Overview
As a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Specialist, you will play a crucial role in facilitating transparency and accountability within the organization by managing requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act. You will be responsible for processing FOIA requests, coordinating with various departments to gather requested information, and ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations and deadlines.Key Responsibilities:
- Process FOIA Requests: Receive, review, and process FOIA requests in accordance with established procedures and deadlines.
- Coordinate Information Retrieval: Collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders to gather requested information and documentation.
- Conduct Document Reviews: Evaluate documents and materials to determine if they are responsive to FOIA requests and identify any sensitive or exempt information.
- Ensure Compliance: Ensure compliance with FOIA regulations, agency policies, and legal requirements throughout the request process.
- Provide Guidance and Support: Serve as a subject matter expert on FOIA matters, providing guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders on FOIA-related issues.
- Manage Correspondence: Communicate with requesters, providing updates on the status of FOIA requests and responding to inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintain Records: Maintain accurate records of FOIA requests, responses, correspondence, and related documentation.
- Perform Quality Assurance: Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure accuracy and completeness of FOIA responses.
- Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on changes to FOIA laws, regulations, and best practices to ensure compliance and efficiency in FOIA processing.
- Continuously Improve Processes: Identify opportunities to streamline and improve FOIA processing procedures and systems.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, Law, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and related regulations.
- Strong attention to detail and analytical skills for reviewing and processing documents.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple requests and deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with requesters and internal stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with records management and document retrieval systems is preferred.
- Experience working in a government agency, legal environment, or related field is advantageous.
