Summary

The VCF is administered by a Special Master appointed by the Attorney General, with operational assistance provided by the Civil Division Torts Branch, and provides compensation for physical harm or death caused by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, or the debris removal efforts in the immediate aftermath. The VCF compensates individuals (or a personal representative of a deceased individual) who were present at one of the three crash sites or in the VCF New York City Exposure Zone.

Duties

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The Managing Attorney is responsible for implementing the strategic direction and administrative functioning of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, Torts Branch, Civil Division, Department of Justice. The incumbent reports to, and functions as, the principal legal and administrative advisor to the VCF Special Master. The duties are heavily focused on organizational management, advising the Special Master on the development and implementation of strategic priorities and program-wide improvements, as well as high level problem solving. The incumbent handles a wide array of difficult and complex legal and other issues pertaining to the administration of a victim compensation program, and as such must be able to work with minimal supervision and superior executive/administrative skills.

As a Attorney Advisor (Managing Attorney), GS-0905-15, your typical work assignments may include the following:

• Leading strategic initiatives on behalf of the Special Master, integrating legal, operational, policy and organizational priorities in alignment with the Special Master's objectives and directives;
• Establishing performance measures in alignment with HRD and other OPM directives, evaluating organizational effectiveness, and recommending corrective actions;
• Managing diverse and high-priority projects or tasks assigned directly by the Special Master;
• Serving as General Counsel and Advisor. Providing authoritative counsel to the Special Master on highly sensitive policy, operational, or resource-allocation matters. Provides legal advice/input on statutory, legal, and regulatory issues.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of a 2-year trial period. (Please refer to the trial period statement under Qualifications.)
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

You must have a minimum of 4 years post-JD legal experience to qualify for the GS-15. Examples of qualifying experience described above include: a broad background of experience and knowledge in legal issues, organizational performance, and administrative/supervisory management of attorneys. Experience solving complex organizational challenges in collaboration with a leadership team; developing and implementing policies, procedures, systems, and/or controls to support program/project implementation. Experience leading implementation of new policies and procedures. Ability to work effectively with legal and non-legal staff. Excellent organizational and collaboration skills.

Preferred qualifications: Applicants should reflect excellent analytical, verbal, presentation, and writing skills, working with the highest degree of independence and initiative. This role requires a high level of discretion and professionalism. Background in compensation programs, victim services, trauma-informed practices, and organizational/technological system transformation projects is a plus. Candidates with at least 7 years of experience preferred.

Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; exhibit good judgment, and have experience in trial work. Judicial clerkship experience is desirable.

Trial Period Statement

As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-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.

Education

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. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

OR

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

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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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.

Review our benefits

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.