Join our team! The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program. The PSOB Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
Applicants must: Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school. Be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction). Have a minimum of four (4) years of post J.D./LL.B legal experience, which must have been in at least one of the following areas: In handling legal matters involving programs such as those providing disability, death, and education benefits, or other complex programs governed by law, regulation and procedures; In handling Torts, insurance claims, workers' compensation or similar matters; or Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB). Supervisory experience is preferred but not required. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responsible for providing federal leadership and assistance in support of state and local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities and its Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. PSOB Act Analysis, Advice and Guidance Addresses complex legal issues while serving as the principal attorney in charge providing legal counsel to the BJA Director and the PSOB Program. Prepares administrative decisions, reports, legal briefs, opinions, and other documents related to PSOB legal matters. Participates in the drafting of legislation and regulations. Provides legal guidance to support the program's policies and procedures. Reviews and advises on matters concerning the legality of any obligation or claim presented for approval, certification, or payment with respect to the PSOB program. Reviews proposed legislation and regulations to assess their impact on the PSOB program and drafts memoranda and guidance accordingly. Makes recommendations based on feedback from the PSOB Program and assesses the legal implications of proposed legislation. Suggests alternative language as appropriate. Coordinates the work of the PSOB's Legal Counsel's Office, and establishes clear project goals, systems, and methodologies to enhance the legal review process, case tracking, communications with the PSOB Office, work assignments, and timely case processing. Develops policies and procedures to streamline legal reviews, reduce backlogs, and improve the timeliness, of claim determinations. Provides updates to national public safety organizations and survivor groups about laws and regulations. In keeping with OJP procedures, assists BJA and PSOB Directors in responding to congressional and media inquiries regarding the Program. Prepares various materials and updates to websites to educate stakeholders and the public about the PSOB Program and the PSOB claims process. Provides information and guidance to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer on PSOB Program legal matter-related submissions for the President's budget, including Office of Management and Budget data-call submissions and DOJ spend plans. Provides advice and support to DOJ Litigating components and Trial Attorneys responsible for handling PSOB Claims appeals in federal court. PSOB Claims Review Reviews claims filed under the PSOB Act and provides well-reasoned and thorough legal advice as to legal sufficiency of determinations and adjudicates initial claims as necessary. Provides advice, support, assistance, and direction to all BJA personnel in evaluating what evidence or information may be necessary, desirable, or relevant to such processing or adjudication, and in obtaining such evidence or information, including from State, local, and federal agencies, as well as private parties, and including, as appropriate, through the use of administrative subpoenas. Ensures that the language of claim determinations is legally and factually sufficient in articulating legal and factual grounds of the decision. Oversees and manages the process for initial-level legal review of claims, provides legal guidance to independent hearing officer reviews of claims, and drafts final agency determinations of claims for BJA Director consideration. Trains legal personnel assigned to the program. Performs legal research in connection with issues that arise in particular claims and advises on relevant federal laws and regulations, DOJ rules and policies, and other laws that may be implicated by claims. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Position Requirements: Requires admission to the bar and active license in at least one jurisdiction. Requires professional knowledge of the statutes, orders, rules and regulations applicable to the adjudication of federal claims. Requires expertise in how to work in partnership with public safety officers and national public safety organizations or similar organizations. Requires knowledge of the mission, structure and overall responsibilities of public safety agencies at the state and local levels.