Government Information Specialist (FOIA/Privacy Act Specialist)

Full Job Description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Education: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.

OR Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level.

To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.

Some examples of this qualifying experience are: Experience that demonstrates knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents sufficient to conduct detailed analysis of complex functions and work processes pertaining to FOIA/PA requests.

Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex requests for information under the FOIA/PA, conducting extensive research and ensuring compliance with FOIA/PA laws, regulations and policies when responding to requests.

Experience in processing complex law enforcement or other types of records containing personally identifiable information.

Experience working with members of the public both telephonically and via email.

Experience in serving as the agency contact with other government agencies and the courts concerning the release of information under the FOIA/PA.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Major Duties:

Serves as a Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) Specialist with primary responsibility for analysis of, response to, and monitoring of requests for Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) records pursuant to the FOIA/PA.

Analyzes whether there are any legal basis to assert an exemption to disclosure; coordinates with appropriate parties; and makes disclosure determinations on more complex issues/requests.

Responds to FOIA/PA lawsuits concerning records released, including conducting file reviews, drafting declarations to be filed in court, and consulting with the representing attorneys in such suits.

Monitors the recording of receipt of requests, obtains necessary information, and prepares final responses approving or disapproving the release of records.

Exercises discretion and independent judgment in the application of laws, regulations, and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA.

Processes complex FOIA/PA requests for access to highly sensitive records, such as American Correctional Association reports, Office of Internal Affairs reports, or Witness Security (WITSEC) documents.

Processing of records entails researching complex case law, analyzing highly sensitive records, and preparing opinion memoranda with proposed action for Executive Staff review in the division for whom the records pertain.

Serves as primary staff responsible for coordinating with the Office of Public Affairs staff regarding the release of information requested by the media, especially on high-profile inmates.