Receives and processes incoming mail and prepares reports as necessary and reviews and files letters of appeal and supporting documents submitted by appellants or their representatives. Determines whether the appeal request is complete and complies with Board requirements and is suitable for review.
Assists other Legal Assistants in preparing and mailing standardized correspondence to appellants or their representatives to secure further information if requirements are not met pursuant to the Board's Rules of Procedure.
Determines whether new evidence has been submitted to the Board (the Board may not consider evidence which has not previously been presented to OWCP) and provides written and oral information to appellant regarding options to continue appeal before the Board or request reconsideration before OWCP.
Ensures proper authorization by the appellant when a representative files on behalf of an appellant. Receives and processes incoming telephone calls and electronic inquiries, including congressional inquiries. Ensures that all actions in the docket folder are reflected in the CPS.
Receives correspondence or pleadings and annotates the docket folder and CPS to reflect receipt and due date for response or other actions required. With guidance from the Lead Legal Assistant, determines whether oral argument has been requested.
Initiates and completes timely and appropriate follow-up actions as required to complete the docket folder and obtain the case record, including running reports and taking action as needed. Determines when file is complete and ready for review by legal staff. Ensures that case records are filed appropriately.
Directs all requests, after processing, for dismissal, attorney fee requests, petitions for reconsideration and motions submitted by the Solicitor's Office to the Supervisory Attorneys for action. Initiates and completes notice to all parties regarding pleadings received and ensures service of copies of pleadings on all parties.
Receives requests from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, appellants and attorneys for extension of time. Determines which form letter should be used in response in consultation with supervisor or legal staff if appropriate, or prepares appropriate new letter, as necessary. Prepares and issues standard, pre-programmed orders to OWCP to produce case records or to remand case, upon request of staff. Processes and issues other standard, preapproved orders as directed by the supervisor.
Identifies cases for which oral argument has been requested. Assists in the preparation and mailing of letters clarifying request for oral argument. Transfer the case record between legal staff and Solicitor of Labor.
Informs parties of oral' argument dates set by the supervisor and forwards to appellant copies of the standard procedures for oral argument along with the statement of issues to be addressed as identified by the staff attorney or supervisor. Processes requests for cancellations of oral argument and advises other parties; reschedules oral arguments as directed by the supervisor.
Assists in the preparation of final decisions and orders of the Board for service. Ensures that copies of the final determination are timely served to all parties, the complete close-out data is entered in the Board computer-based case tracking system and in all hard-copy record systems (docket file, docket sheet, close-out log), and that copies of all appropriate documents, including the final decisions or order, are secured in the docket folder, and circulates the decision for signature. Files all correspondence and documents including the return receipt card in the docket folder. Ensures that the docket folders are promptly filed. Makes all appropriate CPS entries.
Works with computer specialists in the Information Resources Management staff in resolving problems to ensure effective maintenance of the agency's case tracking and control systems.
Coordinates activities with the Paralegal Teams to ensure smooth operations, compliance with Board policies and procedures, and accuracy and validity of management and case data.
Performs other duties as assigned.
