Launch Your Federal Career: Staff Assistant at the Department of Labor

Are you a highly organized professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently seeking a dedicated Staff Assistant to join the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) in Washington, D.C. This role offers a unique blend of administrative oversight, budget management, and operational leadership, making it a critical position for those passionate about supporting the mission of the Department of Labor.

Role Responsibilities

The Staff Assistant is not your typical office support role. You will act as the primary right-hand individual to the Deputy Associate Solicitor, taking on responsibilities that ensure the division functions smoothly. Key duties include:

Budget Management: Tracking spending, projecting future costs, and procuring necessary supplies and services.
Personnel Operations: Coordinating recruitment, hiring, promotions, and the onboarding of new staff members.
Administrative Oversight: Managing attorney travel, coordinating FOIA requests, and maintaining office facilities.
Program Administration: Overseeing the SOL Honors Attorney Program and supporting senior employees in financial disclosure filings.

Qualifications Comparison

Feature	Requirement Details
Grade Level	GS-12
Experience Needed	52 weeks at the GS-11 level
Key Competencies	Attention to Detail, Integrity, Customer Service
Citizenship	U.S. Citizenship Required
Probationary Period	1-Year required for new federal hires

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must demonstrate one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. This experience should highlight your ability to manage administrative functions, draft executive correspondence, and navigate human resources software. Integrity and the ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive legal documents are paramount in this role.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $102,415 to $133,142 per year. Beyond the base pay, federal employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
Flexible working arrangements, including potential telework options.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The new two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Edit your content to showcase only your most relevant achievements.
Highlight Your Skills: Use the 'Specialized Experience' section of the job announcement as a guide to write your resume bullets. Ensure your expertise in budget and personnel management is front and center.
Assessments Matter: Take the USA Hire assessment seriously. Use the practice materials available on the OPM website to prepare.
Check Your Status: Use the 'Track this application' feature in your USAJOBS account to ensure all documents are received.

The Staff Assistant position at the Department of Labor is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to facilitate the important legal work that protects American workers. If you possess the organizational prowess and administrative background required, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Take your career to the federal level and contribute to a mission that matters.

Why This Staff Assistant Job Matters

Elevate your administrative career within the Department of Labor’s Office of Legal Counsel—a pivotal role supporting justice and workplace advocacy in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Staff Assistant Job Overview

The Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) at the U.S. Department of Labor is looking for a proactive and highly organized Staff Assistant to join their team. This role is essential to the division's daily success, serving as a primary administrative support pillar for leadership. You will manage complex office operations, from budget oversight and personnel coordination to high-level scheduling and executive correspondence. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a critical federal mission while ensuring that legal professionals have the resources and operational structure they need to succeed.

Requirements for Staff Assistant

Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive legal office materials.
Proficiency in administrative support functions including time and attendance, scheduling, and travel management.
Experience with human resources processes, including recruitment, onboarding, and separation procedures.
Technical aptitude in office software (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and database management).
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a background investigation for public trust/fitness.
Must submit a resume limited to exactly two pages per current federal merit hiring guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications for Staff Assistant

Demonstrated expertise in managing budgets and procurement for professional office environments.
Experience supporting executive-level staff within a legal or governmental setting.
Proven track record of managing FOIA requests and complex document records.
Strong ability to draft professional memos and manage executive communications.
Expertise in coordinating ethics program disclosures and financial reporting.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance and life insurance programs
✓Retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional growth and federal career advancement
✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy
✓Paid federal holidays

💡 How to Apply Staff Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Staff Assistant Job

Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
Prepare your resume, ensuring it is strictly limited to two pages.
Apply through the USAJOBS portal by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Complete the required agency-specific application steps on the Department of Labor website.
Submit all necessary documentation, including SF-50s if currently in the federal service, and unofficial transcripts if qualifying via education.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Complete all assessments within the allotted timeframe to remain eligible.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to specifically reflect the 'Specialized Experience' mentioned in the job post.
Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Proofread your application thoroughly; only the first two pages of your uploaded resume will be considered.
Set aside at least two hours for the USA Hire assessments and find a quiet environment to complete them.
Check your application status regularly via your Applicant Dashboard on USAJOBS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a remote position. The selected individual is expected to report to the Washington, D.C. office, though telework may be available in accordance with current Department of Labor policy.

What is the page limit for my resume?

Due to recent federal guidance, your resume must be limited to exactly two pages. Any resume exceeding this length will cause your application to be deemed ineligible.

Are there mandatory assessments for this role?

Yes, candidates must complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You will receive an email invitation to these tests after submitting your initial application.

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role focuses on administrative and operational support for the Division's leadership, including budget, personnel, and daily office workflow management.

Can I submit a cover letter?

Yes, but it is not mandatory and will not be used to verify your specialized experience.

Are there any specific citizenship requirements?

Yes, all applicants must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for this position.

Job from Office Of The Solicitor

The Department of Labor is committed to protecting and promoting the welfare of the American workforce. Employees at the DOL work on a wide array of initiatives, from ensuring safe working conditions to expanding employment opportunities. Working in the Office of Legal Counsel, you will be at the center of the department's legal and administrative operations, providing essential support to attorneys and division leadership.