Paralegal Specialist

Customs and Border Protection; Harrison Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking qualified candidates for GS-11/12 positions in the Detroit Sector, Law Enforcement Operations, stationed at Selfridge ANG Base, MI.

The role emphasizes specialized experience, applicable education substitutions, and a clear path for combined education and experience to meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet Time-in-Grade requirements and pass a thorough background investigation.

Qualifications

• GS-11 requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• GS-12 requires 1 year of specialized experience as described for the next lower grade.
• Education substitutions allow Ph.D. or LL.M. for GS-11.
• Combining education and experience may meet total requirements.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing investigative reports and case records.
• Evaluating petitions and evidence for relief determinations.
• Preparing and issuing final decision letters.
• Providing technical direction to lower graded employees.

Skills

Investigative experience

Legal analysis

Case management

Leadership guidance

Education

Ph.D. substitution

LL.M. substitution

Graduate education for GS-11

Tools

Automated case systems

Job description

Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector, Law Enforcement Operations, located in Selfridge ANG Base, MI. Additional selections may be made for other organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements.

GS-11 Experience

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Reviewing and evaluating investigative reports and case records;
• Examining and evaluating petitions, making decisions as to the acceptability of evidence, and determining grounds for relief;
• Preparing and issuing final decision letters stating findings of fact and conclusions of law;
• Providing technical direction to lower graded employees.

GS-12 Experience

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as:

• Evaluating all evidence, facts, and circumstances relating to cases to make determinations and recommendations as appropriate;
• Applying legal expertise to identity defects, deficiencies, and trends to refer defective or improperly documented cases for correction and/or cancellation;
• Using automated systems to accurately track case management progress and optimize efficiency;
• Developing guidance, training, and feedback to field personnel in regard to seizures, penalties, fines, etc. to increase effectiveness and enforcement actions.

GS-11 Education Substitution

A Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience required at this level. (A course of study in business, international business, or a related field is qualifying.) Check with your school to determine how many credit hours comprise three years of graduate study. If that information is not available, use 54 semester or 81 quarter hours.

GS-12 Education Substitution

There is no education substitution at the GS-12 grade level.

Combining Education and Experience

Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11. More information on this qualification standard is located here.

Experience

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must:

• Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 11/02/2026.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Background Investigation

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers

Residency

There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions:

• Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military
• A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government
• Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university
• Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government

Probationary Period

All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles

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