Summary
This position is located in the Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General. The Office of Inspector General is an independent office within EPA that helps the agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. We consist of auditors, program analysts, investigators, and others with extensive expertise. Although we are a part of EPA, Congress provides us with our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence.
Duties
The Administrative Investigations Directorate (AID) within the Office of Special Review and Evaluation (OSRE) conducts administrative investigations of allegations of misconduct by senior agency employees and complaints of whistleblower reprisal by agency employees, or employees of agency contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees or personal services contractors. The office also manages the OIG's Hotline which serves as the main point of contact for agency employees and members of the public to report fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in agency programs and operations, and violations of law, regulations and policies by EPA and CSB employees, grantees, contractors and program participants. The position serves as investigative counsel within AID's Investigations Division focusing specifically on whistleblower reprisal investigations. As a ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (Investigative Counsel) GS-0905-14 your typical work assignments may include the following under supervision: Conduct timely and complex administrative investigations concerning allegations of reprisal for whistleblowing by EPA or CSB employees or employees of EPA or CSB contractors, subcontractors, grantees, or subgrantees or personal services contractors. This includes developing investigative plans, conducting interviews of witnesses and subjects, and obtaining and analyzing documentary evidence. Judiciously utilize a variety of technological tools to enhance investigative work, including document review software to conduct large scale document reviews. Conduct legal research on complex matters encountered during investigations, apply federal laws, rules, regulations, and court decisions to specific fact patterns, and prepare and defend written or oral legal opinions. Draft legal documents and other materials in connection with ongoing investigations, including subpoenas, document requests, and analytical memoranda. Assess the sufficiency of evidence following investigative activities and draft clear, detailed, and supported reports of investigation and other work products. Engage with a wide range of sources, including whistleblowers, regarding potential or ongoing administrative investigations.
Education
Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D., if selected an official transcript will be required. In addition, the selectee will be required to provide proof of an active bar membership.
How you will be evaluated
Phase I: Your resume will be reviewed to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. ONLY two (2) pages of your resume will be reviewed. Additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) will not be reviewed. Applicants passing "Phase I" will move on to the "Phase II" of the assessment process where your application will be reviewed and rated based on the competencies listed in the vacancy announcement by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents). Applicants who do not respond to the application questions may be rated ineligible. Phase III: Applicants who successfully pass Phase II may be invited to participate in a structured interview. A designated interview panel will conduct the structured interview and evaluate applicants based on their responses to questions designed to assess the required competencies. The panel will assign a score for each competency based on the applicant's responses. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Self-Management Resilience Teamwork Problem Solving Interpersonal Skills If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.). NOTE: If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings are subject to change, or you may be removed from employment consideration. Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other Offices within the OIG community who have vacancies with the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in the same geographic location(s). Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration. You may choose to opt in of having your information shared with other agencies when applying for this position. If an agency requests a copy of a certificate, you are on, you will be notified.