Supervisory Paralegal Specialist: Elevate Your Legal Career with ICE
The Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the legal framework of one of the nation’s most critical agencies. If you possess a high level of expertise in paralegal support and are ready to take on a supervisory role in Washington, D.C., this role may be the perfect next step for you.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-13 Supervisory Paralegal Specialist, you will act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Key duties include:
- Legal Research & Support: Utilizing advanced databases to research case precedents and evaluate claims.
- Administrative Adjudication: Overseeing the processing of personal injury and property damage claims pursuant to the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
- Data Management: Pulling and analyzing statistical reports concerning case numbers, fiscal data, and non-citizen status for legal team review.
- Team Leadership: Providing mentorship and technical oversight to paralegal staff.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Documentation: A resume strictly limited to two pages.
- Assessment: Completion of the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment within the designated time frame.
- Background: Candidates must undergo a background investigation for Public Trust.
Comparison of Potential Benefits
| Benefit Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent) |
| Insurance | Health, Dental, Vision, Life |
| Work-Life | Telework & Flexible Schedules |
| Financial | Tuition Reimbursement & Transit Subsidy |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 grade level. The salary range for this role is $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Actual pay is determined by the specific locality pay adjustment for the duty station in Washington, D.C.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Do not simply copy the job announcement duties into your resume. Use concrete examples of your work.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure your SF-50 and other supporting documents are current and correctly attached.
- Watch the Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date.
Joining the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor is an excellent way to apply your legal expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment. Apply by the closing date to be considered for this high-impact position.
Why This Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job Matters
Advance your legal career with the Department of Homeland Security—serve as a key pillar in the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor as a Supervisory Paralegal Specialist.
Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job Overview
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Paralegal Specialist to join their team in Washington, D.C. In this vital role, you will act as a subject matter expert, providing high-level paralegal support to attorneys navigating complex litigation and mission-critical agency work. You will manage essential legal research, oversee administrative claims, and analyze data to support the agency's legal integrity.
Requirements for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
- Must complete all required online assessments within the specified timeframe.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug test and undergo a background investigation for Public Trust.
- Must adhere to a strict two-page limit for your resume submission.
- Must reside within the 50-mile local commuting area.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist
- Demonstrated expertise in conducting detailed research, analysis, and evaluation of tort claims.
- Advanced proficiency with legal research tools such as Westlaw or Lexis.
- Proven ability to independently draft high-quality legal memoranda for attorneys.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities suitable for a supervisory position.
- Strong analytical skills regarding case management and statistical reporting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- âś“Life and long-term care insurance
- âś“Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
- âś“Flexible spending accounts
- âś“Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
- âś“Professional development and tuition reimbursement programs
- âś“Commuter subsidies and fitness center access
đź’ˇ How to Apply Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Paralegal Specialist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting specialized experience.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit all required documents, including SF-50s or veterans' preference documentation if applicable.
- Monitor email for an invitation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment.
- Complete the required assessments within 48 hours of notification.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Focus your resume on specific accomplishments rather than just copying duties from the job description.
- Double-check your resume page count—anything beyond the first two pages will be disregarded.
- Ensure your email address is current to receive important status notifications.
- Reserve at least two hours of quiet time to complete the online assessments.
- Verify your eligibility documentation (SF-50, DD214) before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be limited to exactly two pages. Only the first two pages will be reviewed by the hiring team.
Is a security clearance required?
While it is not a traditional security clearance, this is a Public Trust position that requires a background investigation.
Can I update my application after submission?
Yes, you may update your application until the closing date of the announcement by logging back into your USAJOBS account.
What if I need an accommodation for the assessment?
You may request a Reasonable Accommodation through your online application. Requests must be made and adjudicated before you take the assessment.
Is this a union position?
No, this is a non-bargaining unit position.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
ICE is the second-largest investigative agency within the Department of Homeland Security. With a workforce exceeding 20,000 employees, the agency is tasked with critical missions ranging from national security to the enforcement of immigration laws. Working with OPLA means being at the forefront of the agency’s legal operations, supporting attorneys in high-stakes litigation and administrative proceedings.