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Head of Ethics and Employment Law
Social Security Administration
Law and Policy
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Summary
The Head of Ethics & Employment Law/Deputy General Counsel provides legal and advisory services to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Chief of Law & Policy/General Counsel, and all subordinate organizational components of SSA. These services reflect the Agencys attorney role as a full participant in program development to administer the Agencys benefit program responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The Head of Ethics & Employment Law/Deputy General Counsel provides legal and advisory services to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Chief of Law & Policy/General Counsel, and all subordinate organizational components of SSA. These services reflect the Agencys attorney role as a full participant in program development to administer the Agencys benefit program responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
San Francisco, CA
Denver, CO
Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Woodlawn, MD
Kansas City, MO
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number SSA-EX-638 Control number 884287500
This job is open to
Help
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Senior executives
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Clarification from the agency
All groups of qualified individuals within the Civil Service and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may apply. Additionally, current career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, OPM certified graduates of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may be considered noncompetitively.
Duties
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The Head of Ethics & Employment Law/Deputy General Counsel provides a full range of legal and advisory services to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, Chief of Law & Policy/General Counsel (Chief), and all subordinate organizational components of the Social Security Administration in connection with the operation and administration of the Agency. These services reflect the Agencys attorney role as a full participant in the process of program development to administer the Agencys benefit program responsibilities, in the drafting of the legislation to establish these programs, and in the counseling of program and administrative managers and other senior officials whose responsibility it is to develop and carry out these programs.
The Head of Ethics & Employment Law/Deputy General Counsel is responsible for the following:
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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).
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
Qualifications
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.
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME BASED. It is important that your resume be complete and thorough, following the requirements outlined below.
As a basic requirement, to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, applicants MUST demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications within their resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2, or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
Separate narrative statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (TQs) will not be reviewed or considered.
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). Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirement and all executive and technical qualification factors automatically disqualifies an applicant.
NOTE: If you are (1) a member of the SES, (2) have been certified through successful participation in an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or (3) have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPMs SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
Membership in the bar of the court of a State, Territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Experience leading legal teams/offices providing legal advice and counsel to senior officials in the majority of the following relevant areas of law:
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (DQs):
None
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people;
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades;
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality;
ECQ 4: Leading People - Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organizations vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable; and
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note for Current and/or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office within your application package.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
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.
Veterans Preference: Veterans preference is not applicable to the SES.
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 Samantha.C.McGrath@ssa.gov.
Expand Hide additional information
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.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
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 Resources 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 (TQ) listed above. The ECQs and TQ must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration, including reference checks.
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 SES members, using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants determined to be Highly Qualified must demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs andTQs, and will be referred to the hiring component for further consideration.
Upon selection, if you have not provided evidence of noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible), you must participate in a Structured Interview assessment based on the ECQs conducted by an OPM QRB prior to appointment. Your application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB.
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/
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
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).
questionnaire. You may also upload documentation that reflects your active bar membership, but this
is optional and must be in addition to providing the information requested on the assessment. In order to
be eligible for consideration, you must be an active member in good standing of a Bar of a State,
Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to
practice law. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges
from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active"
status in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to
practice law.
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 TQs.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. You must meet all TQs.
Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in the rating and ranking of your application under competitive procedures, which requires you to demonstrate possession of the ECQs within your 2-page resume.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES: If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to substantiate your minimum qualifications eligibility.
You must provide an SF-50 that reflects your current position, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment).
You may need to provide more than one SF-50 to substantiate your eligibility.
Heavily redacted documents that do not contain the required information may result in an ineligible rating.
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.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement (09/25/2026) will result in your removal from consideration for this position.
How to Apply
Help
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 - 09/25/2026. 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.
It is applicants 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.
Agency contact information
Samantha McGrath
Email Samantha.C.McGrath@ssa.gov Address Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
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).
questionnaire. You may also upload documentation that reflects your active bar membership, but this
is optional and must be in addition to providing the information requested on the assessment. In order to
be eligible for consideration, you must be an active member in good standing of a Bar of a State,
Commonwealth or Territory of the United States or District of Columbia and authorized and eligible to
practice law. Judicial status is acceptable in lieu of "active" status in States that prohibit sitting judges
from maintaining "active" status to practice law. Being in "good standing" is acceptable in lieu of "active"
status in States where the licensing authority considers "good standing" as having a current license to
practice law.
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 TQs.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. You must meet all TQs.
Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in the rating and ranking of your application under competitive procedures, which requires you to demonstrate possession of the ECQs within your 2-page resume.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES: If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to substantiate your minimum qualifications eligibility.
You must provide an SF-50 that reflects your current position, grade, step, tenure, and type of service (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment).
You may need to provide more than one SF-50 to substantiate your eligibility.
Heavily redacted documents that do not contain the required information may result in an ineligible rating.
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.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement (09/25/2026) will result in your removal from consideration for this position.
How to Apply
Help
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 - 09/25/2026. 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.
It is applicants 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.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Samantha McGrath
Email Samantha.C.McGrath@ssa.gov Address Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
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.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Additional locations
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Woodlawn, MD
Kansas City, MO
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
Social Security Administration
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 nations people through compassionate and vigilant leadership in shaping and managing Americas Social Security programs.
Agency contact information
Samantha McGrath
Email Samantha.C.McGrath@ssa.gov Address Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Social Security Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
Summary
The Head of Ethics & Employment Law/Deputy General Counsel provides legal and advisory services to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Chief of Law & Policy/General Counsel, and all subordinate organizational components of SSA. These services reflect the Agencys attorney role as a full participant in program development to administer the Agencys benefit program responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following locations:
San Francisco, CA
Denver, CO
Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Boston, MA
Woodlawn, MD
Kansas City, MO
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Dallas, TX
Seattle, WA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number SSA-EX-638 Control number 884287500
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| Location | Washington, DC |
| Salary | $151,661–$228,000 Per Year |
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