Government Information Specialist

Serves as a Government Information Specialist and assumes a role as an expert in the dissemination and disclosure of Agency records requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA).

Major duties

• The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.
• The duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Processes all types of FOIA requests, comprising of business, personnel, scientific, and Agency policy records.
• Conducts a word-by-word analysis of records to determine their responsiveness to the requests and applicability of specific FOIA and PA exemptions.
• Reviews Agency records and determines what information can be released or must be withheld under the FOIA and the PA, applying established exemptions and agency guidance.
• Serves as a technical resource on the proper handling, dissemination, and disclosure of Agency records in response to FOIA and PA requests.
• Works with Agency program offices and other USDA components to gather records, coordinate searches, and reach agreement on record release determinations.
• Clearly explains FOIA and Privacy Act issues to program staff, requesters, media representatives, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Provides input and recommendations to FOIA leadership on the interpretation and application of FOIA and PA policies, laws, and regulations.
• Conducts research, gathers background information, reviews responsive records, and completes information packages for management review and signature in response to requests.
• Processes and coordinates appeal and litigation responses with the Agency Program FOIA Coordinators, supervisors, the FOIA Officer, and the Office of the General Counsel.

Qualifications

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-12 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-11 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience reviewing agency records and applying FOIA exemptions. Experience providing detailed written justifications of FOIA exemptions. Experience managing a FOIA caseload and communicating updates to management, program staff, and requesters. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience analyzing FOIA requests and preparing FOIA release packages for management review. Experience processing FOIA appeals and/or litigation. Experience conducting research on statutes and court cases to assist with FOIA and PA initial determinations, appeals, and/or litigation. Note: There is no education substitution for this 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.

Education

This position does not have an education qualification requirement.