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Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2)
THE POSITION
Are you someone who enjoys collecting pertinent information and using it to make well-informed decisions? The Pennsylvania State Police is seeking Firearms Background Specialist 2s. This is the perfect opportunity to showcase your attention to detail and research skills by processing firearms and license to carry applications. If you want to support law enforcement, contribute to community safety, and ensure compliance with firearms regulations, then we want to hear from you. Apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Firearms Background Specialist 2 (Legal Assistant 2), you will operate the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) and make independent decisions regarding the approval or disapproval of firearm purchases and license to carry applications. You will conduct PICS Background Check Requests for Evidence Returns as per AR 3-3 and verify the identity of applicants through criminal history records, protection from abuse orders, and mental health records. You will also contact agencies such as state and local police departments, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services, U.S. Marshals, courts, probation offices, district attorneys, and correctional facilities. This role requires interpreting current and former state and federal laws to make appropriate application determinations. In addition, you will determine if an applicant is wanted based on the information provided and follow specific procedures for apprehension, including verifying the warrant and coordinating with local law enforcement.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
- Work hours are rotating shifts, with a 30-minute lunch. You will work rotating weekends and holidays.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,907.00 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year as a Legal Assistant 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- Four years of responsible clerical, investigative or enforcement work including one year of legal clerical support experience; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
- Telework is not an option as part of this position's work schedule.
- You must obtain and maintain an active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) certification issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- You must pass criminal history and background investigations if you do not have a current Pennsylvania State Police background on file.
- This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a Report of Medications for screening by the Pennsylvania State Police Medical Officer.
- You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.
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