REGULATORY SPECIALIST

Summary The position serves as the Regulatory Specialist in the Servicing & Asset Mangement Office (SAMO) under the Bankruptcy Branch. Will serve as a legal liaison performing complex research and regulatory analysis to identify and resolve legal and regulatory issues to assure adherence to real estate, tax, bankruptcy, foreclosure, collections, treasury off-set, and privacy issue laws, rules, guidelines, and procedures. This vacancy announcement is open to current Rural Development Employees only. Responsibilities Serve as liaison between SAMO and its legal service providers and principal point of contact for communications related to legal or regulatory matters and for ensuring that mutual obligations and needs are met. Establish and maintains cooperative relationships with attorneys, Office of General Counsel (OGE), Department of Justice (DOJ) and other private sector who are engaged in providing legal services for SAMO. Respond directly to US Attorneys to provide case or issue analysis. Serve as principal advisor to SAMO personnel in interpreting legal documents and applicable government policies. Handle matters to avoid litigation. Abreast on current issues affecting the mortgage loan servicing industry and advises SAMO management and other USDA/Rural Housing Service personnel regarding these issues. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt. Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check. Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. GS-13: Applicants must possess (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level; or its non-Federal equivalent that demonstrates: Experience that demonstrates experience and ability to research and analyze information to identify and resolve legal and regulatory issues related to real estate, tax, bankruptcy, foreclosure, collections, treasury off-set, privacy and general servicing processes. Prepare written opinions, make oral presentations for informational and training purposes. Ability to effectively communicate with all staffing levels including Senior Management and Office of General Counsel (OGC) Leadership. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-13 grade level. 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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no educational substitution for this position. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP/ RPL eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position is eligible to be covered by the bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 3354.