This position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Staff. The incumbent serves as a Government Information Specialist and assumes a senior role in developing and managing processes in order to ensure that appropriate, timely, and consistent actions are taken with respect to key policy and regulatory issues, executive level correspondence, etc.
Summary
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education (OPACE), Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Staff. The incumbent serves as a Government Information Specialist and assumes a senior role in developing and managing processes in order to ensure that appropriate, timely, and consistent actions are taken with respect to key policy and regulatory issues, executive level correspondence, etc.
Current permanent Federal employees with competitive status, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP and VEOA eligibles; Farm Service Agency permanent county employees; reinstatement eligibles; Individuals with Disabilities; certain military spouses; 30% or more disabled veterans; former Peace Corps or VISTA volunteers; and those eligible for other Special Hiring Authorities.
Serves as the senior subject matter expert for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) programs, and demonstrates expert knowledge of the FOIA and PA when processing and responding to FOIA requests for FSIS.
Serves as an expert in the dissemination and disclosure of FSIS records requested under the FOIA and PA for the Agency's most complex/sensitive matters.
Reviews the scope of the request and if needed, clarifies the scope of the request.
Makes determinations on requests for fee waivers and expedited processing.
Prepares and routes search requests to the appropriate record custodians.
Engages in the business submitter process.
Makes recommendations for proactive disclosures.
Makes determinations on the application of FOIA exemptions.
Drafts record determinations for senior level review.
Prepares FOIA administrative appeal packages for legal sufficiency review for those adverse determinations.
Maintains an active administrative file for each records request to include case notes, correspondence with the requester, records sets, determinations, consultation responses, and correspondence with other agency officials.
Helps oversee FOIA productions in ongoing litigation and provides assistance to the Office of General Counsel (OGC) with record responses related to FOIA litigation and appeals
Under the direction of the FOIA Director, develops and implements FOIA and PA policy and standards.
Assists the FOIA Director with developing procedures to ensure program managers/record holders throughout FSIS are cognizant of FOIA/PA requirements in accordance with laws/regulations.
Serves as a contact point for coordination of new and/or emerging FOIA and PA programs and policies.
Develops professional relationships and partnerships with OPACE coworkers, other USDA personnel and officials and representatives of other federal, state, and local agencies, in support of the FSIS? mission, interests, and equities.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
Successful completion of one year probationary period, unless previously served.
Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance. If selected you may be subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI).
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Time in grade: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-12 grade level for consideration for the GS-13 grade level.).
Specialized Experience: In order to meet the specialized experience requirement, you will need to have completed 52 weeks of progressively responsible specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level. This experience may be gained under GS, PHHRS, another pay band system, or any combination of GS, pay band, or other experience.
GS-12Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing duties which included:
Reviewing and formulating responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests;
Disseminating and disclosing records requested under the FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) for semi-complex/sensitive matters;
Formulating FOIA and PA policies and standards; and
Administering procedures to ensure program managers/record holders throughout an organization are cognizant of FOIA/PA requirements in accordance with laws/regulations.
GS-13Specialized Experience: You must have at least one year of specialized work experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing duties which included:
Processing and responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests;
Disseminating and disclosing records requested under the FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) for complex/sensitive matters;
Implementing FOIA and PA policies and standards; and
Developing procedures to ensure program managers/record holders throughout an organization are cognizant of FOIA/PA requirements in accordance with laws/regulations.
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 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
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100.
Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Employees: Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information.
Special Hiring Authorities Information: See Feds Hire Vets for more information regarding applying under the Veteran's Recruitment Act (VRA), 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, and Schedule A Disabled.
If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied nor guaranteed.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
This position is eligible for telework and other flexible work arrangements. Employee participation is at the discretion of the supervisor.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).
It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. To see more information visit CHCO Council.
If you are selected, you may need to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on a resume or application can jeopardize employment and may be grounds for disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service
Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing
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.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the experience, education, and training you described in your application package, as well as the responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies listed below:
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Data Analysis
Flexibility
Statutory and Regulatory Expertise
Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are determined to be among the best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration. Noncompetitive candidates and applicants under some special hiring authorities need only meet minimum qualifications to be referred.
Note: If after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
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.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or used as a substitute for specialized experience. An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, if selected, an official transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education website at US Dept. of Education.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and Former Federal employees:
Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
Veteran Hiring Authorities;VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted. For more information see Veterans Preference Information.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act:
a.Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50s) showing the employee has served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break between appointments of two or more years. (Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation SF-50s for each period of work).
b. Documentation of Acceptable Performance for Service Time:
1. Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility, signed by supervisor(s); or
2. If documentation of rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from the employee's supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility; or
3. Applicants who do not provide a performance appraisal or other performance documentation for any period that they are using for eligibility under the LMWFA, shall provide:
a. A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available; and
b. A statement that their performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and they were never notified that they were not eligible for rehire based on performance. This shall be in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals.
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See eCFR Part 213.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP Priority: Proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Peace Corps Volunteers/Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation. See Hiring Authorities.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date and refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Agency Contact if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to 1-833-840-9220.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); 4) other qualifications.
College Transcripts if education is required for meeting basic qualifications and/or used as a substitute for specialized experience. An unofficial copy is sufficient; however, if selected, an official transcript will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Foreign education must be evaluated by an approved organization. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. For additional information, refer to the U.S. Department of Education website at US Dept. of Education.
You must submit the documents below if you claim any of the following:
Current and Former Federal employees:
Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND
Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute.
Current Permanent FSA County Employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50/equivalent) showing highest grade or promotion potential held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above.
Veteran Hiring Authorities;VEOA, VRA and 30% Disabled Veterans: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty showing dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. Disabled veterans must include VA letter & SF-15 if claiming 10 pt. preference. Current active duty members must submit certification that they are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after date the certification is submitted. For more information see Veterans Preference Information.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act:
a.Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50s) showing the employee has served in appropriate appointment(s) for a period/periods that total more than 24 months without a break between appointments of two or more years. (Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation SF-50s for each period of work).
b. Documentation of Acceptable Performance for Service Time:
1. Performance rating(s) showing an acceptable level of performance for period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility, signed by supervisor(s); or
2. If documentation of rating does not exist for one or more periods, a statement from the employee's supervisor(s) or other individual in the chain of command indicating an acceptable level of performance for the period(s) of employment counted towards their eligibility; or
3. Applicants who do not provide a performance appraisal or other performance documentation for any period that they are using for eligibility under the LMWFA, shall provide:
a. A stated reason as to why the appraisal/documentation is not available; and
b. A statement that their performance for all periods was at an acceptable level, their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance, and they were never notified that they were not eligible for rehire based on performance. This shall be in lieu of providing copies of the performance appraisals.
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities Appointment: Letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). See eCFR Part 213.
Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP Priority: Proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330.
Peace Corps Volunteers/Personnel: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority not listed above submit appropriate supporting documentation. See Hiring Authorities.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If you do not have access to the Internet, you are strongly encouraged to visit your library, state employment office, or another establishment that provides internet service to complete the online application and the assessment questionnaire. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date and refer to the Alternative Methods for Applying section below for specific instructions. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Agency Contact if you require this for any part of the application and hiring process.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g. SF-50s or veteran docs) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. If a document is resubmitted, it replaces the previous submission, which means the previous document is no longer available to the Human Resources Office. If you are adding to, rather than replacing a previous submission, you must upload both the old document and the new document. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
It is an applicant's responsibility to submit updated information. You can update your application or documents anytime while the announcement is open. Simply log into your USAJOBS account and click on "Application Status." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application" to continue.
Alternative Methods for Applying: If you are unable to apply using the internet, please fax your request for an application package along with your name and mailing address to 1-833-840-9220.
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20250
US
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
