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Government Information Specialist

Veterans Health Administration | Charleston, SC

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Posted Date 12/20/2024
Description

The incumbent serves as the assistant medical center's Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (Privacy/FOIA) Officer. The purpose of the position is to contribute to the fulfillment of the VA mission and vision by assisting the Privacy/FOIA Officers with implementing and maintaining policies and procedures in the execution of an effective Privacy and FOIA program within the medical center and off-site clinics.

The incumbent acts as the primary liaison to facility staff by disseminating information to the appropriate areas, facilitating employee adherence to mandates from regulatory agencies and assisting the Privacy/FOIA Officer with various monitors to ensure VA and other federal privacy policies and procedures are observed. The incumbent promotes an awareness of privacy principles consistent with the mission, and values of the VA, and those required by federal law. Assists in the implementation, day-to-day functions, and maintenance of the Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs. Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Advises facility staff on Title 38 United States Code (U.S.C.) Sections 5701, 5702, 5705 and 7332 (series, or as amended), Privacy Act, FOIA and, where appropriate, HIPAA requirements, policies, and procedures.
  • Assists in preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying Privacy and FOIA request documents.
  • Participates on the weekly Environment of Care rounds.
  • Searches for and locates records requests; compiles data or information from files or from other departments to complete audits.
  • Assists the Privacy/FOIA Officer in reviewing processes for proper accounting of disclosures of privacy.
  • Conducts monthly and quarterly monitors as required by VHA policy to ensure privacy processes are being followed.
  • Maintains mandated Privacy files.
  • Reviews, responds and resolves FOIA requests and/or issues.
  • Coordinates with the Facility Records Officer (RO) in ensuring that a structure for all Privacy Act Systems of Records held by the facility is established and records are maintained in accordance with Federal law and VA directives.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Work schedule subject to change based on agency needs.
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Government Information Specialist/PD105280
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/30/2024.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

Preferred Experience: Privacy and FOIA experience

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Researching, reviewing, and applying laws/regulations related to privacy; Redacting records and documents in response to FOIA requests; Developing or assisting in the development of privacy-related policies and procedures based on existing laws/regulations; Collecting, investigating and tracking complaints related to compliance or allegations of illegal or improper activities related to the handling or release of privacy protected information; Researching and preparing summaries and reports to official inquiries; Assists and/or provides guidance to management and staff regarding HIPAA requirements, policies and procedures. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or
    LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 1 full year of graduate level education.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Accountability
  • Customer Service
  • Information Management
  • Teamwork


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; religions; 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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work is basically sedentary. Some walking, standing, bending and carrying lightweight items such as books, papers and records are also required.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Salary59,966.00 - 77,955.00 Annual
Opportunity Type
Job

Volunteer Opportunity

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