Government Information Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs(OSORA), Division of the Freedom of Information Group (FIG).

As a Government Information Specialist, GS-0306-7/9, you will review complex requests for documents under the Freedom of Information Act and provides advice and training to Central and Regional Office Freedom of Information staff.

ALL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Your resume (limited to no more than 2 pages) must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position.

Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating.

This will prevent you from receiving further consideration.

In order to qualify for the GS-07, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector), to include: 1) Assisting in implementing established FOIA policies and procedures for assigned program areas by applying statutory and regulatory requirements under guidance; AND 2) Researching, analyzing, and reviewing records and materials related to FOIA requests to support determinations on suitability for public disclosure, in accordance with established guidance and procedures; AND 3)Assisting in developing FOIA training materials and providing guidance to employees to support agency compliance and improve processing accuracy.

- OR - Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-07 level by having 1 full academic year of graduate education, or law school, or Superior Academic Achievement.

I have a bachelor's degree and Superior Academic Achievement (SAA).

SAA is defined as meeting one of the following: 1) a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0or higher based on a 4.0 scale as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years ofcurriculum; 2) a 3.5 GPA or higher based on a 4.0 scale as computed based on the required courses completed in a major field of study, or the requiredcourses completed in the major field during the final two years of curriculum; 3) class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college,university, or major subdivision of the college; OR 4) membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College HonorSocieties, excluding freshman honor societies.(NOTE: TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION) - OR - Combination of Experience and Education: You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate education that equates to 100% of the requirements for the GS-07.

TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement related to substitution of education for experience and combination of experience and education.

Please see "Required Documents" section below for what documentation is required at the time of application.

In order to qualify for the GS-09, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) Assisting in developing, interpreting, and implementing FOIA policies and procedures for assigned program areas, ensuring consistent application of statutory and regulatory requirements; AND 2) Researching, analyzing, and reviewing sensitive records and materials related to FOIA requests to determine suitability for public disclosure, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency guidance; AND 3) Assisting in developing and delivering FOIA training and guidance to employees and management officials to support agency compliance, improve processing accuracy, and reduce operational risk.

- OR - Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-09 level by possessing a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B.

or J.D., if related to the position being filled.

(NOTE: TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION) - OR - Combination of Experience and Education: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the GS-07 grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at the grade GS-09.

Therefore, only education in excess of 1 full year of graduate-level education may be used to combine education and experience.

TRANSCRIPTS are required to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement related to the substitution of education for experience and the combination of experience and education.

Please refer to the "Required Documents" section below for the documentation required at the time of application.

Time-in-Grade: To be eligible, current or former Federal employees and current or former Federal employees applying under the VEOA eligibility who hold or have held a permanent General Schedule position in the previous year must have served at least 52 weeks (one year) at the next lower grade level from the position/grade level(s) to which they are applying.

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).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Click the following link to view the occupational questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12903059 Major Duties:

• Process incoming FOIA requests and identifies sensitive records, including proprietary information and materials.
• Develop and use skills to negotiate with requestors regarding scope or requests, adequacy of records available, alternative responses, and payment of costs.
• Monitor and review program status and execution to ensure continuity, accuracy, and completeness of actions.
• Exercise increased discretion in responding to requests and ensure that actions align with established release and disclosure policies.
• Organize and prepare summaries, reports, and analyses based on research. Drafts and edits legal and non-legal memoranda. Research reports and correspondence.