The incumbent serves as Director, FOIA Division, OCIG, and is responsible for overseeing the processing of responses to requests for documents and information submitted to the OIG in accordance with the FOIA and Privacy Act. The Director supervises the work of the employees of the FOIA Division in OCIG and is also responsible for work performed by employees processing FOIA and Privacy Act responses throughout OIG. The Director provides advice and counsel to employees throughout OIG on disclosure obligations arising under the FOIA and Privacy Acts and coordinates with attorneys in the Department's Office of General Counsel when litigating FOIA or Privacy Act appeals.
Provides Legal Guidance on the FOIA and the Privacy Act and processes:
Conducts, supervises and/or coordinates the processing of responses to requests to OIG for documents/information made in accordance with the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act.
Ensures that requests made in accordance with the FOIA and/or Privacy Act are handled in an appropriate and timely manner. Plans, organizes, and controls the resources required to assure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective accomplishment of functional responsibilities.
Serves as the primary point of contact with the public on matters involving FOIA and Privacy Act requests. Routinely speaks with requestors (and/or their counsel) who have questions or concerns about the processing of their requests. Regularly drafts letters to members of the public (and/or their counsel) concerning requests for information made under the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act.
Conducts, supervises and/or coordinates guidance on sensitive and complex legal issues concerning the interpretation, application and enforcement of statutes, regulations and guidance governing OIG's disclosure obligations under the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act. Ensures that decisions to withhold documents/information from disclosure are defensible and based on appropriate exemptions and/or privileges. Provides authoritative legal advice to the Inspector General and other senior OIG officials regarding legal and regulatory obligations under the FOIA and the Privacy Act and other related matters. Ensures coordination of such advice with the Office of the General Counsel, as appropriate.
Researches and develops responses to complex FOIA appeal cases. Coordinates with attorneys and FOIA officials in the Department's Office of General Counsel as necessary to address FOIA matters, including appeals and litigation. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Agency officials and others throughout the Executive Branch in order to accomplish objectives.
Participates in discussions, meetings, and conferences with Departmental officials; other Federal, State and local government officers; members of the public and others doing business with HHS and their counsel; to obtain and exchange information on important and unusual legal problems related to the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act. In addition, provides strategic advice relating to OIG disclosure obligations under the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act.
Independently performs analyses, carries out special projects and completes a variety of administrative functions such as compiling the Annual FOIA Report to Congress on Fiscal Year FOIA activities as required by the FOIA.
Supervises and provides direction to a group of employees performing work on FOIA and Privacy Act matters. Provides administrative and technical supervision necessary for accomplishing the work of the unit.
Provides guidance and oversight to FOIA Specialists who are tasked with responding to requests for documents/information in accordance with the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act. Additionally, provides guidance and oversight to less experienced attorneys who are providing legal advice governing OIG disclosure obligations under the FOIA and/or the Privacy Act, including assisting in their analysis of requests for legal opinions, their research and formulation of legal advice, coordinating their advice with appropriate Departmental officials, and reviewing and revising their written opinions. Identifies developmental and training needs of subordinate employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training.
Performs the administrative and human resources management functions relative to the staff supervised.
Conditions Of Employment:
U.S Citizenship is required.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
Two-year trial period may be required.
Must maintain membership and good standing with the bar association in a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Qualifications:
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 03/08/2023
Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
Positive Education Requirement: This position has a position education requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.
Minimum Requirements:
Applicants must have graduated with a Juris Doctorate (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and must be a current member, in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar association.
Applicants must have four (4) years of professional legal experience post bar admission, with one year equivalent to at least the GS-14 grade level. Experience may be outside of the Federal Government.
Qualifying experience should demonstrate:
Experience conducting and overseeing the processing of responses to requests for documents/information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and/or Privacy Act;
Experience providing authoritative legal advice, guidance, and assistance related to the requests for disclosure of documents/information; under the FOIA and Privacy Act; and
Experience supervising/managing employees.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
