FOIA Analyst Job at Ardelle Associates in Washington

Ardelle Associates is currently looking for a Mid-Level FOIA Specialist/ Analyst to support the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). This includes updating the Departmental FOIA Tracking system, identify and segregate duplicates, prepare interim and final response letters including acknowledgement letter, time extension letters and requests for clarification (as needed), and applying regulatory guidelines and procedures that will assist in determining what is releasable under the provisions of the FOIA and Privacy Act. This position may offer some telework. Equipment provided DUTIES: Review assigned FOIA requests for scope, custodians and date range to determine if the request is proper; Discuss search criteria with requesters as needed to ensure the request is specific enough to identify the records sought; Develop search strategy in consultation with the AO FOIA coordinator, FOIA team members, OEX managers, the AO records liaison officer and/or subject matter experts; Initiate search for records through the EPA eDiscovery Division, in the Quill application or through other electronic or paper-based means according to the records sought; Review records for responsiveness, external equities, releasability, statutory exemptions and foreseeable harm, marking records for proposed redactions where applicable; Coordinate with relevant federal departments or agencies and EPA national program, regional and staff offices for equity review of records, as needed; Distribute awareness notification emails as needed and prepare responsive records for disclosure through coordination with the eDiscovery Division or conversion to Adobe pdf; Draft response letters and other communications using approved templates; Issue responses and responsive records to FOIA requesters using EPA-approved methods of production; Create and save records needed to document the actions taken while processing requests, including use of the FOIAXpress application and internal tracking tools; Maintain the confidentiality of FOIA requests, responses, internal deliberations and any sensitive information involved in the process of responding to requests throughout their lifecycle; and Other duties that are normally expected of a FOIA team member in the Office of the Administrator The contractor shall, on a weekly basis, provide the designated OEX staff member(s) or other authorized employees, with updates on the status on each assigned FOIA request, including identification of any questions, concerns or challenges. SKILLS: Ability to review FOIA requests for scope, custodians, and date range to determine their validity. ​ Proficiency in discussing search criteria with requesters to ensure specificity in identifying records. Capability to develop search strategies in consultation with various stakeholders. Competence in reviewing records for responsiveness, equities, releasability, exemptions, and redactions. Strong coordination skills to work with federal departments, agencies, and EPA offices for equity review. Proficient in drafting response letters and communications using approved templates. Ability to maintain confidentiality of FOIA requests and sensitive information. ​ Strong organizational skills to document actions taken during request processing. Excellent communication skills for internal and external contacts related to fulfilling requests. MINIMUM QUALS: Experience in FOIA request processing or related legal/administrative field. ​ Familiarity with records management and privacy-related policies. Knowledge of FOIA regulations, exemptions, and procedures. Ability to work with subject matter experts on technical or voluminous requests. Understanding of document management and tracking tools. REQUIREMENTS: A degree in a relevant field such as law, public administration, or a related discipline. Additional certifications or training in FOIA compliance or records management may be beneficial. Job Types: Full-time, Contract Pay: $45.04 - $49.45 per hour Benefits: 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Schedule: Day shift Monday to Friday Education: Bachelor's (Required) Experience: FOIA: 3 years (Required) Security clearance: Confidential (Preferred) Ability to Relocate: Washington, DC: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person