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Summary Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO), Miami Field Office, Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures (FPF) office, located in Miami, FL. Responsibilities In this Supervisory Paralegal Specialist position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in performing and supervising administrative and operational work of the FPF program. FPF involves the initiation and adjudication of civil liabilities originating from the seizures, penalties, and claims for liquidated damages initiated under the authority of the United States Code, as well as other laws and regulations enforced by CBP, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other federal agencies. Typical work assignments include: Supervising the day-to-day operations of a fines, penalties, and forfeitures office service area and processes the adjudication of all liquidated damages, penalties, fines, and seizure cases. Reviewing and processing all cases within their area of authority through final adjudication and solution. Preparing and issuing decisions on cases within the primary legal jurisdiction of their area and prepares recommendations for granting relief on cases. Analyzing organizational structure and operational functions, evaluating the data against Headquarters program initiatives and modifications in technology, and initiating plans and ideas for appropriate changes in order to anticipate and meet future requirements. This position starts at a salary of $112,234.00 (GS-13, Step 01) to $145,906.00 (GS-13, Step 10). Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below) You may be required to pass a background investigation. CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures. As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link. DHS uses E-Verify, an internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities. Financial Disclosure: Financial Disclosure is required. Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit. Qualifications Experience: You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Receiving, examining, and evaluating petitions and supplemental petitions filed seeking relief from forfeiture of seizures, penalties, fines, and liquidated damages. Reviewing and making decisions as to the acceptability of evidence in fraud cases, significant seizure cases, and in any case of unusual circumstances and complexity. Maintaining effective and harmonious relations with a variety of groups of people. Providing technical and administrative guidance and assignments to subordinates. Developing and implementing procedures which promote efficiency and Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures program effectiveness and protects the U.S. Government's interests. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 05/30/2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period. Education Please see the Qualifications and Required Documents sections for more information if education is applicable to this position. Additional Information Supervisory Probationary Period: You may be required to serve an 18-month probationary period upon appointment. Training: This position has a training requirement. Selectee(s) are required to attend and successfully complete the following paid training: Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures Basic Training; 3 weeks, Charleston, SC Custody and Management of Seized Property Alternate Class; 2 weeks, Charleston, SC Designated Agency Representative: Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture webinar Leadership Training: All newly appointed second level Supervisors are required to complete mandatory training. The training will be scheduled by the Office of Training and Development within the first 90 days of appointment. The duration of the training will include 4 weeks of in residence training in Harpers Ferry, WV. Note: This training may be waived if previously completed. Communication Device: Incumbent may be required to carry an electronic communication device. Please view the video "Protecting America 24/7" to learn more about CBP's Office of Field Operations. The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR § 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR § 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.