"Alerted.org

Summary The Office of Information Policy, Initial Request Staff is responsible for processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA), requests for records. The position serves as a subject matter expert and focal point for all FOIA/PA requests that relate to the Office of Information Policy (OIP) and the Departments senior leadership offices. Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities for a Government Information Specialist (FOIA/PA), GS-0306-12/13 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: * Coordinates and processes complex requests for access to highly sensitive records. * Handles sensitive documents in accordance with departmental policies and procedures. * Independently researches and gathers information in response to requests from higher offices. * Reviews and advises on complex cases, in situations where definition or data or incomplete, controversial or uncertain, or where boundaries of the issues are difficult to determine. * Conducts studies involving analytical assignments which focus on the proper implementation of FOIA/Privacy Act (PA) requirements and processing of such requests. * Collects relevant information from varied sources. The duties listed above are generally written for one grade level. If the position is advertised at multiple grades, the duties will be adjusted in difficulty, complexity, and level of supervision, for higher or lower grades, as appropriate. Organization may also add other duties as assigned once you are hired, based on what is included and allowed by the position description. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for the position of Government Information Specialist (FOIA/PA), at GS-0306-12/13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. 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). For the GS-12: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting 3 of the 5 statements below: 1) Reviews documents to identify and redact sensitive information under FOIA and PA exemptions; 2) Reviews incoming FOIA/PA requests from search to final response; 3) Drafts written responses to requesters and prepares status reports for senior leadership; 4) Maintains FOIA/Pa database and formal administrative records; 5) Utilize automated tools and software to organize documentation, information, and/or evidence. For the GS-13: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting 3 of the 6 statements below: 1) Communicates and negotiates with requesters regarding FOIA/PA requests; 2) Conducts record searches in response to FOIA requests; 3) Conducts research as required to determine FOIA/PA information to be released; 4) Consults, as appropriate, with other government entities regarding responsiveness and releasability determinations; 5) Handles the above 4 tasks independently and potentially review the work of others; 6) Handles prior responses to efficiently handle new FOIA requests utilizing technology-related discovery efforts. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 12/04/2025. Your resume must support your responses to the application 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. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 12/04/2025 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. Education There is no education substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Career 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. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy 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. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act. This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.