The Federal Bureau of Prisons is seeking applicants for an attorney-advisor position to work in its consolidated legal center, federal correctional institution in Phoenix, AZ.

Justice seeks to attract, retain, and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American; Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds and experiences may reach their full potential.

Thank you for your help in disseminating this vacancy announcement.  This and other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
CONSOLIDATED LEGAL CENTER
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
PHOENIX, ARIZONA
ATTORNEY-ADVISOR
GS-905-13/14

About the Office: The legal practice at the Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional law and litigation, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes such matters as inmates’ reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, and discipline.

The position includes being involved in a legal office that oversees the legal operations associated with three correctional institutions: Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix, Arizona, Federal Correctional Institution, Safford, Arizona, and the Federal Correctional Complex, Tucson, Arizona. The incumbent will be expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at these correctional facilities, including members of the Executive Staff. The incumbent may also be required to handle other Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) legal matters as assigned, which are outside of the District of Arizona. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent must have thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency’s rationale for its correctional management decisions.

Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: This is a primary law enforcement position. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3307, the maximum entry age of 36 has been established for initial appointment to a position in a Bureau of Prisons correctional institution. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses. It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. A prerequisite requirement of this position is the successful completion of “Institution Familiarization” and, the satisfactory completion of a mandatory course in “Introduction to Correctional Techniques.”

Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires “hands-on” understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution. The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary. The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts.

Required Qualifications: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years of post-J.D. experience for the GS-13 level, and 3 years for the GS-14 level.

Preferred qualifications: Prior and extensive experience in correctional law is preferred, but not required.

Travel: Some travel may be required.

Salary Information: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments, is GS-13 ($83,687 to $108,791) or GS 14 ($98,892 to $128,557).

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Submission Process and Deadline Date: To apply, please submit a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, resume, and a writing sample (a brief or comparable analytic legal exposition that is your work product) by March 1, 2013 to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Western Regional Office
7338 Shoreline Drive
Stockton, CA 95219
Attention: Dennis Wong, Regional Counsel

You may also submit your application via e-mail to DWong@bop.gov.

No telephone calls please. The position will remain open until filled, but applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2013.