CHIEF COUNSEL

JobSummary

The Chief Counsel in the Office of the Counsel to the Inspector General (OCIG), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration (SSA) provides executive leadership and independent authoritative legal advice, guidance, interpretations, and recommendations to the Inspector General and senior staff on all general law issues.

LowGrade

00

HighGrade

00

PromotionPotential

None

SubAgencyName

Office of the Inspector General

OrganizationCodes

OT/SZ00

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• fed-competitive
• fed-excepted
• ses
• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

1

AgencyMarketingStatement

The men and women of the Social Security Administration are the stewards of the Federal Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance programs, as well as Supplemental Security Income for the aged, blind and disabled. With a workforce of approximately 50,000 employees in 1,300 service locations across the country, our mission is to advance the economic security of the nation's people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing America's Social Security programs. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Social Security Administration is directly responsible for meeting the statutory mission of promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of SSA programs and operations and to prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in such programs and operations. To accomplish this mission, we direct, conduct, and supervise a comprehensive program of audits, evaluations, and investigations relating to SSA's programs and operations. We also search for and report systemic weaknesses in SSA programs and operations and make recommendations for program, operations and management improvements. We strive for continual improvement in SSA's programs, operations, and management by proactively seeking new ways to prevent and deter fraud, waste, and abuse. We commit to integrity and excellence by supporting an environment that provides a valuable public service while encouraging employee development.

TravelCode

1

ApplyOnlineUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/Apply

DetailStatusUrl

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/Application/ApplicationStatus

MajorDuties

• Serves as chief legal advisor to the Inspector General (IG) and senior staff on significant matters concerning the OIG's powers and responsibilities under various statutes, regulations, executive orders, and proclamations that affect its oversight responsibilities, business activities, and administrative management of operations. Provides expert legal advice to the IG and senior staff on matters arising in connection with the work of the OIG's Offices of Audit and Investigations, and on general law matters, including, but not limited to: the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, and related authorities; Federal fiscal law; Federal employment and personnel law; administrative law; contracts; Federal procurement law; Federal information laws; Federal ethics obligations; eDiscovery; and criminal procedures. Provides executive leadership over a comprehensive litigation program for the OIG, including the development, coordination, and direction of general law (as defined above) litigation and the supervision of OCIG staff engaged in all aspects of general law litigation. Provides executive leadership over and is responsible for directing and supervising OCIG staff engaged in providing legal advice to the OIG on policies and on general law (as defined above) matters, including conducting legal research, often on highly complex, critical, or precedent-setting matters; drafting letters, memoranda, legal instruments, and legal opinions; and participating in discussions, meetings, and conferences, often with senior-level personnel in the OIG or SSA. Provides executive oversight to regulatory strategy, including developing and reviewing responsibilities under current and anticipated regulatory requirements, and advising on the interpretation and application of new and emerging authorities. Drafts or reviews reports and letters to congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and others on proposed legislation and legislative matters. Drafts or reviews proposed testimony of OIG officials before Congress. Serves as the principal liaison to the Department of Justice, and other Local, State, and Federal agencies or organizations on general law (as defined above) matters. Serves as the Touhy officer for OIG, pursuant to 20 C.F.R. Part 403. Responsible for determining whether an OIG employee may testify concerning any function of OIG or SSA or any information or record created or acquired by OIG as a result of the discharge of its official duties in any legal proceeding. Represents OIG in discussions and negotiations with senior officials of the SSA; CIGIE; Congress; the White House; OMB; OSC; other Federal, State, and local agencies; and those from outside interests, including media, on general law matters. Responsible for overseeing the preparation, litigation, development and presentation of the Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) program Section 1140 of the Social Security Act and in all legal matters relating to audits and investigations of Agency programs in order to prevent and detect fraud and abuse and to promote economy and efficiency in the administration of such programs. Directs the litigation, negotiation, and settlement of cases involving CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act, fraud and IG personnel issues throughout the legal process. Cases usually involve multiple, highly complex issues, with clearly applicable precedents not readily available. Develops operating policies and procedures for these programs for the OIG. Collaborates with the Office of Investigations and SSA offices in pursuing selected CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act cases which involve significant penalties, or which will create major case law in the CMP program. Oversees regional monitoring and tracking of pending CMP Section 1140 of the Social Security Act investigations and litigation, and the preparation and submittal of reports of actions taken and monies recovered. Provides executive leadership over OCIG, including determining and implementing program goals, designing and implementing organizational structures to promote program goals, obtaining and allocating resources for all assigned programs, developing and setting effectiveness and productivity standards, monitoring work products to assess and evaluate accomplishments, and determining problem areas impacting achievement of goals and developing plans to resolve identified areas.

Education

Applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school AND be an active member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S., District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.

Requirements

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan). Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed). Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests. Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back; FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation); and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information).

Evaluations

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Do not list a Social Security Number or Date of Birth on any attachment. Once the application process is complete, a Human Resource Specialist will conduct a review of your resume and supporting documentation. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your accomplishments and experience. Your application will be rated and ranked by an SES Rating Panel, comprised of at least three (3) SES members, internal or external to OIG using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants determined to be Highly Qualified must demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs, and any MTQs and DQs. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration, including reference checks. Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). If you are the recommended selectee, you must participate in a Structured Interview assessment based on the ECQs conducted by an OPM Qualifications Review Board prior to appointment, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program. Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/

HowToApply

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete application no later than 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement - 05/01/2026. If you fail to submit a complete application prior to the closing time, the application system will not allow you to finish. Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process with enough time to finish before the deadline. To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To begin, 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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

WhatToExpectNext

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

RequiredDocuments

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified, and by the closing date of the announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Resume (2-page maximum) - All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. Vacancy Assessment Questionnaire Responses - Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs/Application Manager when you apply to this vacancy. Proof of active Bar membership - Must be from a State, Territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This document MUST be submitted using the "Proof of active Bar membership" document type. Additional Required Documents - Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable: CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. You must meet all MTQs. SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. You must meet all MTQs. CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to substantiate your minimum qualifications eligibility. The provided SF-50 must reflect your grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), tenure, and type of service. Providing an SF-50 that does not contain the required information (such as an award SF-50), may result in an ineligible rating. Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in the rating and ranking of your application under competitive procedures, which requires the inclusion of ECQ narratives within your 2-page resume. Strongly Recommended: Most recent performance evaluation If you are a current or former political appointee within the last five (5) years, including Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES, please submit documentation of your appointment, including a copy of your SF-50 Applicants may also provide a narrative response (up to 200 words per question) on the following four (4) questions, which are not scored. Your responses can be submitted using the "Writing Sample" document type: How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement (05/01/2026) will result in your removal from consideration for this position.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.ssa.gov/careers/

OtherInformation

Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to All application materials are subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and become property of SSA. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact OIG.SES.Senior.Executive.Resources@ssa.gov.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

03

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

OIG.SES.Senior.Executive.Resources@ssa.gov

SecurityClearance

Top Secret

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

AdjudicationType

• National security