Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA), Law and Policy (LP) seeks attorneys to work directly in U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAO) as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA). LP criminal fraud attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal fraud cases that undermine SSA and other government benefits programs. This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously six months. Future cut-off dates are at the hiring management's discretion.
Responsibilities
LP Fraud Attorneys are responsible for all stages of the criminal prosecution and collaborate with SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and other law enforcement agencies.
Social Security touches the lives of millions, providing vital services and a social safety net through retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Join the talented and dedicated attorney team supporting these services.
LP is a modern public service law office with a highly skilled and engaged workforce dedicated to protecting SSA's legal interests. We strategically shape a large national workload through effective collaboration and coordination.
We offer the opportunity to handle meaningful and challenging legal work in a professional, team-oriented, and flexible work environment.
Sworn in as SAUSAs, SSA criminal fraud attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal fraud cases. They are assigned to, and work in, a USAO. They work closely with the OIG and other law enforcement agencies.
Like other federal prosecutors, L P's SAUSAs work under USAO management supervision and are responsible for all stages of the criminal case,
(cont'd) including grand jury proceedings; indictments; motion practice; plea negotiations and hearings; jury trials; and sentencing hearings.
Attorneys have significant responsibility for their own caseloads, but also receive intensive mentoring, training and support through LP and the USAO.
Candidates should have a strong desire to serve the public; have excellent research, writing and communication skills; and have strong litigation experience or aptitude.
We encourage candidates with varied backgrounds, qualities, and experiences to apply.
Qualifications
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information. Candidates should have a strong desire to serve the public; have excellent research, writing and communication skills; and have strong litigation experience or aptitude. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, qualities, and experiences to apply. Applicants must hold a law degree from a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants must be a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to practice law. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position. Experience: For GS-13: Requires 3 years of professional legal experience working as a licensed attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include handling criminal or civil litigation matters. For GS-14: Requires 4 years of professional legal experience working as a licensed attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include handling criminal or civil litigation matters. Qualifying experience may include appearing in court; conducting trials, hearings, or other contested proceedings; participating in settlement or plea negotiations; preparing cases from the investigative stage through resolution; resolving litigation matters; and prosecuting or litigating cases from initial investigation through trial or other final disposition. Experience involving fraud, false statements, program-integrity issues, or other complex enforcement matters is preferred. Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position. SSA has discretion to determine what grade level and salary may be offered.
Education
Applicants must possess a JD degree. TRANSCRIPTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SUBSTANTIATE POSSESSION OF THE REQUIRED AND CLAIMED EDUCATION. Submit a copy of your law school transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, degree, and degree award date. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. Self-prepared transcripts will not be accepted. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position. Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.