Government Information Specialist

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services • Woodlawn, MD

10d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs (OSORA), Freedom of Information Group (FIG). The specialist analyzes incoming requests to determine whether the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies and identifies the records requested. The role requires knowledge of CMS organizational components and their interrelationships to route records requests correctly; evaluation of requests under relevant legislation; and monitoring agency program activity to ensure actions are continuous, accurate, and complete. The specialist also interprets and advises on developments, court decisions, legislation, and Congressional initiatives concerning the release of information under the Privacy Act and their impact on the agency.

The position requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. There is no substitution or combination of education and experience for the GS-12 specialized-experience requirement. The role has a regular and recurring reporting requirement to the CMS office listed in the announcement. CMS may allow alternative work schedules at a manager’s discretion.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or National.
• Subject to a background and suitability investigation.
• Time-in-Grade restrictions apply where applicable.
• Resume limited to no more than two pages and containing detailed information relevant to the responsibilities and specialized experience.
• At least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in the Federal government, obtained in the private or public sector, including FOIA program technical-point-of-contact work; analysis of complex Medicare, Medicaid, and other program records requests for FOIA/Privacy Act applicability; research and resolution of access requests for sensitive or proprietary records using statutory exemptions and coordinating disclosure and policy questions; and developing FOIA policy input and guidance, briefing senior leadership, and delivering training.
• Education cannot substitute for or be combined with experience to satisfy the GS-12 specialized-experience requirement.
• Current or former federal employees subject to the stated Time-in-Grade rule must have served at least 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.

Responsibilities

• Analyze incoming requests to determine FOIA applicability and the type of records requested.
• Maintain current knowledge of CMS organizational components and their interrelationships to route records requests appropriately.
• Evaluate requests and issues in light of cited legislation and content to determine legislative applicability.
• Monitor, analyze, and evaluate program status and execution throughout the agency to ensure continuity, accuracy, and completeness of actions.
• Interpret and advise on new developments, court decisions, legislative activities, and Congressional initiatives concerning release of information under the Privacy Act and their impact on the agency.
• Serve as a technical point of contact for a FOIA program and independently analyze complex requests involving Medicare, Medicaid, and other program records.
• Research and resolve access requests for highly sensitive or proprietary records, apply statutory exemptions, and coordinate complex disclosure and policy questions across the organization.
• Develop organization-wide FOIA policy input and guidance, prepare decision briefings for senior leadership, and deliver FOIA training to employees and management officials.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed