Duties

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The Attorney-Advisor (General), located in the Office of the Counselor to the Inspector General is fully accountable for ensuring a successful legal program that supports OIG audits, reviews, investigations, and inspections. In so doing, the incumbent engages in important legal policy making determinations that significantly affect OIG operations, consulting with the Office of General Counsel where necessary.

As an Attorney-Advisor (General), you will:

• Provide expert legal advice and guidance consistent with applicable laws and regulations on issues relating to the review and coordination of OIG audits, reviews, investigations, inspections, and other initiatives designed to prevent or detect inefficiency, waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in VA programs and operations. Most specifically complex issues of criminal, civil, and administrative laws, practices and procedures, remedies, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Assist in the development, planning, administration, and reporting of a comprehensive oversight program covering misconduct or allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse received from a variety of sources such as VA senior officials, the OIG Hotline, Congress, and referrals from OIG program managers.
• Provide assistance to U.S. Attorneys and DOJ attorneys in the preparation and conduct of criminal and civil proceedings involving VA incumbents, incumbents of other Government agencies, and others when the interests of VA are involved.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.

Key Requirements:

1. Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
2. Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Be a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Specialized experience: For the GS-15, you must have four or more years of post-J.D. legal experience, of which two years must be equivalent to the GS-14 grade level. Specialized experience for this position includes:

• Assisting with planning and executing investigative, analytical, and/or legal reviews resulting from federal criminal violations; OR
• Representing entities or federal agencies in criminal enforcement matters, criminal litigation, or proceedings related to the investigation and prosecution of criminal violations; OR
• Conducting legal reviews of federal criminal investigative matters and presenting the subject matter to various audiences; OR
• Providing legal advice and guidance on federal criminal law issues, investigative strategies, prosecutorial considerations, or evidentiary matters to organizational officials or other decision-makers.

Education

Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of graduation (a copy of your transcript will be required if selected).

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Additional information

- We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Applicants who apply for this position may be considered for other positions within the Office of Inspector General that require the same knowledge, skills, and abilities.

- This is a non-bargaining unit position.

- We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.

- Office assignment may be at one of the locations listed on the announcement subject to availability and OIG management discretion.

Conditions of Employment (CONTINUED):

- A two year trial period may be required. Continued employment is contingent upon supervisory certification that continued employment will benefit the Federal Service; the certification will occur no less than 30 days before the end of the probationary/trial period.

- Within 30 days prior to the end of a probationary trial period, it must be certified by your first and second level supervisor that your continued employment would benefit the Federal service, or your appointment will be terminated.

- Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.

-If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.

- Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.

- Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.

- Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.

- Obtain and use a Government-issued purchase card for business-related travel.

- File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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Our comprehensive benefits are very generous. Our benefits package includes:

- Challenging work, opportunities for advancement, competitive salaries, bonuses and incentive awards.

- Eleven paid holidays, 13 days of sick leave, and 13 to 26 days of vacation time each year.

- Access to insurance programs that may be continued after you retire.

- A wide choice of health insurance plans, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no waiting periods. We pay a substantial amount (up to 75%) of the health insurance premiums.

- A retirement program which includes employer-matching contributions.

Learn more about Federal benefits programs at: USAJOBS Help Center - Benefits

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