This position is with the Office of General Counsel in Washington, District of Columbia. This office is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the Inspector General regarding: audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations of the DOI's programs, operations, and employee conduct; investigation of employee complaints; reports to Congress; representation before administrative bodies; information disclosure requests; and the government ethics program.
Summary
This position is with the Office of General Counsel in Washington, District of Columbia. This office is responsible for providing legal advice and services to the Inspector General regarding: audits, inspections, evaluations, and investigations of the DOI's programs, operations, and employee conduct; investigation of employee complaints; reports to Congress; representation before administrative bodies; information disclosure requests; and the government ethics program.
Current or former career or career-conditional Federal employees in the competitive service; VEOA; Interchange agreement; Non-Competitive special hiring authority; Current or former time-limited employees eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act; Peace Corp/Vista and CTAP/ICTAP eligibles
As a Government Information Specialist, GS-0306-12/13, you will be responsible for the public information function, including the review of audit, inspection, evaluation, and investigative reports and other OIG work products for public disclosure through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, press and media release, and inquiries from Congress and the general public. You will perform the following duties:
Serve as a subject matter expert on issues involving the Freedom of Information Act and various information disclosure matters.
Review and analyze incoming FOIA requests, including making category and fee determinations, and evaluate documents to determine whether disclosure of information is legally permissible under the FOIA.
Compose a variety of FOIA response letters and related correspondence (e.g. referral and consultations, time extensions, notification of appeal rights, requests for clarification, etc.) and make recommendations on final decisions to the FOIA Officer.
Research applicable case law on federal regulations and precedents on FOIA request or issues.
Serve as a key liaison in responding to inquiries from the public, Congress, media, and other Federal agencies regarding OIG information and records dissemination, including making recommendations to customers, such as agency FOIA officers, U.S. Department of Justice, and the Office of Government Information Services, concerning compliance, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selective Service.
May be subject to initial and random drug testing.
May be required to complete a one year probationary period.
OGE-450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report may be required.
Time-in-grade requirement - Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions contained in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Merit Promotion candidates must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
Your resume must sufficiently demonstrate ALL experience below to be considered qualified for the grade level(s) to which you are applying.
Minimum Qualifications GS-12 :
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service performing all of the following:
Receiving, responding to, and tracking Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
Analyzing and redacting information in compliance with information disclosure rules and procedures, AND
Compiling responsive documentation in response to FOIA requests
Minimum Qualifications GS-13 :
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service performing all of the following:
Reviewing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) release packages
Authoring final responses or reviewing responses prepared by others to FOIA and other information requests, AND
Resolving FOIA-related issues with external customers, such as the media, Congress, or members of the public
Education
There is no educational substitute for the GS-12 level and above.
Additional information
Applicants must meet initial and periodic suitability determinations based on favorable background investigations and updates.
Additional selections may be made within 90 days from the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
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 or ICTAP 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 or ICTAP 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.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their possession of the following competencies:
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies related tot he Freedom of Information Act
Ability to analyze and apply FOIA redactions to various types of documents
Written communication
Oral communication
After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume per Category Rating procedures to ensure that qualification and eligibility requirements are met. If it is determined that you meet the minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified based on the degree that your application demonstrates possession of:
Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies related to the Privacy Act
Knowledge of personal privacy exemptions or exclusions
Note: If a determination is made that qualifications and/or experience have been inflated, your score will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. You are required to select eligibility and submit supporting documents. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
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.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents (resume and documentation showing eligibility) will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required) - Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section). Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed: job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information.
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position, grade level, and step. Please do not submit award SF-50s as they do not provide the needed information.
Performance Appraisal and Awards - While not required, due weight will be given to appraisals and awards submitted during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Such documents will not be used in determining if you meet the experience requirements.
CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility - Such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Veteran's Preference Documentation -If applying under VEOA, you must include your DD-214 member 4 copy, SF-15, and VA letter (if applicable). If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your unit which states the date you entered active duty and the date you are separating. Your separation date must be within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. Veterans' preference does not apply to merit promotion announcements.
Former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers - If you are applying under this eligibility you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
Interchange Agreement/Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM/Special Hiring Authorities - If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under the Interchange Agreement or Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM, or Special Hiring Authorities you MUST select the appropriate eligibility and submit proof to be considered
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a complete application package including a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the DOI OIG's Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 08/23/2021 to complete the following application process:
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 résumé 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/.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact HR Assistant at doioig_vacancies@doioig.gov to obtain an alternative application. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. 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/
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
1849 C St.
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified by email of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All documentation, applicable to you, must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit the required documents (resume and documentation showing eligibility) will disqualify you from further consideration for this position.
Resume (required) - Your resume must sufficiently describe how your experience fully meets the specialized experience requirements as stated in this announcement for each grade level(s) you are applying (see "Qualifications" section). Your resume must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. We cannot assume you have performed the experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. We strongly recommend you use the USA Jobs online Resume Builder to submit a resume. If you choose to use your own formatted resume, you must ensure it contains all of the following for each experience/position listed: job title, name of employer, beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), hours worked per week, detailed description of duties performed, and if a Federal position, series and grade or equivalent. We will not access web pages linked on your resume to determine your qualifications. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information.
SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action - Documenting proof of competitive status, tenure, position, grade level, and step. Please do not submit award SF-50s as they do not provide the needed information.
Performance Appraisal and Awards - While not required, due weight will be given to appraisals and awards submitted during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Such documents will not be used in determining if you meet the experience requirements.
CTAP/ICTAP Eligibility - Such as a RIF separation notice, certificate of expected separation, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action stating you were separated by RIF, OR a letter from your agency documenting your priority consideration status.
Veteran's Preference Documentation -If applying under VEOA, you must include your DD-214 member 4 copy, SF-15, and VA letter (if applicable). If you are still on active duty, you may submit a statement of service from your unit which states the date you entered active duty and the date you are separating. Your separation date must be within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. Veterans' preference does not apply to merit promotion announcements.
Former Peace Corp and VISTA volunteers - If you are applying under this eligibility you MUST indicate on your application the special program and submit proof of eligibility with your application. Individuals who are eligible for consideration will be considered non-competitively for this vacancy.
Interchange Agreement/Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM/Special Hiring Authorities - If you are applying for this position based on eligibility under the Interchange Agreement or Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated by U.S. OPM, or Special Hiring Authorities you MUST select the appropriate eligibility and submit proof to be considered
To apply for this job opportunity, you must submit a complete application package including a resume and an on-line application through the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. This information will be transferred to the DOI OIG's Automated Application System. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) 08/23/2021 to complete the following application process:
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 résumé 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/.
You may update your application documents and some questions related to your personal information at any time during the announcement open period. However, you will not be able to make changes to questions related to assessing the minimum qualifications and competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics) mentioned in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. To make an allowed update to your application, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact HR Assistant at doioig_vacancies@doioig.gov to obtain an alternative application. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. NOTE: Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. 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/
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
1849 C St.
Washington, DC 20240
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the closing date of the announcement, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. You will be notified by email of your rating and/or referral of your resume to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. You will be informed of the outcome via e-mail. We expect to make a selection within 45 to 60 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
