Job Description

Summary Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities. Responsibilities Serves as a Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) Specialist with primary responsibility for analysis of, response to, and monitoring of requests for Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) records pursuant to the FOIA/PA. Analyzes whether there are any legal basis to assert an exemption to disclosure; coordinates with appropriate parties; and makes disclosure determinations on more complex issues/requests. Responds to FOIA/PA lawsuits concerning records released, including conducting file reviews, drafting declarations to be filed in court, and consulting with the representing attorneys in such suits. Monitors the recording of receipt of requests, obtains necessary information, and prepares final responses approving or disapproving the release of records. Exercises discretion and independent judgment in the application of laws, regulations, and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA. Processes complex FOIA/PA requests for access to highly sensitive records, such as American Correctional Association reports, Office of Internal Affairs reports, or Witness Security (WITSEC) documents. Processing of records entails researching complex case law, analyzing highly sensitive records, and preparing opinion memoranda with proposed action for Executive Staff review in the division for whom the records pertain. Serves as primary staff responsible for coordinating with the Office of Public Affairs staff regarding the release of information requested by the media, especially on high-profile inmates. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. Citizenship is Required. See Special Conditions of Employment Section. Career Transition Programs (CTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or 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: 1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria; 2. Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on scoring at least half of the total possible points for the vacancy KSAs or competencies; and 3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility. NOTE: Applicants claiming CTAP eligibility must complete all assessment questions to be rated under the established ranking criteria. Qualifications To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements: Education: There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position. OR Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled. Some examples of this qualifying experience are: Experience that demonstrates knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents sufficient to conduct detailed analysis of complex functions and work processes pertaining to FOIA/PA requests. Experience in analyzing and interpreting complex requests for information under the FOIA/PA, conducting extensive research and ensuring compliance with FOIA/PA laws, regulations and policies when responding to requests. Experience in processing complex law enforcement or other types of records containing personally identifiable information. Experience working with members of the public both telephonically and via email. Experience in serving as the agency contact with other government agencies and the courts concerning the release of information under the FOIA/PA. If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities. Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application. Education See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable. ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here. Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications. If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty. Additional Information The representative rate for this position is $111,543 per annum ($53.45 per hour). Special Conditions of Employment Section: Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks. The addresses listed on the USAJOBS account/resume must be the primary residence at the time of application. You may be required to provide proof of residence. Additional selections may be made if vacancies occur within the life of the certificate. Although competitive and non-competitive applications are being accepted, the selecting official may elect to have only one group reviewed. Current Federal Law Enforcement Employees: A prerequisite of the secondary law enforcement position is the completion of the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II". If you have not completed the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II", you are ineligible for secondary law enforcement position(s) and coverage but may still be considered for a non-law enforcement position. If you are not a current Bureau of Prisons employee, you must submit training records demonstrating you have completed the mandatory courses in "Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I and Phase II" to your hiring Human Resource office prior to appointment. Individuals selected who are under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and who have not had three years "primary" law enforcement retirement coverage, will not be covered by law enforcement retirement while in this position. To regain coverage, individuals must return to a position with "primary" coverage. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Exceptions may apply. See 5 CFR part 11.

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