Government Information Specialist (FOIA/PA Specialist)

Full Job Description

If selected, you will be responsible for ensuring timely responses to complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) inquiries.

You will assist in planning, performing and managing a variety of tasks necessary for the successful processing of FOIA requests.

This position plays an integral part in the enforcement of laws and regulations governing the FOIA regarding records pertaining to the humane care and handling of animals.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.

TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.

FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: - Apply fact-finding and investigative techniques to gather clear-cut factual evidence of administrative compliance with regulations for Freedom of Information Act and records information management.

- Presenting and/or explaining complex information and findings to program and Agency level officials in a way that is easily understood.

- Tracking and managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

OR OR Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, in a field of study such as Public Administration, Business Administration & Organizational Management or other related field of study; OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in Public Administration, Business Administration & Organizational Management or a related field OR LL.M., if related.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: You are qualifying for the position based on education.

You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.

This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements.

The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

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

• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Reviews, logs, tracks, examines, and interprets FOIA requests submitted to Animal Care.
• Analyzes interprets, and responds to complex requests for access to Agency records maintained by AC personnel throughout the U.S.
• Implements FOIA document control and handling procedures and processes in support of program operations.
• Works with various members of AC to analyze, coordinate, and fulfill complex FOIA requests within the required time frame.
• Oversees the maintenance of all AC FOIA related records, and produces reports on all related FOIA activity.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for AC personnel to resolve technical questions related to FOIA requests.
• Provides guidance to all AC personnel who are tasked with researching records in support of the FOIA requests.
• Consults and coordinates with the AC personnel, Agency’s FOIA and other program offices on procedural complexities .
• Maintains Program’s FOIA E-mail and correspondences appropriately.