Paralegal Specialist

DC Government; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Government seeks an experienced professional for the Administrative Hearings Division of the Department of Employment Services. The role requires expert knowledge of DOES programs, management principles, and analytical methods for improving efficiency.

Duties include drafting interlocutory orders, reviewing petitions for attorney fees, evaluating technical evidence, and advising Administrative Law Judges on dispositions.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level is required.

Responsibilities

• Drafts interlocutory orders to be issued by the Administrative Law Judge.
• Reviews Petitions for Awards of Attorneys’ Fees and prepares related orders.
• Analyzes and evaluates evidence and questions arising in hearings and drafting compensation orders.
• Investigates and becomes familiar with subject matter details involved in a case or legal matter.
• Determines data needed and best approach to obtain data or determine relevance of data.
• Performs extensive legal research of statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law and other authorities.
• Advises Administrative Law Judges on possible dispositions of matters.

Job description

This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES), Administrative Hearings Division. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers toopportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

The work requires expert knowledge of the substantive nature of DOES programs and activities; agency missions, policies, and objectives; management principles and processes; and expert knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques for assessing program development or execution and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

Drafts interlocutory orders to be issued by the Administrative Law Judge, which require the review of motions filed by counsel for the rendition of clear, effective and precise written presentations. Reviews Petitions for Awards of Attorneys’ Fee filed by counsel and prepares orders awarding or denying attorney's fees and orders of dismissal to be issued by the Administrative Law Judge. Analyzes and evaluates the relevance of particular technical evidence or questions which arise in the development of cases, legal issues presented at formal hearings and reviewing judge’s drafting compensation orders. Investigates and becomes thoroughly familiar with subject matter details involved in a case or legal matter.

Determines the specific data needed, and best approach to obtain this data or to determine the relevance or sufficiency of available legal, technical or other related data. Performs extensive legal research, including search of statutes, regulations, legislative history, case law and other legal authorities on points of law applicable to particular legal matters. Reviews case files, studies of pleadings testimony, exhibits, hearing records and briefs of counsel. Advises Administrative Law Judges on the possible dispositions of matters based on aforesaid review.

Qualifications and Education

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

None.

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in the normal office setting.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty:Monday – Friday;8:30 a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Term (Not-to exceed 13 months)

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0950-12

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.