Government Information Specialist

Government Information SpecialistMajor Duties and Responsibilities:Develops the local privacy strategy that integrates the VHA Medical Center with data governance program goals, national strategic priorities, and VA core values.Performs complex analysis of key policy inquiries that can encompass any and all information collected, used or disclosed in the facility. Contributes to significant agency decisions, policy recommendations and executive leadership consultations based on an in-depth knowledge of government regulatory and federal and state statutory requirements, case law and Office of Inspector General (OIG), Government Accounting Office (GAO) and National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) verdicts.Coordinates and delegates complex investigative responsibilities that frequently collaborate with Office of Chief Counsel in the District, human resources, executive leadership, and labor partners. Leads a team that analyzes and evaluates complex data, conducts meetings, briefings and suggests potential administrative action to leadership pursuant to a privacy violation.Using an expert understanding of all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, independently analyzes all interrelated issues that affect the privacy/FOIA program. Plans and conducts monitoring activities which measure the overall level of operational compliance by the facility.Contributes to national VHA performance data by submitting reports with findings and recommendations to senior leadership and national program offices. Makes changes to facility policies and procedures after gaps in compliance are identified.Develops and integrates policy-based processes, roles and controls that influences how data is created, collected, used, stored and destroyed throughout the organization.Independently investigates non-compliance of privacy related issues at all levels of the organization and outside of the organization when VHA information is involved. Advocates for Veterans, patients and employees that are victims of privacy violations. Conducts detailed investigatory interviews with staff, patients and vendors to collect facts in response to privacy complaints.Identifies privacy risk within the organization and ensures corrective action is taken to mitigate the safety of patients' privacy. Independently performs in-depth legal research that pertains to both federal and state statutes to render expertise, provide solutions and facilitate corrective action. Reviews federal court determinations and pertinent case law to make determinations in Privacy, FOIA and other health care related matters that involve the agency. Coordinates with the Office of Chief Counsel in the District to help protect Government interests regarding privacy and FOIA when legal ramifications exist.Manages a system-wide communication strategy as it relates to the request timely release and amendment of records from the facility. Ensures that agency correspondence for data governance is transparent, timely, accurate and complete in response to requests for information from the general public, Congressional representatives, law enforcement, courts, and commercial business.Other duties as assigned.Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00am - 4:30pmVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Position Description/PD#: Government Information Specialist / PD99538SRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedCritical Skills Incentive (CSI): Bot ApprovedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized