Summary
The Civil Division's Office of Records & Information is seeking a highly organized and detail oriented candidate to work on its FOIA team. The candidate conducts searches for records, determining whether records are responsive to a request, and considers the application of FOIA exemptions to information in responsive records. Engages with other offices within the Executive Branch on the application of FOIA exemptions. The ideal candidate will have strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
Duties
The duties and responsibilities for a GS-12/13 Government Information Specialist generally include, but are not limited to, the following: GS-12 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Utilizes e-discovery platforms to conduct Boolean/keyword searches within a universe of records, to review records for responsiveness, and to tag records accordingly; further, utilize related tools to mark records with appropriate redactions. Answers questions from reviewers about the FOIA request and processing, including information about the subject matter of the request, the status of the request processing, and information regarding determinations made during the processing of the request. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Researches and analyzes issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Communicates with requesters to discuss the scope of requests, applicable fees, and to seek additional information regarding the types of records sought. GS-13 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Independently researches and analyzes complex and unprecedented issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Provides advice and guidance in response to inquiries regarding unprecedented issues related to the FOIA and PA. Reviews and coordinates requests involving issues not covered by precedent decisions related to FOIA and/or PA disclosure. Processes complex FOIA/PA requests for access to highly sensitive and classified records maintained by the Division. Is responsible for the processing of complex requests and those that involve the review of classified records. Provides training and guidance, both orally and in writing, to others within the Division on FOIA and privacy matters.
Education
This position does not have an educational requirement.
How you will be evaluated
Once the announcement closes, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist. This information will be compared against your responses to the application questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position. If a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible. BASIS OF RATING: DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates.You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, and other characteristics): FOIA/Records Expertise Legal, Government and Jurisprudence Technical Competence This vacancy utilizes a multi-hurdle approach. The first assessment includes a passing score of 85 based on the minimum level of required proficiency across critical competencies. You must meet or exceed the passing score to move on to the next hurdle. Applicants who score 85 or better will receive a scenario-based assessment by email on Monday, March 23rd which must be returned within 48 hours. If the assessment is not received within 48 hours, you will be rated as ineligible. The second assessment is not scored, but you will receive a pass/fail rating. Applicants who pass the second assessment will be referred to the hiring manager for selection. Please monitor your email and check your spam folder to ensure you do not miss the email. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13078297.