SummaryThis position is located in the Offi ce of Domestic Operations, Visa Services Directorate, Bureau ofConsular Affairs, U.S. Department of State (CA/VO/DO). The Offi ce of Domestic Operations providesguidance to and support for domestic consular processing. The incumbent serves as a GovernmentInformation Specialist, performing a range of policy, legal, and technical functions related to themanagement of visa information.
DutiesHelp
- Reviews and analyzes FOIA requests for the release of information received from a variety of sources and conducts reviews of visa policy , appeals, litigations, precedents.
- Analyzes requested documents or portions thereof and, in cases where exemptions to FOIA are justifiable, redacts those portions of the document or documents that are exempt from release.
- Conducts reevaluations of denial decisions that have been appealed by requestors and drafts written responses communicating reevaluation decisions.
- Reviews, analyzes, and makes release or denial determinations of sensitive records requested under applicable acts, laws, or executive orders.
- Researches case law to identify judicial interpretations applicable to specific FOIA requests.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
QualificationsApplicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.
NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.
GS-12 Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service that provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: - Experience overseeing the work of and/or supervising staff.
- Experience reviewing records pursuant to laws and regulations. Examples of this could include but is not limited to timely redacting and annotating records, preparing timely responses, and ensuring confidentiality.
- Experience supporting general office operations. Examples of this could include but is not limited to managing a database, compiling reports, drafting correspondence, directly communications, and serving as a public liaison.
- Experience working with U.S. immigration programs; experience with U.S. visas highly desired.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-12 position.
GS-13Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: - Experience overseeing the work of and/or supervising staff.
- Experience reviewing records pursuant to FOIA and implementing instructions. Examples of this could include but are not limited to interpreting and applying laws, regulations, legal decisions, policies, procedures and directives pertaining to the protection and release of FOIA Information.
- Experience coordinating and tracking FOIA requests to ensure that the responses are accurate, legally sufficient and timely.
- Experience explaining the redaction of sensitive issues. Examples of this could include but is not limited to evaluating records to determine the application of FOIA, communicating orally and in writing with employees, leadership, other organizations and/or the public regarding FOIA issues.
- Experience working with U.S. immigration programs; experience with U.S. visas highly desired.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
Additional information- To request a reasonable accommodation for additional time on the timed sections of the assessment, please submit your request using the "Request a Reasonable Accommodation" button within the Assessment Application.
For all other reasonable accommodations at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at [redacted].
OAA is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for the Assessment Battery being used for this announcement. The following applies to all RA requests:
- RA requests cover additional time on timed sections only.
- Applicants submitting a RA request MUST attach supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed, treating medical provider. The documentation should describe the nature, severity, and expected duration of the condition, identify the relevant medical condition or diagnosis, and explain the basis for the requested extension. RA requests that do not contain supporting medical documentation attachments at the time of initial request may be subject to further review.
- Note: the following documents do not, on their own, qualify for automatic approval of the RA request: Schedule A letters, VA benefits letters, or SSA letters.
- Applicants MUST submit their application before the vacancy closes, even if pending an accommodation decision.
- Applicants are encouraged to carefully follow instructions related to medical documentation provided in the vacancy announcement prior to beginning the RA process.
- Applicants will have 48 hours after their RA request is adjudicated to complete the assessment battery. Scores generated after the allotted timeframe will not be admissible and the applicant will not be considered further for the vacancy.
- If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. [REMOVE content, as appropriate, for the position].
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days and may require a higher or lower security clearance. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
- Agency & Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP & ICTAP): View OPM's CTAP & ICTAP eligibility website for more information. You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category and submit supporting documents under the required documents section of this announcement to receive selection priority consideration. To be considered Well-Qualified applicants must: score an 85 or above, meet Minimum Qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all major aspects of the position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
