Summary
Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Our highly-skilled, diverse, and innovative workforce creates a strong foundation of safety and security. Through the principles of humanity and normalcy, we develop good neighbors.
This job is open to
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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 April 15, 2024. • Duty Location: FMC Rochester, MN or FCI Waseca, MN or FCI Thomson, IL

Duties
This vacancy announcement is for a Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Attorney. There are two vacancies at three possible locations - Rochester, Minnesota; Waseca, Minnesota; or Thomson, Illinois. Please clarify which position(s) you are applying for. You may apply for multiple locations at the same time by noting your interest in your cover letter.
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 legal guidance and support to BOP employees and through internal and administrative processes (e.g., administrative claims). 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).
While the specific duties and responsibilities of the CLC Attorney will vary depending on the duty location, the ability to perform the core functions described above requires the ability to independently conduct thorough legal research and provide well-reasoned work products in a timely fashion, that is tailored to the audience. In addition, the ability to communicate between different groups within the BOP, and to communicate on behalf of the BOP with external stakeholders, is critical to be an effective advocate for BOP.
The Federal Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota, Federal Correctional Institution, Waseca, MN, the Federal Correctional Institution, Thomson, the Federal Prison Camp, Duluth, Minnesota, and the Federal Correctional Institution, Sandstone, work under the direction of the CLC Rochester. The CLC Attorney will be expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent will be significantly involved in preparing litigation reports and pleadings in various litigation filed against staff and the United States, as well as handle the adjudication of administrative tort claims. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions.
This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. If you are above the maximum entry age and have prior federal law enforcement coverage, you must submit an SF-50 to verify prior coverage. Qualified Preference Eligible Veterans may be exempt from meeting the maximum age. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the successful completion of 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase I' locally and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques, Phase II' at the Staff Training Academy.
Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts.
The Practice areas related to this position are: Health/Medical, Civil Litigation, and Constitutional Law.
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).
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.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one (1) year post-JD legal or other relevant experience.
Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law and/or federal civil litigation is desired though not required.
Education
See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.
Additional information
Special Conditions of Employment Section:
This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the successful completion of "Institution Familiarization” and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques."
Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov//working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis
Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation.
All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check and must pass a review of their income tax filing history.
Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate.
SALARY RANGE:
Salary reflected on this vacancy announcement is a combination of all locations; however, the selectee’s salary may be different based on the worksite/duty station of the appointee. See Salary Tables for your location.
NOTE: FCI Waseca, MN (10%): A RETENTION INCENTIVE UP TO 10% MAY BE OFFERED TO SELECTEE(S) WHO MEETS THE CRITERIA FOR RETENTION INCENTIVE.
Benefits
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
This position is processed under Direct Hire, veteran’s preference and Category Rating procedures do not apply.
Applicants will be evaluated utilizing the documentation submitted and considered for the grade level in which the resume and/or educational transcripts supports.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Required Documents
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, a cover letter (highlighting relevant experience), a list of references, and a writing sample by April 15, 2024, to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
North Central Regional Office
Gateway Complex Tower II, 8th Floor
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Attention: Mary Noland, Regional Counsel
It is preferred that you submit your application packet via e-mail to mbenning@bop.gov
No telephone calls please. This position is open until filled but no later than April 15, 2024.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO: ATTORNEY VACANCY
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPLY ONLINE.
Agency contact information
Mary Noland
Phone
972-352-4200
Email
mbenning@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.