SENIOR FOIA SPECIALIST
About The Position
CLJ Consulting and Contracting LLC is seeking a Senior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Specialist to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) FOIA Program by processing FOIA requests in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 552, VA policy, and applicable federal regulations. This role provides advanced FOIA processing support within the VA’s designated eFOIA system of record and serves as a subject matter expert for complex request handling, exemption application, and quality assurance support. The Senior FOIA Specialist performs cradle-to-grave FOIA processing while supporting backlog reduction efforts and ensuring timely, compliant handling of new requests. All final FOIA determinations remain under the authority of VA FOIA Services.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on FOIA processing experience.
- Demonstrated experience processing FOIA requests end-to-end within a federal environment.
- Strong written communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to apply FOIA exemptions and perform advanced redactions accurately.
- Experience working within FOIA tracking or case management systems.
Nice To Haves
- Formal FOIA training or certification.
- Prior experience supporting FOIA operations within the Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal agency.
- Experience processing Simple, Complex, and Expedited FOIA requests.
- Experience mentoring junior FOIA staff or supporting quality assurance reviews.
- Familiarity with enterprise FOIA backlog reduction initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Process Simple, Complex, and Expedited FOIA requests from intake through final response preparation using the VA’s eFOIA system of record.
- Perform FOIA intake activities, including receipt and initial assessment of requests, identification of appropriate VA offices for transfer, initiation of Substantial Interest notifications, and communication with requesters to clarify scope or request additional information.
- Coordinate with VA Service Line offices and stakeholders to obtain responsive records.
- Conduct full cradle-to-grave FOIA request processing, including document review, redaction, and accurate application of FOIA exemptions in accordance with statute, policy, and guidance.
- Prepare draft FOIA response packages for VA FOIA Service review and final determination.
- Support enterprise backlog reduction efforts by meeting timeliness requirements for FOIA processing.
- Provide subject matter expertise on FOIA processing procedures, exemption application, and redaction standards.
- Support quality assurance activities by reviewing work products for accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior FOIA staff as assigned.
- Perform FOIA-related tasks in support of other VA organizations only when directly related to VA FOIA Services workload requirements and within the scope of the PWS.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
