Legal Careers
Deputy Chief
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
The Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) leads the Department's campaign against the sexual exploitation of children. CEOS serves a unique and critical function in the enforcement of the nation's laws protecting children from sexual predators and prohibiting the distribution of obscenity.
CEOS leverages the technical skill and subject matter expertise of its prosecutors and highly-trained digital investigative analysts to develop and prosecute high-impact national and international cases, involving the most prolific and dangerous offenders. CEOS trial attorneys work hand-in-hand with federal law enforcement agents and CEOS's in-house investigative unit, comprised of digital information and technology specialists, to develop strategies targeting online child pornography networks and to uncover large-scale sexual abuse of children. With its concentrated expert knowledge, CEOS helps shape domestic and international policy and legislation, and provides guidance and training to prosecutors and investigators within and outside the federal government.
The crimes targeted by CEOS include, among others, (1) the production, distribution, receipt and possession of images depicting the sexual assault of children (child pornography); (2) the online inducement of children for sexually predatory purposes; (3) the travel of offenders, or transportation of children by offenders, across state lines for sexually predatory purposes; (4) the sex trafficking of children, including the prostitution of children on our city streets; (5) the extraterritorial sexual exploitation of children (“child sex tourism”) involving offenders who travel to foreign countries to prey sexually on vulnerable children; and (6) the mass and commercial distribution of obscenity, particularly where the content poses a particular risk of harm to children. CEOS's work also includes offenses involving international parental kidnapping, child support enforcement, and sex crimes against children on federal land.
The principal Deputy Chief of CEOS serves in a leadership capacity on prosecutions, training, and policy and legislative proposals involving the above categories of offenses. The principal Deputy assists the Chief in developing and implementing innovative enforcement strategies and training initiatives that substantially improve our nation's ability to identify and punish child sexual predators and prevent the victimization of children in the first instance through deterrence brought about by aggressive and strategic law enforcement actions. The principal Deputy Chief also exercises a leadership role in upholding the rights and interests of child victims and witnesses.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The principal Deputy Chief, CEOS:
· Manages, directs and supervises CEOS Trial Attorneys and Computer Forensic Specialists in: (1) pursuing large multi-district and international investigations; (2) working in conjunction with agents and prosecutors across the nation in particularly complex, challenging and/or sensitive prosecutions; (3) developing and implementing national and transnational coordinated enforcement operations that target the most dangerous and prolific offenders; (4) providing expert guidance and training to federal prosecutors on cutting_edge legal and technological issues; (5) developing and guiding legislation and policy in the area of child protection and child exploitation enforcement and obscenity; (6) promoting and developing broad networks, strategic partnerships and strategic planning among all stakeholders, including the FBI, ICE, USPIS, to ensure a coordinated and effective law enforcement approach; and (7) building important partnerships with industry, non_governmental organizations and international enforcement partners to complement federal efforts.
· Advises and assists the Chief, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General and other top Division and Department officials concerning legal and policy questions that affect the prosecution of child pornography and obscenity cases. Serves as a recognized authority on the Internet's influence on the proliferation of child pornography and other forms of child exploitation.
· Exercises leadership domestically and abroad to increase the awareness and effective responses to child exploitation crimes, including promoting legislation to address these crimes.
· Assumes responsibility for a broad range of legal, management, financial and administrative functions in the planning, policy direction, operation and problem solving of the Section. Assists in the mobilization of Section resources to provide significant litigative support in child exploitation cases, as well as advice and counsel in day-to-day legal, operational and policy issues.
Demonstrates strong advocacy and commitment for the Division's priorities concerning workforce diversity and equal employment opportunity. Supports merit promotion principles in all aspects of recruitment, selection, development, and performance management. Serves occasionally on various hiring committees to attract highly-qualified applicants to the Division.
Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 5 years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Applicants must also have a high level of management/supervisory experience.
You must submit a resume and a separate narrative statement/response that addresses each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES).
U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf.
Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements:
1. Extensive knowledge and experience with federal criminal practice, including experience in investigating and prosecuting complex federal criminal cases, and experience with child exploitation and obscenity cases.
2. Experience in leading, managing and supervising teams of attorneys and their work product.
3. Ability to formulate and implement Departmental policies on all matters pertaining to assigned areas.
4. Extensive experience with complex cyber child exploitation investigations as well as familiarity with forensic techniques as they relate to child exploitation cases.
Candidates will be evaluated on the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements identified above. If candidates are found to possess all technical requirements, they will then be evaluated based on the Executive Core Qualifications as established by the OPM outlined below.
Executive/Managerial Requirements:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision, which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
• Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies, which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
• Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Cultural Awareness, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
• Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.
• Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
• Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication
Other Information: The managerial qualifications of a selectee who is not a current or former career SES employee must be approved by OPM before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.
To receive consideration, applicants must submit:
1. A resume
2. A separate statement addressing each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements.
3. A separate statement addressing each ECQ that describes your managerial experience. While individuals who are current or former career SES members (approved by OPM and have completed an initial probationary period) need not submit an Executive Core Qualifications statement, they are required to provide an SF-50 or SES certificate to demonstrate their current or prior service. Otherwise, the absence of ECQs will be identified as a failure to comply with the requirements of the vacancy. Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
4. If you are a current or recent Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and a performance appraisal issued within the past 12 months, or if none exists, please include a statement to that effect.
**Preference is to receive an application via e-mail at SES.CRMJOBS@USDOJ.GOV.
Applications being mailed should be sent to*:
Department of Justice/Criminal Division
Attn: Kimberly Jackson
Human Capital Staff
1331 F. Street, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20530
*As all incoming U.S. mail must be processed at a remote facility prior to final delivery, to avoid delay in receipt, it is highly recommended that applicants use Federal Express.
For additional information, please call:
CONTACT: Kimberly Jackson
CONTACT PHONE: 202-598-2232
E-MAIL: SES.CRMJOBS@USDOJ.GOV
All applications (including mailed applications) MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM EST on the CLOSING DATE: November 13, 2015.
The managerial qualifications of a selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
$121,956 to $183,300* *SES pay is determined within the pay range, commensurate with experience, superior leadership qualifications, and/or other competencies consistent with the agency mission, contingent on Department pay-setting rules.
Department Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.
Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice or a federal contractor acting on its behalf from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history record, either in writing or orally, before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement.
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.