Government Information Specialist

Typical work assignments include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing records in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and determines if records should be released in full in part or withheld.
• Analyzing the scope of incoming FOIA requests and coordinate with program offices for responsive records.
• Conducting regular follow-up with program offices subject matter experts and agency leadership to ensure timely responses to FOIA taskings.
• Tracking and monitoring the status of FOIA requests referrals and consultations.
• Developing and implementing strategies to reduce the agencys FOIA backlog.
• Preparing routine FOIA reports and provides briefings about the FOIA program to agency leadership.

Military Spouses & U.S. Foreign Service Spouses Only: This position is remote work and telework eligible consistent with the Agencys telework and remote work program policy. Applicants who live within the local commuting area (i.e. a 50-mile or less radius from Glebe Road Arlington VA (not driving distance)) are eligible for 100% telework in accordance with agency policy.

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment if required.
• Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/ Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments.
• DHS uses e-Verify an Internet-based system to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
• You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check a review of financial issues as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
• Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather protests and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws rules and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752 as applicable).
• This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISAs Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. After appointment you may be subject to periodic random drug testing.

Do NOT copy and paste the duties specialized experience or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Your resume must describe your work and experience in your own words.

To be considered minimally qualified for this position you must demonstrate that you have the required experience for the respective grade level in which you are applying.

You qualify at the GS-13 grade level if you have:

EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) performing all the following duties:

1. Interpreting and applying disclosure authorities to resolve complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) issues;
2. Advising management/stakeholders on FOIA compliance;
3. Meeting statutory deadlines and/or organizational goals for oversight of FOIA program and effective case management; AND
4. Communicating and negotiating FOIA requests with the requester.

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 knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures any individual who is currently holding or who has held within the previous 52 weeks a General Schedule (GS) position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service must meet time-in-grade requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). NOTE: Current or former GS federal civilian employees within the previous 52 weeks applying for a position under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) must meet time-in-grade requirements.

Time After Competitive Appointment: By the closing date specified in this job announcement current Federal civilian employees must wait at least 90 days after their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive service referral certificate before promotion transfer reinstatement reassignment or detail.

All qualification requirements including Time-in-Grade must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification AND Time-in-Grade claims will be subject to verification.