The position is located within the Centralized Support Division (CSD) at the St. Louis VA Regional (VARO) in Overland, MO. As a Government Information Specialist (FOIA/PA Officer) you will oversee all ongoing activities related to the development, implementation, maintenance, and adherence to the RO's policies and procedures covering privacy and access of Veterans, Veteran dependents and employee information in compliance with federal and state laws and VA privacy practices (FOIA/PA laws).

Duties

MAJOR DUTIES: Serve as the Regional Office and CSD FOIA/Privacy Officer and is primarily responsible for the Regional Office's compliance with all FOIA/PA laws to include regulations and guidance within each Act. Maintain safeguards of records in compliance with the FOIA/Privacy Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act. Develop guidance on FOIA requests to include appeals and litigation information. Develop station policies for access to federal records under FOIA/PA. Advise other FOIA personnel on techniques and procedures. Advise of changing legislative and regulatory requirements, goals and objectives and consequences of changes in release of information services. Analyze, assess and evaluate, and provide recommendations for continued or improved efficiency in FOIA/PA related programs and functions. Act as the agency liaison in FOIA/PA requests with agency and outside components. Serves as a subject matter expert on FOIA/PA issues to assist and advise Regional Office staff regarding the resolution of problems/issues involving privacy and other release of information issues. Work Schedule: Regular office hours, 7:30am-4:00pm; Alternate work schedules are available. Compressed/Flexible: Not available. Telework: Available Remote: This is NOT a remote/virtual position. Title/PD#: Government Information Specialist (FOIA/PA Officer) GS - 13; PD# 034990 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/14/2023. Time-in-grade: Applicants who are/were federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information. To qualify, applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-12) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as work that involves demonstrated experience providing administrative assistance and staff support that include: (1) Preparing releases of information for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests; (2) Developing guidance regarding FOIA requests; (3) Advising personnel on FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) procedures. The Office of Personnel Management's group coverage qualification standards, associated individual occupational requirements (IOR), and individual qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found here. NOTE: 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; religions; 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.

Education

There is no educational substitution for the GS-13 level.

Contacts

• Address St Louis Regional Benefit Office 9700 Page Ave Overland, MO 63132 US
• Name: SHARRONE INGRAM
• Phone: 313-471-3882
• Email: [email protected]