Government Information Specialist (FOIA)

Overview This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Secretary and Executive Management, Office of Privacy. The primary purpose of this position is to be responsible for processing Office of Privacy's FOIA requests at the direction of the attending supervisor. Tasks include receiving and processing FOIA/PA actions, determining the appropriate action to be taken, and preparing all necessary correspondence, notices, memoranda or other documentation. Key Responsibilities Process Office of Privacy FOIA requests under supervisor direction. Receive and process FOIA/PA actions, determine appropriate action, and prepare necessary correspondence. Analyze records to establish course of action based on FOIA law, DHS regulations, directives and case law. Annotate FOIA exemptions on records and generate response letters to requesters. Research and review records to make disclosure determinations under the Freedom of Information Act. Provide advice regarding FOIA requests for access and disclosure. Implement FOIA policies and procedures to ensure compliance with FOIA program requirements. Qualifications for GS-07 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level, or equivalent public or private sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Assisting in analyzing incoming DHS FOIA requests to establish course of action based on FOIA law, DHS regulations, FOIA directives and case law. Reviewing documents in accordance with DHS FOIA protocols, including annotating appropriate FOIA exemptions on records. Generating response letters to requesters detailing DHS FOIA review and release determination. Substitution of Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate level education in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct the work of this position, such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, etc. One full year of graduate level education at an accredited college or university; or A combination of graduate education and specialized experience as described above, evaluated by resume and transcripts; or A bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement, based on: Class standing – Applicants in the upper third of their graduating class. Grade‑point average (GPA) – 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 (“B” or better) or 3.5 or higher (“B+” or better) based on required courses. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. Qualifications for GS-09 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level, or equivalent public or private sector experience. For this position, specialized experience is defined as: Researching and reviewing records to make disclosure determinations under FOIA. Providing advice related to FOIA requests for access and disclosure. Implementing FOIA policies and procedures to ensure compliance with FOIA program requirements. Substitution of Education: Successful completion of at least one full year of graduate level education in a relevant field. A master’s or equivalent graduate degree. Two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree. LL.B. or J.D., or A combination of graduate education and specialized experience equal to 100% of the requirement, determined via resume and transcripts. NOTE: Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be used to qualify for the GS‑09 level. Preferred Experience At least one year in public service that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr