Government Information Specialist

Summary

The Civil Division's Office of Records & Information is seeking a highly organized and detail oriented candidate to work on its FOIA team. The candidate conducts searches for records, determining whether records are responsive to a request, and considers the application of FOIA exemptions to information in responsive records. Engages with other offices within the Executive Branch on the application of FOIA exemptions. The ideal candidate will have strong research, analytical, and writing skills.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities for a GS-12/13 Government Information Specialist generally include, but are not limited to, the following: GS-12 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Utilizes e-discovery platforms to conduct Boolean/keyword searches within a universe of records, to review records for responsiveness, and to tag records accordingly; further, utilize related tools to mark records with appropriate redactions. Answers questions from reviewers about the FOIA request and processing, including information about the subject matter of the request, the status of the request processing, and information regarding determinations made during the processing of the request. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Researches and analyzes issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Communicates with requesters to discuss the scope of requests, applicable fees, and to seek additional information regarding the types of records sought. GS-13 duties In consultation with the Lead or Supervisor, transmits records to other Executive Branch Agencies or Department Components for consultation on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions, and/or sends records to other Division offices, branches, or sections for concurrence on the application of FOIA and PA exemptions; Independently researches and analyzes complex and unprecedented issues contained in responsive records, and supplies recommendations for action on the records. For example, researches the publicly available information about a particular subject, the relationships of individuals identified in the files, information regarding possible harm to privacy and/or financial interests by release of the information. Drafts correspondence communicating the Office's determination in response to FOIA and PA requests. Provides advice and guidance in response to inquiries regarding unprecedented issues related to the FOIA and PA. Reviews and coordinates requests involving issues not covered by precedent decisions related to FOIA and/or PA disclosure. Processes complex FOIA/PA requests for access to highly sensitive and classified records maintained by the Division. Is responsible for the processing of complex requests and those that involve the review of classified records. Provides training and guidance, both orally and in writing, to others within the Division on FOIA and privacy matters. Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Government Information Specialist, at GS-0306-12/13, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. To qualify for the GS-12 Government Information Specialist position, you must demonstrate that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the federal service performing such duties as: processing FOIA/PA requests for access to records; conducting searches for records, determining whether records are responsive to the request; communicating with requesters, both orally and in writing; and providing guidance to staff regarding issues related to the FOIA and PA. To qualify for the GS-13 Government Information Specialist position, you must demonstrate that you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the federal service performing such duties as: reviewing and coordinating FOIA requests; making recommendations regarding disclosure of material; researching and analyzing issues contained in responsive records and providing recommendations for action; researching applicable points of law and summarizing substantive information from statutes, case law, etc. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 10/19/2026 of this announcement. 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. Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: 1) your performance and conduct; 2) the needs and interests of the agency; 3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and 4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement. How You Will Be Evaluated

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 application 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. BASIS OF RATING: DOJ's Merit Promotion Procedures will be used to evaluate candidates.You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents) and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, and other characteristics): FOIA/Records Expertise Legal, Government and Jurisprudence Technical Competence This vacancy utilizes a multi-hurdle approach. The first assessment includes a passing score of 85 based on the minimum level of required proficiency across critical competencies. You must meet or exceed the passing score to move on to the next hurdle. Applicants who score 85 or better will receive a scenario-based assessment by email on Monday, March 23rd which must be returned within 48 hours. If the assessment is not received within 48 hours, you will be rated as ineligible. The second assessment is not scored, but you will receive a pass/fail rating. Applicants who pass the second assessment will be referred to the hiring manager for selection. Please monitor your email and check your spam folder to ensure you do not miss the email. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13078297. Other Information

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. The 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: Please see USAJOBS Veterans Preference for more details. MILITARY SPOUSES: Please see: Military Spouse Information SCHEDULE A, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Learn more at USAJOBS - Individuals with Disabilities. General Employment Information: REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Our policy can be found at: 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. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): This program applies to 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 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 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. 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 Victoria Jones at [email protected]. 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.