Supervisory Paralegal Specialist

Joining the Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations will allow you to use your expertise to provide legal support of those executing the law enforcement duties.

This position starts at a salary of $143,913.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $187,093.00 (GS-14, Step 10). GS Salary: Visit this link to view the locality pay tables by geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the "Rest of United States" pay table.

Some positions fall under a special pay rate depending on the series, grade level and location of the position. Please visit this link to view special pay rate charts. In this Supervisory Paralegal Specialist position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals serving in the capacity as a principal advisor to, and staff member of the Division Director who oversees CBP's penalties, seizures and liquidated damages programs.

Typical work assignments include: Reviewing and processing all cases within their area of authority through to final adjudication and solution. Performing and directing administrative and operational work of the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FPF) and Seized Property programs. Developing and implementing procedures, which promote efficiency and program effectiveness.

Performing inspections, audits, and oversight. Serving as a mentor to other officers by providing complex technical, legal, and administrative direction to ensure compliance with national policy, laws and regulations.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English You may be required to pass a background investigation CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards.

Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities. Financial Disclosure is required.

Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position.

Applicants will only be considered for the Eligibilities for which they claim in the job questionnaire AND must provide the supporting documentation.

Applicants will not be considered for Eligibilities for which they did not claim, regardless of the documentation submitted with the application.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Failure to demonstrate sufficient detail in the body of your resume may impact your final rating.

This position requires a 90-minute timed General Supervisor Test Battery consisting of two parts: 1) Managerial Writing Skills; 2) Critical Thinking Skills. The assessments are administered unproctored and online. Questions are multiple-choice; candidates select the best answer and can mark items for review.

The General Supervisor exam will be used to assess the following Supervisory competencies: Written Communication Decision Making Problem Solving Reasoning Your final rating will be determined by your cumulative score on the General Supervisor exam. All applicants will be contacted via email to complete the Supervisory exam. Applicants who do not complete the entire exam will be removed from consideration.

To be considered for the position, you must demonstrate minimum proficiency and achieve a passing score on the exam. A passing score does not guarantee selection. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories: Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF), and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.

Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPF's and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis. Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher.

This position is not considered scientific/professional. Other 10 point preference eligibles and veterans with 5 point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.

If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be contacted for an interview. As a part of the interview process, additional selection criteria may be administered by the hiring manager. Preview the job questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923284

The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question.

You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. To preview the questionnaire please visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923284 Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18 month probationary period upon appointment. Leadership Training: All newly appointed second level Supervisors are required to complete mandatory training.

The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include ASLT 4-weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Note: This training may be waived if previously completed. Communication Device: Incumbent is required to carry an electronic communication device. Drug Testing: Position is a designated testing position.

Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete the following paid training: Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Basic Training; 3 weeks, Charleston, SC Custody and Management of Seized Property Alternate Class; 2 weeks, Charleston, SC Designated Agency Representative: Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture webinar You may be required to successfully complete the training requirement as a condition of employment. Failure to successfully complete the required course(s) of training in accordance with CBP standards and policies will result in placement into either a former or different position, demotion, or separation as determined by management and appropriate procedures.

Incumbent must attend FOIA/PA training or must have previously attended FOIA/PA training. Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707.

Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account.

Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only.

You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used.

You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 04/07/2026. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type.

Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.

Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. When U.S.

Customs and Border Protection completes their selections, the remaining list of qualified candidates may be shared with hiring managers and Human Resources specialists at additional agencies who are hiring for similar positions. There is no guarantee of further consideration, and you can continue to explore other job opportunity announcements. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment.

In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to [email protected].

View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Your resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and will be used for the purpose of reviewing your qualifications and determining what training, if any, would be required when placed. A resume in English is required. It must contain your full legal name, phone number, relevant work history including a detailed description of your duties, the dates you performed those duties (MM/DD/YY), your hours worked per week, job title, as well as series, grade, and salary (if applicable).

For additional required items, see the link above. It is recommended that you upload your resume as a PDF instead of a Word document to ensure document quality. Ensure that your uploaded resume is not a password protected document, to include Office 365 passwords.

Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.

Your responses to the job questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923284 Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP), Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), or the Reemployment Priority List (RPL)?

You must submit a separation notice; your most recent SF-50 (noting your current position, grade level and duty location); a copy of your most recent performance rating; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; or a Military Department of National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456; or RPL registration documentation. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, as amended, that would interfere with completing the General Supervisor Assessment, you are able to request a Reasonable Accommodation prior to the Managerial Writing Skills and Critical Thinking Skills Test. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

Are you a veteran? To apply veterans' preference you must submit proof of eligibility as appropriate for your preference type: Five Point Preference: DD 214 listing the character of service and either qualifying medal(s) or service period. Ten Point Preference: DD 214 showing character of service and supporting documentation as listed on the Standard Form 15 (application for 10 Point Veterans' Preference).

Submitting an SF-15 with your application is encouraged. Veterans with a service-connected disability must also submit a VA Disability Award letter dated 1991 or later, OR supporting documentation as listed in the SF-15. If you are currently serving on active duty, you must submit a written statement from the armed forces certifying your dates of service, rank, expected character of service, and anticipated date of separation.

If you apply with a written statement at this stage, your preference will be verified by a DD 214 upon separation from the military. View more veterans' information. Are you a current or former federal employee?

If yes, it is recommended that you submit a copy of your SF-50(s) (Notification of Personnel Action) to support your experience. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions. Retired former federal employees are required to submit your retirement SF-50 and encouraged to submit your most recent annuity statement.

Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your initial and termination SF-50s.