Government Information Specialist

Summary About the Position: Supports the FOIA and Privacy Act Program. Responsibilities Independently processes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests, coordinating with requestors and federal agencies to facilitate processing. Analyzes records to determine what material can be released, applying legal exemptions and redactions as required by FOIA/PA regulations. Drafts final correspondence to requestors explaining the processing of their requests and the legal basis for any information withheld. Serves as a case action officer with full authority to review and clear command information for public release, ensuring withheld information is properly protected. Implements FOIA/PA policy and programs across the headquarters, sub-unified commands, and component offices. Provides expert guidance, support, and assistance on FOIA/PA processing and policy to over 50 associated officers throughout the enterprise. Develops, coordinates, and compiles the command's FOIA Annual Report for submission to the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). Administers user accounts, software configurations, and performs Quality Assurance (QA) testing for the FOIAXpress case management system. Develops and maintains databases and analytical tools using Excel, Access, and Visual Basic to perform statistical analysis, automate functions, and support budget requests. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans Current Department of Army Civilian Employees Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army) Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473 Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible People with Disabilities, Schedule A Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible Reinstatement Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience independently managing, analyzing, and processing complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests from initial intake to final response; interpreting and applying legal exemptions and disclosure policies to protect or release sensitive records; providing expert guidance and official correspondence to leadership regarding FOIA/PA compliance; and utilizing specialized database management systems and data analysis tools to track requests, perform quality assurance, and generate statistical reports to support administrative and budgetary decisions. You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-11). Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted. Additional Information Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. Direct deposit of pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet. This is a GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERIES Career Field 56 position. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Advanced In-hire may be authorized subject to organization/management discretion. Relocation, Recruitment, or Retention Incentive may be authorized subject to organization/management discretion.