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Government Information Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
OD/OCPL
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of the Director (OD), Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL).

Please click the link below to learn more about this position:

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/05/2024 to 12/09/2024
This job will close when we have received 150 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$82,764 to - $153,354 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
NIH-OD-MP-24-12612572
Control number
819413500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

You must be a current or former federal employee eligible to apply under merit promotion procedures or otherwise be eligible as a status applicant (e.g. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act) OR be an individual who is eligible through an OPM interchange agreement or for a non-competitive appointment. This job is also open to USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

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  • Review information requests to ensure compliance with disclosure laws, regulations and policies.
  • Redact records pursuant to the FOIA.
  • Serve as the last reviewer to approve redactions on records prior to their release.
  • Review and analyze appeals from denials of access to records requested under FOIA and recommend final agency decision regarding the release of records.
  • Assist in the development of agency policy and procedures with regard to the administration of the FOIA program.
  • Lead training sessions to educate peers on a FOIA tracking system.
  • Prepare consultations and referrals as appropriate in response to FOIA requests.
  • Analyze regulations, case decisions, policies and procedures to determine whether private or confidential information can be released.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
  • Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, etc.)
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.

Qualifications

You qualify at the GS-11 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

Have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M., if related OR

Have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: researching regulations, case decisions, policies and procedures to determine whether private or confidential information can be released; conducting statistical analyses of data related to information requests for the preparation of reports; and determining which private or confidential information is proprietary and therefore exempt from release.

OR

Have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

Have 1 year of specialized 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: providing technical guidance regarding requests for the release of potentially sensitive containing personally identifying information(PII); determining costs associated with the collection and release of information to requestors; and redacting records in accordance with policy and preparing material for release.

You qualify at the GS-13 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements:

Have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: developing, implementing, maintaining privacy policies and procedures; reviewing and evaluating the privacy programs; providing technical guidance regarding requests for the release of potentially sensitive or confidential information; and training peers on the appropriate procedures for releasing private information, official records maintenance, and records requests.

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.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12612572

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application packages. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education.

Additional information

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

  • This position is eligible for non-local remote work, a position designation where little to no onsite presence is required (e.g., once or twice annually). You may work anywhere in the U.S., including any of the territories. Worksites outside of the U.S. are prohibited. Your pay is determined by the geographically defined pay locality applicable to your approved worksite (e.g., home residence). Reporting to an NIH location may also be required during the onboarding process. Visit NIH's Remote Work page for more information and requirements.
  • Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Employees providing healthcare or services in support of healthcare (Healthcare Workforce) may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because they are expected to perform duties that put them in contact or potential contact with patients. We may request COVID-19 vaccination, and other vaccination documentation from Healthcare Workforce personnel at any point during the onboarding process or at any time during your employment with NIH.
  • This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker"" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • 1. Knowledge of regulations and reporting requirements governing the release of private and/or confidential information.
  • 2. Skill in researching, interpreting, and applying privacy rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to specific cases and issues.
  • 3. Skill in organizing, maintaining, and tracking information requests.
  • 4. Ability to respond to technical inquires governing the release of information


Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

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