Public Records Officer, Operations & Policy Analyst 3

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

2d•$75,312 - $115,728•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Records Unit (PRU), part of the Chief Operations Office, part of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), is seeking a skilled Public Records Officer to analyze complex record requests, make informed release decisions, and ensure compliance with state and federal Public Records Law. In this role, you will explain outcomes to requestors and partners, evaluate operational processes, and recommend improvements that reduce risk and strengthen agency practices. This position offers a high level of autonomy, significant decision‑making responsibility, and the chance to support ODHS programs that serve people and communities across Oregon. If you’re ready to apply your expertise and grow in a mission‑driven environment, we invite you to join our team.

Requirements

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work, OR; Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.
Experience in conducting complex analysis, making sound decisions, and solving challenging issues while balancing legal requirements and business needs.
Experience applying laws, rules, policies, and procedures with strong understanding and skill.
Experience maintaining attention to detail along with strong organizational and time‑management skills in a fast‑paced, high‑productivity environment.
Experience communicating orally and in writing with a variety of people, answering questions, and explaining information and decisions.
Experience working with highly confidential records.
Knowledge of ODHS programs and systems, or other related Human Services experience, as well as knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, policies and procedures for record requests and release.
A cover letter, not more than 2 pages, is required as part of the application. It will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes for this position. Include in your cover letter, how you meet the minimum qualifications, how you demonstrate the essential attributes and desired skills. Failure to submit the required cover letter will result in disqualification of your application.
Valid driver’s license or other acceptable method of transportation.
Must maintain confidentiality regarding client information and client-attorney privileged information.
Must maintain a collaborative and working relationship with ODHS local office staff, DHS central office staff, OHA staff, shared and central services staff, the Department of Justice staff and attorneys, the Oregon Judicial Department staff, the Department of Administrative Services, media, defense attorneys, plaintiff attorneys, legislative offices and various statewide stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

Analyze complex record requests and determine what information can be released; apply redactions and cite appropriate laws and rules.
Explain statutory discretion and release decisions to requestors, ODHS staff, Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney Generals (AAGs) and other partners.
Prepare records for clients, attorneys, media, and the public by redacting or removing non‑releasable information.
Review large volumes of records to estimate the effort required for redaction and determine applicable fees.
Interpret and explain agency policies, rules, and public records laws to staff, stakeholders, legislators, media, and the public.
Serve as a subject matter expert on public records processes and provide policy consultation to ODHS programs and offices.
Work with DOJ AAGs on public records petitions, explaining agency decisions and applying legal guidance within short timelines.
Collaborate with ODHS Legal to support accountability, protect public interests, and reduce litigation risks.
Coordinate with partner agencies on requests involving overlapping responsibilities.
Prepare accurate cover letters that cite relevant statutes, rules, and laws.
Evaluate statutes and legislative intent; research and prepare background information for executive management.
Recommend agency positions on legislative proposals and suggest policy or legislative changes.
Assess policy proposals and advise on likely operational, political, and public impacts.
Draft or revise policy to reduce operational risk.