Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing), Department Of Justice, Washington, DC
Department Of Justice -
Washington, DC,
US
Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing)
Date Posted: 2024-05-22
Job description
SummaryThe mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to protect the United States from threats to our national security by pursuing justice through the law. The mission of the Records and FOIA Unit is to manage NSD's obligations under the FOIA. This includes, but is not limited to, processing FOIA requests for records of NSD, and supporting the Unit's response to NSD FOIA matters in litigation.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates05/02/2024 to 05/15/2024* Salary$82,764 - $128,956 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 11 - 12* HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location:* Washington, DC* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleYes-Limited telework may be available and is situationally dependent.* Travel RequiredOccasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent -* Work scheduleFull-time -* ServiceCompetitive* Promotion potential12* Job family (Series)0306 Government Information Specialist* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceSensitive Compartmented Information* Drug testYes* Position sensitivity and riskSpecial-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk* Trust determination processCredentialingSuitability/FitnessNational security* Announcement numberNSD-24-12397295-ST* Control number789457500HelpThis job is open to* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.* Family of overseas employeesFamily members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.* Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.* Individuals with disabilities* Land & base managementCertain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.* Military spouses* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista* Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.* VeteransClarification from the agencyThis vacancy announcement is open to Federal employees and other eligible applicants. Please read the "This Job Is Open To" section above, to ensure you are eligible for consideration.HelpDutiesAs the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.The primary purpose of this Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) position is to serve as an advanced FOIA analyst in NSD Office of General Counsel's Records and FOIA Unit working to ensure NSD compliance with the FOIA. This position is responsible for multiple projects simultaneously and serves as a resource on the integration of technology and FOIA.The duties and responsibilities for a Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) at full performance level generally include, but are not limited to, the following:* Review and coordinate the processing of FOIA requests, to include requests with issues that require interpretation and adaptation of guidance to particular situations related to the FOIA.* Identify information exempt from disclosure pursuant to the FOIA and appropriately redacts information within responsive records pursuant to an applicable exemption under the FOIA statute.* Draft outgoing responses that ensure complete coverage of all issues, proper coordination with the appropriate parties, and compliance with FOIA/PA regulations and policies.* Consult and coordinate within NSD, with other DOJ organizational components, and with other federal agencies on routine and nonroutine procedural issues to ensure consistent FOIA processing within NSD and with colleagues across the U.S. government.* Research requests, identify any preliminary legal issues, analyze whether there is any basis to assert an exemption or exception to disclosure that would preclude the need for a records search by NSD (e.g., listed exception, Glomar).* Initiate contacts with paralegals, attorneys, high-ranking public officials, members of the public, and others to give technical and procedural guidance on routine and non-routine FOIA issues.* Support the Records and FOIA Unit litigation attorneys in all aspects of FOIA litigation, to include coordinating responses to DOJ Federal Programs Branch or DOJ United States Attorney's Office litigators representing NSD in FOIA litigation matters.* Provide advice and guidance for issues that require interpretation and adaptation of guidance to particular situations related to the FOIA.* Review and analyze agency FOIA reports and contributes to the preparation and completion of NSD FOIA Unit's input to agency reports and related summaries.* Review and analyze documentation and records control procedures for the FOIA Case Tracking System.HelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* You must be a United States Citizen or National.* You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.* You may be required to complete a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.* Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.* You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.* Additional selections may be made from this announcement, at any time, if openings occur in other offices serviced by Justice Management Division, HR Operations.* Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.QualificationsTo qualify for the position of Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) at (GS-0306-11/12), you must possess the required specialized experience specific to this series and grade you're applying to.If you are a current or former government employee on a permanent appointment in the competitive service, you will need to demonstrate 1-year (52-weeks) at the next lower grade level, to meet the time-in-grade requirements for this occupational series and grade. Additionally, please ensure to submit an applicable SF50 (please refer to the "required documents" section for additional information).May be selected at any grade level with non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade. Non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade based on time-in-grade requirements and demonstrated ability to perform the higher graded duties.To Qualify for the Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) GS-0306-11, you must have at least one of the following:A. Specialized Experience: Your resume must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector processing Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) requests for an organization.* OR-B. Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.* OR-C. Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages.To Qualify for the Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) GS-0306-12:Specialized Experience: Your resume must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector applying exemptions and preparing responses to FOIA/PA requests for an organization.Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted for the GS-12 grade level.You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 05/15/2024.Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.* Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.*EducationIf you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below: Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For more information about this requirement, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Additional informationThe bullets below outline the various groups of applicants that fall under the term "status candidates". This vacancy is open to applicants from any of the groups listed below: When you apply you'll have the chance to claim an eligibility pathway, be sure you fully read each statement and any links provided to make sure you know which eligibility you qualify for.See a full list and learn more at USAJOBS, see: What does Status Candidate mean? or Which Jobs am I Eligible to Apply for?* CURRENT AND FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: For more information, see USAJOBS Federal Employees.* CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS (CTAP or ICTAP): For more information visit: USAJOBS Career Transition Programs* VETERANS AND MILITARY SPOUSES: Please see USAJOBS Veterans Preference for more details.* SCHEDULE A, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Learn more at USAJOBS - Individuals with Disabilities.General Employment Information:* REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Our policy can be found at: DOJ EEO STATEMENT: The U.S. Department of Justice fosters an inclusive and diverse workforce, find our EEO statement online at: SELECTIVE SERVICE: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.Pay for this position under the DCB Locality Table is:GS-11: $82,764.00 - $107,590.00 per yearGS-12: $99,200.00 - $128,956.00 per yearRead more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Once the announcement closes, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist. This information will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position. If a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible, or your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your skills and abilities.Additionally, we will review your supporting documents and resume to determine if you are in the "Area of Consideration" for this vacancy. Government-Wide Merit Promotion vacancies may only accept applications from a limited audience, pay careful attention to the "Who May Apply" and the "Hiring Paths" information. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated, in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.BASIS OF RATING:DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates.Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, and other characteristics):* Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Advice and Guidance* Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Request Coordination* Manages and Organizes Information* Research* Technical CompetenceCareer Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:* Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;* Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and* Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.