USAJOBS · 1 month ago
Chief Legal Counsel, PSOB Program
Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$168K/yr - $195K/yr
4+ years expThe Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program. The Chief Legal Counsel will address complex legal issues, provide legal counsel, and oversee the legal review process related to benefits for survivors of fallen law enforcement officers and first responders.
ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Addresses complex legal issues while serving as the principal attorney in charge providing legal counsel to the BJA Director and the PSOB Program
Prepares administrative decisions, reports, legal briefs, opinions, and other documents related to PSOB legal matters
Participates in the drafting of legislation and regulations
Provides legal guidance to support the program's policies and procedures
Reviews and advises on matters concerning the legality of any obligation or claim presented for approval, certification, or payment with respect to the PSOB program
Reviews proposed legislation and regulations to assess their impact on the PSOB program and drafts memoranda and guidance accordingly
Makes recommendations based on feedback from the PSOB Program and assesses the legal implications of proposed legislation
Suggests alternative language as appropriate
Coordinates the work of the PSOB's Legal Counsel's Office, and establishes clear project goals, systems, and methodologies to enhance the legal review process, case tracking, communications with the PSOB Office, work assignments, and timely case processing
Develops policies and procedures to streamline legal reviews, reduce backlogs, and improve the timeliness of claim determinations
Provides updates to national public safety organizations and survivor groups about laws and regulations
In keeping with OJP procedures, assists BJA and PSOB Directors in responding to congressional and media inquiries regarding the Program
Prepares various materials and updates to websites to educate stakeholders and the public about the PSOB Program and the PSOB claims process
Provides information and guidance to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer on PSOB Program legal matter-related submissions for the President's budget, including Office of Management and Budget data-call submissions and DOJ spend plans
Provides advice and support to DOJ Litigating components and Trial Attorneys responsible for handling PSOB Claims appeals in federal court
Reviews claims filed under the PSOB Act and provides well-reasoned and thorough legal advice as to legal sufficiency of determinations and adjudicates initial claims as necessary
Provides advice, support, assistance, and direction to all BJA personnel in evaluating what evidence or information may be necessary, desirable, or relevant to such processing or adjudication, and in obtaining such evidence or information, including from State, local, and federal agencies, as well as private parties, and including, as appropriate, through the use of administrative subpoenas
Ensures that the language of claim determinations is legally and factually sufficient in articulating legal and factual grounds of the decision
Oversees and manages the process for initial-level legal review of claims, provides legal guidance to independent hearing officer reviews of claims, and drafts final agency determinations of claims for BJA Director consideration
Trains legal personnel assigned to the program
Performs legal research in connection with issues that arise in particular claims and advises on relevant federal laws and regulations, DOJ rules and policies, and other laws that may be implicated by claims
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school
Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction)
Have a minimum of four (4) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB)
Requires admission to the bar and active license in at least one jurisdiction
Requires professional knowledge of the statutes, orders, rules and regulations applicable to the adjudication of federal claims
Requires expertise in how to work in partnership with public safety officers and national public safety organizations or similar organizations
Requires knowledge of the mission, structure and overall responsibilities of public safety agencies at the state and local levels
Preferred
Supervisory experience is preferred but not required
Benefits
OJP employees are eligible for one transportation benefit - parking or the Department of Justice (DOJ) transit subsidy.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Company
USAJOBS
USAJOBS enables federal job seekers to access job opportunities across hundreds of federal agencies and organizations.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
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