Journeyman FOIA Specialist

Central Research•Washington, VA

About The Position

Central Research Inc. (CRI) partners with federal agencies to deliver mission-critical information management and compliance services. We value integrity, service, and excellence, and foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment. The Journeyman FOIA Contractor performs mid-level FOIA processing with minimal supervision in support of our government client and contributes to enterprise wide FOIA operations. This role reviews and interprets FOIA requests, conducts or validates records searches, applies exemptions, prepares releasable records, and ensures that responses meet statutory and agency requirements. The Journeyman provides technical accuracy and consistency, supports junior staff when needed, and helps maintain efficient workflow management and high quality FOIA production. This position executes responsibilities aligned with FOIA functional requirements.

Requirements

US Citizenship required
Associate degree required.
Additional FOIA experience may substitute for formal FOIA training or degree requirements.
Two (2) years of successful FOIA request processing within the last 36 months.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal Public Trust (5c) security clearance (financial/credit history and background will be reviewed):
Not in default on federal student loans
Demonstrated financial responsibility
No felony convictions within the past 7 years
Misdemeanor convictions within the past 7 years may impact eligibility
No non-medical collections totaling $7,500 or more.
Meets or exceeds all Junior FOIA Contractor KSAs.
Minimum of two (2) years of FOIA request processing experience within the last 36 months.
Comprehensive knowledge of FOIA exemptions, timelines, request types, and fee categories.
Ability to analyze and interpret FOIA requests to determine tasking, scope, and search strategies.
Skilled in conducting or validating accurate and complete records searches.
Proficiency with redaction tools and documenting exemption justifications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting clear responses and summaries.
Ability to maintain accuracy and consistency across FOIA casework.
Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and teamwork in a production driven environment.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database tools.
Ability to conduct effective internet and records research to support FOIA search and review activities.

Nice To Haves

FOIA related training preferred

Responsibilities

Review, interpret, and analyze FOIA requests to determine appropriate tasking and search requirements.
Conduct or validate thorough searches for responsive records across multiple systems and repositories.
Apply FOIA exemptions accurately and consistently, document exemption decisions clearly.
Prepare releasable records and redacted materials using approved redaction software.
Draft professional FOIA correspondence, summaries, and supporting documentation.
Ensure all FOIA responses meet statutory requirements, agency policy, and DOJ/VA guidance.
Maintain accurate records and case documentation within FOIA tracking systems.
Provide support and technical guidance to junior FOIA staff when needed.
Contribute to workflow efficiency and help ensure timely, accurate FOIA production.
Follow established procedures associated with FOIA operational requirements 5.2–5.4.