Duties

The legal practice at the Northeast Regional Office oversees the legal operations associated with sixteen correctional institutions covering Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York. Staff cover a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation such as inmates' reasonable access to the courts, conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, and discipline.

The CLC Attorney handles a wide variety of legal issues focusing on correctional law, which is a practice that relies heavily on constitutional law, tort law, and other administrative law. This practice is primarily civil in nature and involves providing extensive litigation support to the U.S. Attorney's Offices. This practice also involves providing advice and guidance to all levels of staff within the northeast region, including senior leaders. The legal issues covered include, but are not limited to inmates' access to the courts (e.g., access to counsel and legal materials, etc.), conditions of confinement (e.g., medical care, religious accommodations, etc.), and post-sentencing processes (e.g., sentence computations and inmate discipline).
The incumbent will supervise the administrative responsibilities of the Regional Office pertaining to requests pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act, and the Administrative Remedies program.

The Practice areas related to this position are: Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, Tort Law/Personal Injury, and Health/Medical.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
• Selective Service Requirement: http://www.sss.gov
• U.S. Citizenship is Required.

Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  • Resume showing relevant experience with cover letter.
  • In order to receive credit for experience contained in a resume, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification.
  • Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment.
  • A college transcript which includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day).
  • SF-50 for proof of prior LEO coverage, if applicable.

  Failure to provide these documents could possibly result in removal from consideration for this vacancy.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  Applicants must submit a resume, list of references, a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience) and a writing sample postmarked by March 13, 2024, to:

  U.S. Department of Justice
  Federal Bureau of Prisons
  Northeast Regional Office
  U.S. Custom House
  2nd and Chestnut Street, 7th Floor
  Philadelphia, PA 19106

  Attn: Adam Johnson, Regional Counsel

  It is preferred that you submit your application packet via e-mail to a10johnson@bop.gov

  No telephone calls please. The position will remain open until filled, but applications must be submitted no later than March 13, 2024.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO: ATTORNEY VACANCY

  PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPLY ONLINE.

  Agency contact information

  Adam Johnson

  Phone

  972-352-4200

  Email

  a10johnson@bop.gov

  Address

  JUSTICE, BUREAU OF PRISONS
  Consolidated Staffing Unit
  346 Marine Forces Drive
  Grand Prairie, Texas 75051
  United States

  Next steps

  We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the application process has been completed.

  The Human Resource Office may then contact you for an interview if they wish. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.

  Applicants referred on a certificate of eligibles may receive an Inquiry of Availability (OF-5 Form) via e-mail, mail or a telephone inquiry from the local Human Resource Department. Applicants MUST complete the OF-5 form and return it to the Human Resource Management Office or contact the Human Resource Department via e-mail.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

• ATTORNEY APPOINTMENTS ARE IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE. • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPLY ONLINE. • PLEASE REFER TO THE “HOW TO APPLY SECTION” FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS. • FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO: https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/attorneys-vacancies • This position is open until filled, but no later than March 13, 2024. • Duty Location: Northeast Regional Office, Philadelphia, PA