Government Information Specialist

Job Title

Government Information Specialist

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.