This position is located in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Passport Services Directorate, Office of Records Management, Records Review and Release Division (CA/PPT/RM/RRR). The incumbent determines the release or denial of passport information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA) and conducts liaison activities with USG, State and local law enforcement agencies and the general public.

Duties

Reviews and evaluates a broad range of requests for the release of documents or information related to passport adjudication. Provides authoritative guidance, advice, and assistance to program staff regarding FOIA/PA policies and procedures, and their application to the most complex cases. Analyzes requested documents or portions thereof and, in cases where exemptions to FOIA are justifiable, redacts those portions of the document or documents that are exempt from release, citing the Act's applicable exemption authorities. Articulates and communicates to the team, the assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Trains or arranges for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building and working in teams in order to cooperatively accomplish tasks or projects. Keeps abreast of changing laws, regulations, procedures, and rules to ensure compliance with the Federal rules of evidence that govern the collection and handling of evidence that may be introduced in courts of law in preparing responses. Briefs PPT senior officials concerning FOIA laws, regulations, and procedures in general and in relation to high profile cases of special interest to the Bureau.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F. GS-14 Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience in leadership and team building principles, methods, and practices to provide guidance, mentoring, training, and assistance to the employees; Experience in analyzing complex requests for the release of records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to determine the appropriate disposition; Experience in evaluating problems, preparing clear, concise written conclusions on complex FOIA issues; Experience in establishing internal controls for safeguarding improper access and disclosure of information;  Experience in analyzing and evaluating trends and patterns of information requests; and Experience in collaborating with law enforcement and various levels of government officials in order to serve as liaison to these external customers to clarify and resolve issues. There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-14 position.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

Contacts

• Address U.S. Department of State 600 19th Street, N.W. Attn: CA/EX/HRD Washington, District of Columbia 20520 United States
• Name: Marquis Brock-Smith
• Phone: 771-204-3233
• Email: [email protected]