Washington, DC, USA | Full Time

Jr FOIA Analyst

Washington, DC

This is an Onsite-Hybrid Position

EM Key Solutions is seeking a Jr FOIA Analyst to work with our partners in the VA central office in Washington, DC.

Skillset/Duties/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail in all aspects of FOIA processing.

• Possess Sufficient command of the English language to understand verbal and written communications and prepare grammatically and contextually correct correspondence.

• Strong Reading comprehension skills sufficient to analyze content and reasonably determine requested information.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Freedom of Information Act to explain the law's basic requirements.

• Analyze FOIA requests to determine if they meet the criteria for a FOIA request.

• Ability to determine if the records have been reasonably described in sufficient detail to determine where to search for responsive records and what criteria will be required to conduct a search.

• Able to analyze a request and determine where to search for responsive records.

• Knowledgeable of the requirements for fee waivers and expedited processing.

• Ability to analyze requests for fee waivers and expedited processing and determine when to grant or deny based on the requirements for fee waivers or expedited processing.

• Knowledge of FOIA processing timelines.

• Knowledge of requester categories and criteria for determining applicable categories.

• Knowledge of a FOIA reading room and the ability to access and research a reading room to determine if requested documents are posted.

• Knowledge of how to conduct a search for publicly available records using internet search engines.

• Basic knowledge of all nine (9) FOIA exemptions and how to apply them.

• Knowledge of the functions and purpose of a database and basic ability to utilize a database to build a request/case in the database, update information, extract information, and interpret information, with the understanding that specific training on a particular database may be required.

• Ability to draft correspondence tasking other offices to complete actions required for processing requests, including but not limited to searching for, compiling, and providing responsive records.

• Ability to analyze the responses received from other offices when compared to the FOIA request to determine the adequacy of the search, to include search locations, search parameters, and method of search, such as physical files or electronic, to the degree reasonably possible and to ensure all areas were addressed with either records or the rationale when no records were found.

• Ability to use redaction software specified by the agency to redact information to be withheld, identify all applicable exemptions, and prepare the document for release.

• Ability to review correspondence, particularly with the FOIA requester, and compare it to previous correspondence to ensure all references coincide.

• Ability to manage suspense, utilize a suspense tracking system, and follow up promptly when a suspense is not met.

• Ability to draft correspondence, often but not always, by modifying a template that adequately addresses the issues.

• Ability to draft a final, administratively, and contextually correct response to the requester, addressing all requested issues and clearly explaining what was withheld and the reasons for withholding.

• Familiarity with maintaining a correspondence log and the requirements for the importance of keeping an accurate record of all correspondence.

  Required Qualifications:

• This role requires a candidate with a strong foundation in FOIA processes, excellent communication skills, and the ability to efficiently manage various aspects of FOIA requests.

  Clearance:

  A Moderate Risk Public Trust or equivalent clearance is desired. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

  About EM Key Solutions:

  Founded in 2015, EM Key Solutions, Inc. (EMKS) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) offering a broad range of services to support Federal Government enterprises in meeting their mission requirements and business demands. ​ Relationships are key to EMKS! We adopt a customer-centric approach and proven management processes for every project we undertake. Through sound leadership and management principles, EMKS focuses on offering its clients the solutions they need to be successful at the most competitive rates throughout the project management lifecycle.

  If you are curious to learn more about EM Key Solutions, please visit our website at https://www.emkeysolutions.com/

  EMKS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to hiring and retaining qualified and talented individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

  Reasonable Accommodation Requests

  EM Key Solutions is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail human.resources@EMKEYSOLUTIONS.COM or call Human Resources at (727)-292-1521. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

  E-Verify

  As a Federal Contractor, we are required to use E-Verify (https://www.emkeysolutions.com/e-verify) to validate employees' ability to work legally in the United States.

  EEO is the Law

  The law requires EM Key Solutions to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination.

  Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination

  EM Key Solutions will not discharge or, in any other manner, discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay.

  For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link: https://www.emkeysolutions.com/labor-notices