This is a Recent Graduate Government Information Specialist (Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Processing) position in the Department of Justice, National Security Division (NSD), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Records and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Unit. NSD's mission is to protect the United States from threats to our national security by pursuing justice through the law.
Summary
This is a Recent Graduate Government Information Specialist (Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Processing) position in the Department of Justice, National Security Division (NSD), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Records and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Unit. NSD's mission is to protect the United States from threats to our national security by pursuing justice through the law.
This announcement is open to individuals who received a qualifying associates, bachelors, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the past two years (or longer for certain veterans). You may apply for this position if your application is received not later than 2 years after the date you complete all requirements of an academic course of study leading to qualifying degree or certificate shown above.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The duties and responsibilities for a generally include, but are not limited to, the following:
Researches Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations, policies, and procedures to respond to inquiries or answer routine questions related to FOIA processes.
Makes recommendations on standard policies and procedures to improve FOIA-related work processes.
Interacts with colleagues and supervisors to accomplish the work of the office.
Prepares written correspondence according to established guides and manuals.
Locates and evaluates materials for FOIA requests.
Analyzes responsive records for disclosure under FOIA and Privacy Act (PA) statutes.
As a Government Information Specialist, you will provide advice and guidance for issues that require interpretation and adaptation of guidance to particular situations related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). More specifically: The duties listed above are generally written for one grade level. If the position is advertised at multiple grades, the duties will be adjusted in difficulty, complexity, and level of supervision, for higher or lower grades, as appropriate. Organization may also add other duties as assigned' once you are hired, based on what is included and allowed by the position description.
Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
Under Pathways Recent Graduate regulations, you are eligible only if you have graduated from an academic program of study or earned your degree within the last two years.
If you are appointed to a position under this program, you will need to complete a requisite number of work and training hours, based on the agreement you will complete with the hiring office and the agency Pathways program coordinator.
A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement, at any time, if openings occur in other offices serviced by Justice Management Division, HR Operations.
You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
You may be required to complete a one-year trial/probationary period.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Government Information Specialist (FOIA Processing) Recent Graduates (GS-0306-7/9), you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below AND possess the required specialized experience and/or education qualifications specific to this series and grade.
This vacancy is open to RECENT GRADUATES, who have completed an academic program of study or degree program from a college, university, or vocational school within the last two years from the date of this announcement. If you are appointed to a position under this program, you will need to complete a requisite number of work and training hours, based on the agreement you will complete with the hiring office and the agency Pathways program coordinator. After completing the required number of work and training hours, and meeting all other program requirements, you may be eligible for a conversion to a term or permanent appointment.
Students MUST submit transcripts with a conferred or degree completion date (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). If selected, official transcripts will be required.
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. If qualifying based on education, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying.
To qualify for the GS-7 level, you must meet one of the following requirements for the position:
A. EXPERIENCE GS-7: Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting the following: 1) Coordinate information requests; 2) Researching laws, regulations, and other directives to ensure accurate interpretation; and 3) Evaluating and analyzing data and information prior to responding to inquiries or requests for information.
OR
B. EDUCATION (Graduate level) GS-7: Have one full year of graduate level education. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 full years of full-time study. Note: For the purpose of qualifications, 1 full year of graduate education is equivalent to 18 semester hours.
OR
C. EDUCATION (Superior Academic Achievement) GS-7: Education may be substituted for specialized experience with a Bachelor's degree that included curriculum related to this position and Superior Academic Achievement. Superior Academic Achievement can be based on one of the following: Class standing - being in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision; Grade point average - a) having a 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded on an official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of curriculum or b) having a 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of curriculum; or national scholastic honor society membership (other than a freshman honor society).
OR
D. COMBINATION GS-7: A combination of education and specialized experience. A combination of education and specialized experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the 2 percentages. Note: For the purpose of qualifications, 1 full year of graduate education is equivalent to 18 semester hours.
To qualify for the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following requirements for the position:
A. EXPERIENCE GS-9: Have one year of specialized experience equivalent to a least the GS-07 level in the federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting 3 of 4 of the following:
1) Coordinate information request and respond to inquires;
2) Research laws, regulations, and other directives to ensure accurate interpretation;
3) Evaluate and analyze data and information prior to responding to inquiries or requests for information;
4) Prepare written materials.
OR
B. Graduate Education GS-9: Completion of a Master's, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D. Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
C. COMBINATION GS-9: A combination of Education and Experience. A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the FIRST year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/01/2024.
Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Upon successful completion of the Pathways Recent Graduate Program, candidates may be converted to a position with a different career ladder. Candidates may be converted to the grade at which they qualify. Conversion to a permanent or term position is not guaranteed and is subject to many factors such as funding, position availability, and performance.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement for up to 90 days should additional similar openings occur in this, or any other office within DOJ.
USA Hire Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request an RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. To determine if you need an RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire.
Veterans' Preference and Military Spouses: If you are entitled to veteran's preference due to your military service or the service of a qualifying spouse or family member, you must provide the appropriate verification documents, which may include a DD-214 Member Number 4 Copy, an SF-15 Application for 10pt Veterans Preference, a VA Disability Letter, and/or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. The specific documents you need to provide depend on whether you are claiming a 5- or 10-point preference for yourself or as a qualifying family member. Please see USAJOBS Veterans Preference for more details.
Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
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 job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm ET on 07/01/2024), a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted, the information will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position.
Applicants will be required to complete a USA Hire Assessment. The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Knowledge Management
Reading Comprehension
Research
Stress Tolerance
Technical Competence
Written Communication
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from 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.
The following documents are REQUIRED for this vacancy.
You must submit these documents with your application to be considered.
Resume
Transcript
College transcripts MUST show the Conferred or Degree Completion Date (Applicants will be rated ineligible if the completion date is not listed on the transcript). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If selected, official transcripts will be required.
IMPORTANT RESUME INFORMATION: Your resume must contain detailed information about your past employment, education, and qualifications. You should also include unpaid work experience (volunteer work) as well, we may be able to credit you for this experience. If you're unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube.
At a minimum, your resume must list each of the following items for every employment referenced:
1) position title,
2) employer name and contact information,
3) start and end dates (including month and year),
4) hours worked per week, and
5) a detailed list of duties performed, and accomplishments.
The following documents are ACCEPTED for this vacancy:
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other Supporting Documentation
Peace Corps/VISTA NCE Documentation
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
These are documents that may be required for some applicants, based on what eligibility you are applying for or if you are using education to qualify. The list below provides additional information describing common documents that are accepted and provides a link to learn more about the specific details of that type of documentation.
Veterans Preference: When claiming a veteran-related preference eligibility, you must submit specific documents based on the type of preference claimed. You may need to submit any of the following forms: SF-15 (Application of 10-point Veterans Preference), DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), and a VA Disability Letter. If you're a military spouse, you may need to submit these documents from your qualifying spouse, and you may also have to submit PCS orders (Permanent Change of Station) for the spouse. Please see VETERANS or MILITARY SPOUSES on USAJOBS for more information...
Transcripts & Education: When using education to qualify, please submit an official or unofficial transcript from your institution that shows full credit hours and course information. Avoid submitting protected PDF files as these may contain security features that prevent DOJ from viewing the document.
NEED HELP?
If you need help submitting your documents, please review the Applicant Help Site, Documents page. If you need help understanding document requirements, contact Kathleen Vanderbur at kathleen.vanderbur@usdoj.gov during normal business hours. If you're having difficulty with your application or document submission, don't wait until the last minute, contact us right away so we can help you before the announcement closes.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.
Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/01/2024 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if openings in other offices occur within 90 days.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are REQUIRED for this vacancy.
You must submit these documents with your application to be considered.
Resume
Transcript
College transcripts MUST show the Conferred or Degree Completion Date (Applicants will be rated ineligible if the completion date is not listed on the transcript). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. If selected, official transcripts will be required.
IMPORTANT RESUME INFORMATION: Your resume must contain detailed information about your past employment, education, and qualifications. You should also include unpaid work experience (volunteer work) as well, we may be able to credit you for this experience. If you're unsure about what to include in your resume, please review the USAJOBS Resume Writing Tutorial on YouTube.
At a minimum, your resume must list each of the following items for every employment referenced:
1) position title,
2) employer name and contact information,
3) start and end dates (including month and year),
4) hours worked per week, and
5) a detailed list of duties performed, and accomplishments.
The following documents are ACCEPTED for this vacancy:
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other Supporting Documentation
Peace Corps/VISTA NCE Documentation
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
These are documents that may be required for some applicants, based on what eligibility you are applying for or if you are using education to qualify. The list below provides additional information describing common documents that are accepted and provides a link to learn more about the specific details of that type of documentation.
Veterans Preference: When claiming a veteran-related preference eligibility, you must submit specific documents based on the type of preference claimed. You may need to submit any of the following forms: SF-15 (Application of 10-point Veterans Preference), DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), and a VA Disability Letter. If you're a military spouse, you may need to submit these documents from your qualifying spouse, and you may also have to submit PCS orders (Permanent Change of Station) for the spouse. Please see VETERANS or MILITARY SPOUSES on USAJOBS for more information...
Transcripts & Education: When using education to qualify, please submit an official or unofficial transcript from your institution that shows full credit hours and course information. Avoid submitting protected PDF files as these may contain security features that prevent DOJ from viewing the document.
NEED HELP?
If you need help submitting your documents, please review the Applicant Help Site, Documents page. If you need help understanding document requirements, contact Kathleen Vanderbur at kathleen.vanderbur@usdoj.gov during normal business hours. If you're having difficulty with your application or document submission, don't wait until the last minute, contact us right away so we can help you before the announcement closes.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section.
Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 07/01/2024 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if openings in other offices occur within 90 days.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
