PSOB Hearing Officer

Summary

Join the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)! We are seeking experienced attorneys to serve as PSOB Hearing Officers, providing the first level of de novo appellate review following claim denials. The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program (PSOB) delivers death, disability, and education benefits to eligible public safety officers catastrophically injured or killed in the line of duty and to their survivors and families.

Duties

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is responsible for providing federal leadership and assistance in support of state and local criminal justice strategies to achieve safe communities and its Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders, and disability benefits to officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty. The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0905-15 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Reviews and analyzes information in a claim record after initial denial of that claim, as well as additional evidence provided by claimants or representatives. Coordinates with the PSOB staff for access to records as needed and advice regarding matters of law. Holds hearings, issues subpoenas, administers oaths, examines witnesses, conducts examinations and receives evidence. When hearings are granted, presides over them (written record or oral, as applicable). Establishes procedures and timelines, rules on procedural matters and admissibility of evidence. Ensures all parties have a fair opportunity to present arguments. Evaluates evidence and legal arguments, which may include: medical evidence and expert opinions; line-of-duty and causation documentation; employment, incident and death/disability records; statutory and regulatory standards under the PSOB Act; and arguments submitted by the claimant and PSOB staff. Renders timely appellate determinations once evidence collection is concluded and the administrative record is closed. Files notices of determination specifying the factual findings and legal conclusions that support the decision. Maintains a record of all proceedings and makes complete and timely entries in PSOB's case management system. Participates in all required training and maintains a working knowledge of the PSOB Act and its implementing regulations. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Position Requirements: Must possess a Juris Doctor degree and be a current member in good standing of a State Bar which continues throughout the length of this position.

Qualifications and evaluation

Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the eligibilities and qualifications listed on the announcement. If you are found to be basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your resume and application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/02/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on10/02/2026. Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help website which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc. Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring agency contact directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Required documents

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resume (Maximum 2 pages): Include for each job: Education, including name of undergraduate and law school, degree received, and date graduated Date admitted to bar and jurisdiction A general description of all past employment relevant to the practice of law. Employer name and contact information Start and end dates (month and year) Full-time or part-time hours per week Duties performed and accomplishments See How do I write a resume for more information Cover Letter Share your skills or goals that are relevant for the job you are applying to. Or anything you want to highlight that is not included in your resume. Writing Sample Demonstrating your legal analytical abilities, for which you must be the principal author (It should not exceed 10 double-spaced pages) Transcripts Unofficial law school transcripts (degree conferred must be reflected; official transcripts will be required if selected) Bar Membership Proof of bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction) Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

Additional information

These are temporary Excepted Service, Special Government Employee (SGE) appointment, not to exceed 1-year. Appointments may be extended at Agency discretion. Other Position Requirements: Requires admission to the bar and active license in at least one jurisdiction. Requires professional knowledge of the statutes, orders, rules and regulations applicable to the adjudication of federal claims. Requires expertise in how to work in partnership with public safety officers and national public safety organizations or similar organizations. Requires knowledge of the mission, structure and overall responsibilities of public safety agencies at the state and local levels. OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules. Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to human.resources@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.