Summary
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the legal team for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), providing quality representation and legal advice on a wide range of highly visible national issues.OGC supports the development and implementation of the Department's programs by providing the highest quality legal services to the Secretary of HHS and the organization's various agencies and divisions.
This job is open to

• Federal employees - Competitive service
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Federal employees - Excepted service
  Current excepted service federal employees.
• Senior executives
  Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
Open to all groups of qualified individuals
Duties
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Chief Counsel advises the heads of regional operating and staff divisions on Department programs administered in the region and is the Regional Director's chief legal advisor. Provides legal advice to the General Counsel on formulation, coordination, revision and execution of administrative policy and programs on the regional level. Drafts, reviews, and clears important letters, policy statements, and similar communications by the Regional Director and other region officials on significant program and policy matters which require sensitivity to legal, public relations, or State relations implications.
Serves as a member of the top management team in the region and collaborates with the Regional Director, the General Counsel, and other high level OGC and region managers to establish and articulate legal, organizational priorities, and operating principles. Manages organizational resources consistent with long and short-term plans and operational requirements. Provides executive leadership for identifying and implementing ways to improve the quality and efficiency of the regions business processes and enhance the quality and timeliness of the regions legal products and services.
Consults with U.S. Attorneys and provides professional leadership for legal staff activities involving investigating, preparing, presenting, and conducting criminal and civil litigation growing out of Departmental activities in the region. Activities include developing litigation strategies and negotiating settlements of claims against the United States. Consultation and assistance involves preparation of complaints, briefs, motions, stipulations, judgments, findings all other instruments and documents peculiar to litigation; interviewing witnesses; and advising clients of the legality of State, local, and private claims against the United States. Provides authoritative advice on legal matters to representatives of U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the Department of Justice, the Solicitor General, and others. Directs staff activities involving assistance to State and local law officers in litigation in State courts affecting Federally-aided programs.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• This employer participates in the E-Verify Program
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Subject to satisfactory security and suitability determinations
• New appointees must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period
• This is a career position in the SES. Unless the selectee is already a member of the SES with career status or has successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program certified by OPM. ECQ's will be required before appointment.
• Executive qualifications must be approved by OPM before appointment can be effected. If you are selected, you will be responsible for working with an HHS Executive Consultant, or QRB Writer to develop an ECQ narrative for submission to OPM
• You must meet the qualification requirements of this position no later than the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
• Must possess J.D. or LL.B degree
• Active Membership or admission to the bar is required

Qualifications
Open to all groups of qualified individuals from the public. Current employees within the Federal Civil Service and Excepted Service. Current Career SES and SES reinstatement eligibles. SESCDP graduates may also apply for noncompetitive consideration.
All candidates for SES positions with the Federal Government must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of senior executive level management capability. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show in your resume that you possess the Fundamental Competencies, five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), and the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ's), listed below. It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments and results. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirement and all executive and technical qualification factors will automatically exclude you from further consideration.
Fundamental Competencies:
Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Written Communication, Continual Learning, and Public Service Motivation.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):
1. Leading Change: The ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
2. Leading People: The ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
3. Results Driven: The ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
4. Business Acumen: The ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
5. Building Coalitions: The ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ's):
This position also requires that you possess PTQ's that represent knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. The following PTQ's must be evident in your resume.

1. Demonstrated leadership experience examining a complex body of law in which precedents were frequently conflicting or non-existent resulting in (1) determinations and conclusions that guided the organization in resolving subsequent, similar problems; (2) legal advice being provided to directors and other high level organizational officials on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and (3) the development of positions on legal issues that are precedent setting and have organizational-wide impact.
2. Demonstrated leadership experience providing legal advice resulting in (1) analysis of complex legal problems, (2) management of the professional resources of an office to address problems and prepare complex legal documents.
3. Demonstrated leadership experience directing an effective cadre of lawyers and supporting personnel, setting appropriate priorities, and ensuring that the organization met clients' needs for high quality service.

It is STRONGLY recommended that you visit the following Office of Personnel Management (OPM) webpage for more information regarding the Fundamental Competencies and ECQs.
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/#url=Overview
IF SELECTED , you will be required to complete an ECQ package by drafting narratives for each of the ECQs and be certified by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in order to be placed in this position. If you are currently serving in a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), you WILL NOT need to draft the ECQs.
Education
Must possess J.D. or LL.B degree.
and
Licensure
Applicants must be licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territorial court established under the United States Constitution. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to practice law.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.
Additional information
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Salary:
Salary for Senior Executive Service positions varies depending on qualifications. The annual salary range may be found at the top of this announcement. This position may be eligible for performance bonuses and performance based pay adjustments.
Probationary Period:
An individual's initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a one year probationary period.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
HHS inspires public confidence by maintaining high ethical principles, and all Federal Government employees are subject to the conflict of interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct, that govern activities with outside organizations and reporting financial holdings. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 also requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
Security and Background Requirements
If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equality is held as one of the most important values at HHS. Selection for this, and any other position, will be based solely on merit. HHS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
If applying online poses a hardship to you, you may submit your application by contacting Gregory Stewart.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact: . Requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Veteran's Preference
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the SES.
Mobility
Individuals selected for senior executive positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines.
Selective Service
As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.

• Benefits
  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.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your resume ( NOT TO EXCEED FIVE PAGES ), demonstrating possession of the technical qualifications and achievement of the five executive core qualifications are the documents that will be used to determine your basic and specialized qualifications for the position. Your resume will be rated on the scope of experience listed in the qualifications section. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-15 or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. YOU MUST ADHERE TO THE PAGE LIMIT ABOVE OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• Benefits
  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.
• Required Documents
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  All applicants are required to submit the following documents to be considered for the position:
  
  • Resume that contains your full name, address and phone number, and does not exceed the five (5) page limit. (ECQ and PTQ sample experience should be listed in the resume and not separately)
  • Copy of unofficial transcripts
  • Proof of active bar membership or admission to the bar is required
  • Online Assessment Questionnaire. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click here: (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12435823).
  NOTE: THE USAJOBS RESUME TEMPLATE MAY RESULT IN A RESUME BEING LONGER THAN FIVE PAGES. PLEASE VERIFY PAGE LENGTH BEFORE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION.
  Applicants who are currently, or were previously, Federal employees must also submit:
  
  • An SF-50 showing your current or former civil service status; and
  • Proof of OPM Qualifications Review Board certification (OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program graduates), if applicable.
  NOTE: Documents submitted that are not listed in the Required Documents section of this announcement will not be considered or forwarded to the rating panel or selecting official.
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  You must submit the complete online application and documentation specified in the Required Documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the CLOSING DATE of this announcement 06/28/2024 to receive consideration.
  Applicants must have a USAJOBS account to apply to this position. For more information on establishing a USAJOBS account; searching for and applying to HHS jobs; or understanding the federal hiring process, contact .
  Submitting Your Application
  To verify your application is complete, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and then select More Information for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  Once the online questionnaire is received, an acknowledgement e-mail will be sent to the address on file. If you are unable to upload any of the required supporting documents, you may fax them to 1-478-757-3144. Please include a cover sheet clearly indicating the announcement for which you are applying.
  Should you have any questions related to this vacancy, please contact the HR Specialist listed at the end of this vacancy announcement at least 24 hours prior to vacancy close.
  Agency contact information
  Gregory Stewart
  Phone
  202-401-5714
  Email
  Gregory.Stewart@hhs.gov
  Address
  Office of the General Counsel
  200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
  Washington, DC 20201
  US
  Next steps
  You will receive an email informing you of the receipt of your application.Highly qualified candidates may be referred for an interview and may be required to undergo a reference check.The OPM Executive Resources Board (ERB) may review results and make recommendations on final selections to the approving authority.We expect to make a selection within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.
• Fair and Transparent
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents
All applicants are required to submit the following documents to be considered for the position:

• Resume that contains your full name, address and phone number, and does not exceed the five (5) page limit. (ECQ and PTQ sample experience should be listed in the resume and not separately)
• Copy of unofficial transcripts
• Proof of active bar membership or admission to the bar is required
• Online Assessment Questionnaire. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click here: (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12435823).

NOTE: THE USAJOBS RESUME TEMPLATE MAY RESULT IN A RESUME BEING LONGER THAN FIVE PAGES. PLEASE VERIFY PAGE LENGTH BEFORE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION.
Applicants who are currently, or were previously, Federal employees must also submit:

• An SF-50 showing your current or former civil service status; and
• Proof of OPM Qualifications Review Board certification (OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program graduates), if applicable.

NOTE: Documents submitted that are not listed in the Required Documents section of this announcement will not be considered or forwarded to the rating panel or selecting official.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
You must submit the complete online application and documentation specified in the Required Documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the CLOSING DATE of this announcement 06/28/2024 to receive consideration.
Applicants must have a USAJOBS account to apply to this position. For more information on establishing a USAJOBS account; searching for and applying to HHS jobs; or understanding the federal hiring process, contact .
Submitting Your Application
To verify your application is complete, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and then select More Information for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Once the online questionnaire is received, an acknowledgement e-mail will be sent to the address on file. If you are unable to upload any of the required supporting documents, you may fax them to 1-478-757-3144. Please include a cover sheet clearly indicating the announcement for which you are applying.
Should you have any questions related to this vacancy, please contact the HR Specialist listed at the end of this vacancy announcement at least 24 hours prior to vacancy close.
Agency contact information
Gregory Stewart
Phone
202-401-5714
Email
Gregory.Stewart@hhs.gov
Address
Office of the General Counsel
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
You will receive an email informing you of the receipt of your application.Highly qualified candidates may be referred for an interview and may be required to undergo a reference check.The OPM Executive Resources Board (ERB) may review results and make recommendations on final selections to the approving authority.We expect to make a selection within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request