Government Information Specialist

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Technical Analysis and Review: Serves as the national Flight Standards lead for FOIA and PA. Reviews work of lower graded team members for accuracy and compliance with FOIA/PA regulations and policies. Identifies gaps in resources; communicates concerns and presents recommendations for resolution to managers. Freedom of Information Program: Works closely with FOIA program office in AFN on up to date guidance, concerns with Flight Standards FOIA responses and appeals to FOIA responses. Determines training needs at the Service level. May liaison with AFN personnel to conduct training seminars and general guidance meetings from an agency perspective. Analysis and reporting: Analyzes data regarding Flight Standards FOIA responses and develops reports for branch and senior level management regarding trends, concerns and potential issues. Utilizes data to develop strategies for program area improvement recommendations to branch manager and senior leadership. Applies knowledge of FAA policies, Department of Justice guidelines and other relevant policies to ensure recommendations are in line with agency guidelines. The incumbent is the recognized expert and adviser in the implementation and administration of policies, systems, and management tools needed to manage and control the national AFS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program and access to/dissemination of Privacy Act (PA) data. Incumbent is a recognized subject matter expert on FOIA program and provides guidance and leadership to lower graded employees. Works closely with team members to review existing procedures and policies. As team lead, exercises broad discretion in working with other team members to develop changes to existing Flight Standards policies regarding the Flight Standards FOIA program. Reviews incoming national FOIA requests to determine assignments to FOIA coordinators for responses. Guidelines consist of national directives, handbooks, administrative and office procedures, past practices, direct verbal instruction from management or higher-level officials. Has broad discretion to resolve issues without the assistance of a manager or more experienced professional. Assists in the development and recommendation of solutions. Develops original complex responses to all requests utilizing research, contacts and records obtained from a variety of resources. Incumbent is responsible for making the final determination on release of records. Calculates appropriate projected response date to requests. Work assignments are vital to the effective and efficient administration of FOIA responses and PA information for Flight Standards. Determination of records to be released is vital to Flight Standards and the Federal Aviation Administration as it ensures records are released to public where possible in the spirit of FOIA/PA regulations and protects records that can't be released under U.S. Department of Justice statues and legal interpretations. Contacts are with public officials, media, citizens, and attorneys outside of the FAA. Inside of the FAA contacts are the Office of Public Affairs, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, National FOIA office and Flight Standards offices. Incumbent works closely with National FOIA office regarding appeals and pending litigation issues regarding Flight Standards FOIA responses. Also consults with National FOIA office and General Counsel's office when questions regarding new legal interpretations or overall guidance on redactions arise and handling of PA. May consult with Public Affairs office on controversial release of documents. Contacts members of the general public, as required, regarding FOIA requests. Contacts with Flight Standards offices to search for records associated with requests and to obtain technical responses and explanations from Subject Matter Experts in preparation for responses.