duties using a database, access or excel;
2. Utilizing customer service skills and phone etiquette;
3. Preparing travel authorizations, vouchers or making travel arrangements utilizing a computer online reservation system;
4. Acting as timekeeper for time and attendance purposes or in another payroll processing capacity.

NOTE: A current and valid State Driver's License is required for both grade levels. Incumbent must be able to rent a car, and be available to travel periodically, by air or car, to remote locations within the United States.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website: https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Responsibilities:

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Probate Hearings Division of the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA). These positions will be located in Albuquerque, NM; Billings, MT; Bloomington, MN; and/or Rapid City, SD.

At the full performance level GS-7 the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Receive and transfer phone calls, take and timely communicate phone messages in a professional manner; answer basic and routine questions and inquiries from interested parties; prepare and send faxes and emails; prepare and review time and attendance records.
2. Process all incoming mail, including correspondence from parties or attorneys, returned mail from notices and decisions, additional document submissions from agencies or other parties. Copy, mail, and scan documents.
3. Review incoming probate case material to ensure it is current and complete; maintain case files from initial filing to completion, correctly input data into docketing system on a timely basis, and search various system records when additional information is required. Maintain complete and orderly files in a manner that expedites retrieval; understand and ensure record and privacy requirements are followed.
4. Use online legal, tracking, or other resources and databases to obtain information. Retrieve and input data into electronic docketing systems; perform administrative duties using electronic databases, systems, and software.
5. Review outgoing decisions, notices, and other documents for grammatical and spelling errors.
6. Coordinate travel arrangements, prepare travel authorizations, and prepare vouchers in a timely manner.
7. Arrange facilities for conferences and hearings and prepare presentation material or background documentation.
8. Responsible for ordering and maintaining adequate supply inventories, tracking property, and ensuring equipment such as copiers, faxes, and shredders are maintained in good working order and in accordance with requirements.

The Office of the Secretary has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.

Salary Information
GS-5:
$39,993 - $51,988 per annum (Albuquerque, NM)
$39,576 - $51,446 per annum (Billings, MT & Rapid City, MT)
$43,076 - $55,996 per annum (Bloomington, MN)

GS-6:
$44,582 - $57,958 per annum (Albuquerque, NM)
$44,117 - $57,354 per annum (Billings, MT & Rapid City, MT)
$48,018 - $62,426 per annum (Bloomington, MN)

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lower salary range of the grade level.

This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.

This vacancy is also announced as OS-6082-25-AW-034(MP) for those applicants who wish to apply and be considered under Merit Promotion procedures.

Salary : $39,993