- Position Title
- Government Information Specialist (FOIA)
- Agency
- Justice, Office of the Inspector General
- Announcement Number
- 12177910-BSM-MP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, November 6, 2023 to Tuesday, November 21, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
30% Disabled Veteran Candidate - Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions, and are eligible for a temporary or term appointment as a disabled veteran? This includes veterans who:
• Retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more; OR
• Have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service- connected disability of 30%or more.
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service, AND
• A copy of the disability letter (reflecting the overall 30% or more rating) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/) or Armed Service, AND
• The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• Retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more; OR
• Have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service- connected disability of 30%or more.
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service, AND
• A copy of the disability letter (reflecting the overall 30% or more rating) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (https://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters/) or Armed Service, AND
• The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
3.
Military Spouse - Are you the spouse of an active-duty member of the Armed Forces eligible under E.O. 13832 and P.L. 115-232:
The spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty- OR- the spouse of a retired/separated member of the Armed Forces with a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs -OR- the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active-duty status?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit the following:
• Verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage), AND
• If based on member's Active Duty status: proof of active duty status, i.e. spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Active Duty military orders, or official documentation from the Armed Forces branch that verifies spouse's active status.
• If based on member's 100% disability: verification of the member's retirement or release/discharge from active duty AND verification of 100% service-connected disability (DD-214 and/or VA Letter https://www.va.gov/records/download-va- letters/).
• If based on member's death: verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300).
For more information, review USA Jobs resources.
The spouse of a member of the armed forces on active duty- OR- the spouse of a retired/separated member of the Armed Forces with a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans Affairs -OR- the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active-duty status?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit the following:
• Verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage), AND
• If based on member's Active Duty status: proof of active duty status, i.e. spouse's Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or Active Duty military orders, or official documentation from the Armed Forces branch that verifies spouse's active status.
• If based on member's 100% disability: verification of the member's retirement or release/discharge from active duty AND verification of 100% service-connected disability (DD-214 and/or VA Letter https://www.va.gov/records/download-va- letters/).
• If based on member's death: verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300).
For more information, review USA Jobs resources.
4.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) - Are you a current employee of the Department of Justice who meets the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service? If you indicate "Yes" for this question, confirm you meet all the following requirements:
• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;
• Your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy;
• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You MUST also submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as:
• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND
• A copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
For more information, USAJOBS Help Center..
• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;
• Your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy;
• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You MUST also submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as:
• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND
• A copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
For more information, USAJOBS Help Center..
5.
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service with one of the following?
• Your current position is at the same grade level as the posted position OR
• Your current position has promotion potential at or above the level of the posted position
If you indicate yes for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting.
• The same grade or higher promotion potential AND
• Career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2) AND your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
• Your current position is at the same grade level as the posted position OR
• Your current position has promotion potential at or above the level of the posted position
If you indicate yes for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting.
• The same grade or higher promotion potential AND
• Career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2) AND your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
6.
Are you currently employed as a Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form, AND
• A copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis (if different than your most recent SF-50, or equivalent), AND
• If applying for a higher grade, a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal.
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form, AND
• A copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis (if different than your most recent SF-50, or equivalent), AND
• If applying for a higher grade, a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal.
7.
Schedule A - Are you eligible for appointment under the Excepted Service authority for Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities or psychiatric disabilities?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e. a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e. a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
8.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) - Are you a current or former federal employee who meets the definition of displaced from a position in the competitive service from a Federal agency outside of Department of Justice? If yes, confirm you meet all the following requirements:
• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;
• Your grade is/was equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy;
• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent;
• It has been less than a year from your separation from Federal service
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
For more information, https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy;
• Your grade is/was equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy;
• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent;
• It has been less than a year from your separation from Federal service
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES) AND a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal, AND a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
For more information, https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
9.
Interchange Agreement - Are you currently employed as a permanent career or career- conditional employee in a federal agency which has an interchange agreement with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or with a federal agency covered under other special appointing authorities or agreements (e.g., TSA, U.S. Postal Service, FAA, etc.) and you:
• Are currently serving under an appointment without time limit in the other merit system or have been involuntarily separated from such appointment without personal cause within the preceding year, AND
• Are currently serving in or have been involuntarily separated from a position covered by an interchange agreement (some agreements do not cover all positions of the other merit system), AND
• Have served continuously for at least one (1) year in the other merit system prior to appointment under the interchange agreement?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form, AND
• A copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis (if different than your most recent SF-50, or equivalent), AND
• If applying for a higher grade, a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal.
For more information, review OPM Interchange Agreements with other Merit Systems resource.
• Are currently serving under an appointment without time limit in the other merit system or have been involuntarily separated from such appointment without personal cause within the preceding year, AND
• Are currently serving in or have been involuntarily separated from a position covered by an interchange agreement (some agreements do not cover all positions of the other merit system), AND
• Have served continuously for at least one (1) year in the other merit system prior to appointment under the interchange agreement?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit:
• A copy of your most recent career or career-conditional SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form, AND
• A copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, that reflects your highest grade held on a permanent basis (if different than your most recent SF-50, or equivalent), AND
• If applying for a higher grade, a copy of an SF-50, or equivalent, which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirements (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year old, Within Grade Increase at the highest grade held, SF-50, or equivalent, at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one (1) year old), AND
• A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal.
For more information, review OPM Interchange Agreements with other Merit Systems resource.
10.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) - Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
• Served three (3) or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: If released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); -OR-
• Are entitled to veterans' preference?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
• Served three (3) or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: If released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); -OR-
• Are entitled to veterans' preference?
If you indicate "Yes" for this question, you MUST submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
11.
Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?
Preferences
1.
Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.
2.
If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C.)1001); my eligibilities may be canceled; I may be denied an appointment; or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. Part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
Assessment 1
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.
1.
Specialized Experience: GS-11
Carefully read the following descriptions of experience. Select the one that best describes your qualifications for Government Information Specialist, GS-0306-11. Please make sure your resume supports the response you select.
Carefully read the following descriptions of experience. Select the one that best describes your qualifications for Government Information Specialist, GS-0306-11. Please make sure your resume supports the response you select.
- To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level. Specialized experience is paid or unpaid experience which has equipped you with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include such duties as participating directly in the implementation of the FOIA program with independent responsibilities for acknowledging requests and processing routine requests for records, or interpreting laws, regulations, policies, and guidance regarding access to records and information OR
- Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., and have attached a transcript or course listing displaying degree obtained OR
- I have a combination of specialized experience and progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, and have attached a transcript or course listing
2.
Specialized Experience: GS-12
To qualify at the GS-12 level you must possess one year (52 weeks) or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-11 level performing duties or functions such as the ability to analyze the complexity of FOIA requests and make independent disclosure determinations regarding them, participating directly in the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program with independent responsibilities for processing requests for records; interpreting laws, regulations, polices, and guidance regarding access to records and information, and applying such laws, regulations, policies, and guidance.
Please make sure your resume supports the response you select.
To qualify at the GS-12 level you must possess one year (52 weeks) or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-11 level performing duties or functions such as the ability to analyze the complexity of FOIA requests and make independent disclosure determinations regarding them, participating directly in the implementation of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program with independent responsibilities for processing requests for records; interpreting laws, regulations, polices, and guidance regarding access to records and information, and applying such laws, regulations, policies, and guidance.
Please make sure your resume supports the response you select.
3.
GS-11
If you are qualifying based on Specialized Experience, please provide a narrative on where in your resume Specialized Experience can be found? Please be as descriptive as possible.
If you are qualifying based on Specialized Experience, please provide a narrative on where in your resume Specialized Experience can be found? Please be as descriptive as possible.
4.
GS-12
Please provide a narrative on where in your resume Specialized Experience can be found? Please be as descriptive as possible.
Please provide a narrative on where in your resume Specialized Experience can be found? Please be as descriptive as possible.
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
5.
What is your experience preparing final redacted copies of documents and signed letters for release to the requester after approval from supervisor?
6.
What is your experience preparing final redacted copies of documents and signed letters for release to the requester after approval from supervisor?
7.
What is your experience interpreting the FOIA/PA and pertinent regulations to determine which Act provides the greater benefit for release of information to the requester?
8.
Please select the response that best describes your experience in performing analytical task(s).
9.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience analyzing non-routine FOIA requests, reviewing records and determining whether or not the material requested should be released or denied?
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below.
10.
Do you possess experience analyzing requests to determine the nature of information requested and proper source of that information ?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
11.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience in preparing/writing Freedom of Information Act responses?
12.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience in providing comprehensive written responses to Freedom of Information Act requests?
13.
Which of the following describe your levels of experience communicating information in writing?
14.
What is your experience responding to public inquires (memoranda, FOIA requests, Congressional correspondence, etc.)?
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).
15.
Do you have demonstrated experience setting priorities, organizing, and adjusting workflow to meet processing deadlines?
16.
Do you have demonstrated experience setting priorities, organizing, and adjusting workflow to meet processing deadlines?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
17.
Select the response that best reflects your knowledge concerning the Freedom of Information Act.
18.
Select the response that best reflects your knowledge concerning the Freedom of Information Act
19.
Which of the following describes your highest level of experience in the application of FOIA exemptions necessary to make accurate redactions to releasable material?
20.
Which of the following best describes your experience with the Freedom of Information Act?
21.
Which of the following best describes your experience with the Freedom of Information Act?
22.
Which of the following best describes your experience with the Privacy Act?
23.
Which of the following best describes your experience with the Privacy Act?
24.
Which of the following describes your highest level of experience in providing recommendations or guidance concerning Freedom of Information Act policy modifications and implementations?
25.
Which of the following describes your highest level of experience in providing recommendations or guidance concerning Freedom of Information Act policy modifications and implementations?
26.
From the choices below, please select each task with which you have experience performing FOIA requests.
27.
From the choices below, please select each task with which you have experience performing FOIA requests.
28.
Which of the following best describes your knowledge interpreting regulations and organizational policy regarding the release of information under FOIA?
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
29.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience in applying laws, statutes, and regulations associated with the Freedom of Information Act and the processing of information requests under this act.
30.
Which of the following best describes your highest level of experience in applying laws, statutes, and regulations associated with the Freedom of Information Act and the processing of information requests under this act.
31.
Do you possess experience keeping abreast of updates regarding disclosure of government information, including recent court and agency decisions, current legislative resolutions or problems encountered within the FOIA program?