Government Information Specialist

Full Job Description

The Office of the Inspector General is one of the best places to work in the Department of Justice and is one of the premier inspector general offices in federal government.

The OIG's OGC is a collegial office of 4 attorneys and 5 government information specialists.

OGC provides legal advice on complex issues relevant to general OIG operations and specific OIG audits, investigations, inspections, and reviews.

Specialized Experience GS-12: To qualify at the GS-12 level you must possess one year (52 weeks) or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-11 level grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector.

Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled and has equipped and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For this position your specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Participating directly in the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program with independent responsibilities for processing requests for records; AND Interpreting laws, regulations, polices, and guidance regarding access to records and information and apply such laws, regulations, policies, and guidance Specialized Experience GS-13: To qualify at the GS-13 level you must possess one year (52 weeks) or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-12 level grade level in the federal sector, or the equivalent in the private sector.

Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to work of the position to be filled and has equipped and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For this position your specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Performing duties or functions such as applying federal laws, regulations, policies, and guidance regarding access to records and information, specifically, extensive work independently processing and responding to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act; AND Participating in all aspects of an agency's FOIA/Privacy Act Program.

You must also meet the specialized experience listed at the GS-12 level to qualify for the GS-13.

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 level (or equivalent).

Your resume and supporting documents must also clearly demonstrate that you have the experience listed to qualify for this position. Major Duties:

GS-13 Duties If you are selected as an Government Information Specialist, your responsibilities would include the below duties, but would not be limited to: Coordinating and processing FOIA and Privacy Act requests, performing work at all levels of the FOIA fulfillment process; Independently applying FOIA exemptions and making disclosure determinations; Preparing proposed responses for final submission to FOIA requesters ensuring that outgoing FOIA responses are accurate and include releasable materials; Researching and reviewing issues related to complex and/or high-level sensitive FOIA matters, clarify issues, and evaluate the needs for additional information or collaboration; Coordinating or assist with FOIA appeals and litigation matters, including preparing the declarations as needed regarding the processing of particular information requests.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

GS-12 Duties: If you are selected as a Government Information Specialist GS-12, your responsibilities would include the below duties, but would not be limited to: Independently apply FOIA exemptions and make disclosure determinations; Research and review issues related to complex and/or high-level sensitive FOIA matters, clarify issues, and evaluate the need for additional information or collaboration; Utilizing information technology tools to upload and analyze responsive records; and apply redactions to material within agency records which are exempt from disclosure; Establishing and maintaining a significant network of contacts internal and external to the agency.

Conduct one-on-one or group discussions with contacts as necessary to finalize FOIA responses; Properly handle and process sensitive and classified information in accordance with agency policies and department-wide regulations; Assisting the AUSA and other government attorneys in the preparation of the agency's defense in FOIA litigation, which include preparing declarations and Vaughn indices, as well as meeting required production schedules set forth by counsel.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.