Law Student Volunteer, Office for Victims of Crime, SVRD (Fall 2024)

Contract, Full-time

No

## Law Student Volunteer Opportunity at Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is the largest grantmaking component of the Department of Justice and houses the Department’s criminal and juvenile justice-related science, statistics, and programmatic agencies. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, training and technical assistance, research and statistics, and other critical resources to advance work that strengthens community safety, promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, and builds trust between law enforcement and communities.

OJP’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated second- or third-year law student for a volunteer opportunity in the State Victim Resources Division (SVRD). The intern will support OVC’s implementation of the revised VOCA Victim Compensation Guidelines. The objective of the Guideline revision process is to modernize the federal compensation program to better respond to the needs of crime victims, with an emphasis on equity.

## Qualifications

To be considered for the volunteer position, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

- Second- or third-year law student with superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, a desire to work as part of a small team, and a commitment to fairness and integrity in the administration of federal victim compensation funding.
- Background and interest in working with federal and state agencies, crime victim issues, equity and diversity, and the federal rule making process.
- Must be a . Citizen.
- Ability to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week for 8 to 10 weeks.

## Responsibilities

The intern will work directly with OVC’s State Victim Resources Division (SVRD) and the assigned Senior Policy Advisor, conducting research and preparing documents, and engaging with both state and federal partners. The goal of the internship is to introduce the intern to federal grant administration and the federal rule making process while developing their understanding of the victim services field.

The intern’s responsibilities will include:

- Researching legal issues that arise from implementation of the Rule.
- Assessing how states are implementing the new Rule.
- Providing support to states with educating legislators about passing new legislation to align with the new Rule.

## Application Process

To apply, interested applicants must submit the following:

- Cover letter
- Resume (including references)
- Current law school transcript

Writing sample is encouraged but not required.

Submit all application materials in one, combined pdf document via email to , subject line JP-24-OVC-SVRD-AVOL.

FALL 2024 APPLICATIONS DUE ON APRIL 30, 2024.
SPRING 2025 APPLICATIONS DUE ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2024.

## Salary

Volunteer (uncompensated). Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities are available depending on school requirements.

## Number of Positions

Fall 2024: 1 position; Spring 2025: 1 position

## Travel

Limited travel with the opportunity to attend several office-sponsored events. Travel may be required to obtain a DOJ credential (badge). See Application Process for more details.

## Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

## Department Policies

The . Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 . § )) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position.

It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act.

Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 . 545 for district specific information.

Although the "point"

Course credit, work-study, and externship opportunities

Research, Writing, Teamwork, Fairness, Integrity

Law Degree

Submit a Cover letter, Resume (including references), and Current law school transcript. Writing sample is encouraged but not required. Submit all application materials in one, combined pdf document via email to , subject line JP-24-OVC-SVRD-AVOL.

Qualification and Experience Second- and third-year law students with superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, a desire to work as part of a small team, and a commitment to fairness and integrity in the administration of federal victim compensation funding.

Legal