Paralegal Specialist

The FMC is the federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC is dedicated to ensuring a competitive and dependable international ocean transportation system that supports the U.S. economy and safeguards the public from unfair or deceptive practices. Join the FMC and be part of a mission-driven organization during an important and exciting time in the maritime industry.

This position is located in the Office of the Secretary (OS), Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). As a Paralegal Specialist, the incumbent will serve as the senior technical specialist for docket administration and the procedural requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, and independently handles the most complex, novel, and sensitive filings and procedural matters presented to the Commission. If selected, you will provide legal assistance, information processing, and administrative support for the Commission's adjudicative proceedings, the Docket Activity Library, and the electronic docket on the Commission's website. The incumbent: Screens and directs telephone calls and e-mail messages to the appropriate person(s), office(s), or bureau(s). Answers routine questions concerning Commission activities, operations, and the status of docketed proceedings by consulting official records, the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Assigns official docket numbers in accordance with established procedures. Processes and circulates motions, petitions, pleadings, comments, and request for documents. Updates electronic status logs and spreadsheets that document and track filings and actions, and timely posts logs and documents (e.g., pleadings, filings and orders) to the Commission's website in accordance with established indexing conventions. Establishes and maintains formal hearing and exhibit files for review by the public and other interested parties. Tracks and maintains a calendar of docketed proceedings and alerts the Secretary or Assistant Secretary to approaching deadlines for Commission action. Participates in assigned training in the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended; the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure; Federal Register and procedures; legal research and citation; and the statutes administered by the OS, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, the Congressional Review Act (CRA), and the Government in the Sunshine Act. Recommends improvements to procedures and SOPs based on experience with assigned work.

Must be a U.S. Citizen. Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov A 1-year probationary period may be required. Must be able to obtain and maintain a background investigation. Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by the closing date of the vacancy. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit. FMC participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. May be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Required Qualifications: The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience

The selectee must have a paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible paralegal or legal support experience. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov OR Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.