U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Ethics Attorney

No longer accepting applications

Direct message the job poster from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Trevor Falnes

Trevor Falnes

National Talent Acquisition Consultant at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of General Counsel

About the Company:


The US Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel (OGC), Ethics Specialty Team is recruiting for a GS-14 Ethics Attorney. The Ethics Attorney manages and provides direction for the Veterans Affairs agency Ethics Program, the largest single agency ethics program within the Federal Executive Branch.


About the Role:


Ethics Attorney


GS-14


Location (Hybrid): May be required to report to nearest VA-OGC office as needed.


Preferred Experience:


  • Background in federal government ethics

  • Advising Senior Leaders


  • Nomination Packet Review


  • JAG


Major Duties:


Serves as primary ethics program contact with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) on issues within the incumbent's duties and is responsible for completion of OGE reporting requirements, such as the Annual Questionnaire.


Functions as an ethics expert and dispenses legal advice, assisting with the technical ethics aspects of the Presidential nomination process and guiding the Ethics Specialty Team personnel who rely on the supervisor's insights in rendering legal advice and opinions on a wide range of complex legal issues.


Manages difficult and unique ethics matters that routinely implicate the Department's highest priorities, including those of the Office of the Secretary, VA Chief of Staff, the Executive Leadership Team of the Office of General Counsel, the Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration and National Cemetery Administration.


Consults with and provides guidance to other VA staff offices, Office of Inspector General, Office of Special Counsel and Justice Department attorneys in the conduct of sensitive cases in assigned areas. Arranges complete legal support for necessary day-to-day operations through coordination with other OGC law groups.


Responds to formal and informal concerns, complaints and comments from relevant individuals concerning attorney and staff performance. Participates in interviews for new attorney and staff positions and makes recommendations for employment offers for new positions.


Keeps employees informed regarding the policies, procedures, and goals of VA as they relate to their assigned work. Ensures that VA's and OGC's strategic plans, mission, vision and values are communicated to the team and reflected in their work.


Develops and provides oral and written legal opinions, counsel and advice, and authors or reviews all OGC standard operating procedures (SOP) for implementation of ethics requirements. These opinions and SOPs have Department-wide application and affect the interests of veterans and employees and the obligations of the Department nationally.


Monitors, prepares and maintains reports on the status and progress of work, individual and team accomplishments. Develops management and program evaluations plans, procedures and methodologies and recommends changes in policies, organization or staffing, as appropriate.

Oversees the Department's financial disclosure program and ethics training program.


Executes a variety of special and recurring ethics projects, assesses awareness and effectiveness of measures employed. Proposes policy solutions for identified weaknesses and translates these into specific program goals, actions and services to be implemented by all VA ethics officials.


Conditions of Employment:

  • You must be a US Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for all males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Position requires filing a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
  • Possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
  • Be a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.


Why work at OGC?

  • Telework (hybrid) work schedule
  • Compressed work schedule
  • Opportunities for advancement towards GS-15 and SES positions
  • Leadership development programs offered annually
  • OGC offers CLE (Continuing Legal Education) qualified programs
  • Interact with clients and veterans
  • No requirement to purchase professional liability insurance
  • The VA serves as a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.


Benefits:

  • Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent, with matching)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Legal
  • Industries

    Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by 2x

See who you know

Get notified about new Attorney jobs in United States.

Sign in to create job alert

Similar jobs

People also viewed

Looking for a job?

Visit the Career Advice Hub to see tips on interviewing and resume writing.

View Career Advice Hub