If you have experience assisting with the planning, developing, analyzing, evaluating and administering of the FOIA program and want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Office of the General Counsel! For more information visit, www.ftc.gov .
Summary
If you have experience assisting with the planning, developing, analyzing, evaluating and administering of the FOIA program and want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Office of the General Counsel! For more information visit, www.ftc.gov .
If you are selected for this position, you will perform the following duties:
Processes a large volume of FOIA/PA requests for access to sensitive records from individuals, federal agencies, public and private entities. Reviews the scope of the FOIA/PA requests and clarifies the requester's intent where necessary. Researches the categories of requests to identify practical applications of the FOIA/PA for asserting a statutory exemption.
Conducts independent extensive record searches using the Commission's electronic databases (including, but not limited to, FOIAXpress, DocSmart, Business Objects, Consumer Sentinel, IdTheft, MMS, Intra/Internet Landoc and Documentum) to determine if there may be responsive records and to identify the offices that are likely to have such records. Organizes the retrieval of these documents and analyzes the legal issues that may arise from the content of the documents.
Researches and analyzes the content of the records to make appropriate discretionary disclosure recommendations under the FOIA/PA. Such disclosure recommendations require the incumbent to assert a basis for the application of FOIA/PA exemptions and whether such bases are consistent with applicable statutes, Executive Orders, Commission Rules of Practice 16 C.F.R. § 4.11, and precedents.
Recommends release or denial of requested information based on research, technical knowledge of the FOIA/PA and knowledge of the administrative operations by the Commission. Drafts outgoing FOIA Unit memoranda or other documents detailing their response; coordinates with appropriate bureaus and offices; and ensures that the entire response complies with FOIA regulations and policies. The incumbent may have frequent contact with senior agency staff, members of the public, the media, and outside law firms.
Provides clarification, advice, and guidance to the FTC Bureaus and offices, other federal agencies, and members of the public and private sectors regarding Commission disclosure policies and procedures. Stays abreast of all policies and procedures affecting records retrieval practices from the various Bureaus, Regions and Offices.
Interprets and advises on new developments and recent court decisions, legislative activities and Congressional initiatives regarding release of information under the FOIA and PA for their impact on the FTC. Assists in developing and revising Commission policies, procedures, guidance, and annual reports, which support implementation of the disclosure policy under the FOIA Act.
Responds to telephone inquiries from the public and handles matters involving processing FOIA/PA requests. This includes: (a) involvement in efforts to review and collect current case law and executive guidance regarding FOIA, electronic discovery, and information law issues;
providing assistance in preparing the annual FOIA report to Congress; (c) providing assistance and planning to maintain and update the FOIA Website; and (d) other FOIA related issues as required.
Prepares appropriate memorandum (including declarations, privilege logs, Vaughn indices, Petitions to Quash, and discovery responses) and assists with legal research and brief preparations for use in litigated cases and appeals.
Serves as OGC point of contact for federal and state agencies submitting requests for sharing agreements relative to this agency's consumer protection and merger investigations. Also serves as a liaison between OGC and FTC bureau attorneys and external agencies related to processing information sharing agreements. Responsible for drafting Access letters and appropriate memorandum for submission to the Deputy General Counsel for signature. Oversees quality control of submissions to ensure compliance with the Commission's Rules of Practice, 16 C.F.R. §4.6. When appropriate, works with OGC counsel and outside federal and state enforcement agencies on implementation procedures in compliance with the Commission's Rules of Practice, 16 C.F.R. §4.6
Works on special projects such as compiling information for inclusion in reports, researching records retention and destruction issues, maintaining and updating the FOIA Appeal log and Access Officer Contacts. The incumbent will perform miscellaneous OGC legal support duties and nonFOIA special projects, as assigned.
U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
This position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
You must meet time in grade requirement by the closing date of the vacancy.
You must submit a copy of your performance appraisal with your application.
You must be a current title 5, status employee of the Federal Trade Commission.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Government Information Specialist at the GS-12 level, you must meet the following requirements:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: planning, developing, analyzing, evaluating and administering a FOIA program with a comprehensive knowledge of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended 15 U.S.C. §41 et seq., and Rules 4.6 and 4.11 of the Commission's Rules of Practice, 16 C.F.R. §§4.6 and 4.11, the Clayton Act, and the Sherman Act. regarding information sharing,
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level) by the vacancy closing date.
You must submit a copy of your last performance appraisal with your application package.
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; religious; 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.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. 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; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility.
For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
- Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
- Career Transition Assistance Program/ Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
- Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
- Career Transition Assistance Program/ Documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
