Advance Your Career: Government Information Specialist at VA Bedford
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Government Information Specialist to join the Bedford Healthcare System. This is a mission-critical role for professionals who are passionate about data governance, transparency, and the protection of sensitive information in a healthcare context. If you have experience in privacy compliance and FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) operations, this GS-12 position offers a unique path to make a tangible impact on the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Government Information Specialist, you will act as the facility's Privacy and FOIA Officer. Your primary responsibility is overseeing the data governance program. Key tasks include:
- Adjudicating complex privacy and FOIA disclosure decisions.
- Formulating and implementing facility-level data policies.
- Conducting in-depth legal research into federal and state statutes.
- Monitoring the collection, use, and destruction of information.
- Training staff on data protection procedures.
- Investigating non-compliance issues across the organization.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
- Documentation: Submission of a complete two-page resume and relevant SF-50 forms is mandatory.
- Assessment: Applicants must complete a required online competency assessment.
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Job Series | 0306 |
| Grade Level | GS-12 |
| Education | No substitution available |
| Relocation | Not authorized |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $101,375 – $131,790 per year, reflecting the professional nature and responsibilities of the GS-12 grade level in the Bedford area.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Flexible work schedules and potential telework options.
- Federal health insurance and life insurance coverage.
- Defined benefit retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to remain eligible.
- Documentation is Key: Have your SF-50 forms ready, especially those showing time-in-grade.
- Tailor Your Resume: Align your experience descriptions with the duties listed in the official announcement.
This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced privacy professional to contribute to the VA's mission. By ensuring the highest standards of data governance, you directly assist in the delivery of quality healthcare to our veterans. We encourage all qualified candidates to review the full announcement on USAJOBS and submit their applications promptly.
Why This Government Information Specialist Job Matters
Shape the future of veteran care by joining the VA Bedford Healthcare System as a Government Information Specialist—where your expertise in data governance protects those who served.
Government Information Specialist Job Overview
The VA Bedford Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Government Information Specialist (GS-12) to serve as a vital Privacy and FOIA Officer. In this role, you will be the guardian of information integrity, ensuring data compliance, facilitating transparency, and managing the lifecycle of sensitive records within a premier healthcare environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead data governance initiatives that directly support the mission of providing world-class care to America's Veterans.
Requirements for Government Information Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (for current/former Federal employees).
- Must submit a complete resume (max 2 pages).
- Must provide valid SF-50 documentation.
- Must complete the required online competency-based assessment.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Preferred Qualifications for Government Information Specialist
- Proven experience as a Privacy or FOIA Officer acting independently.
- Expertise in interpreting and applying federal and state statutes regarding information disclosure.
- Strong background in conducting risk assessments for sensitive data processing.
- Demonstrated ability to lead training and communication strategies for data protection.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Flexible Scheduling Opportunities
- ✓Federal Retirement Benefits and Thrift Savings Plan
- ✓Professional Development and Training
💡 How to Apply Government Information Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Government Information Specialist Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that specifically highlights duties, dates, and hours worked per week (limit to 2 pages).
- Complete the online questionnaire.
- Upload required documents, including SF-50 forms and transcripts.
- Submit your application before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 8, 2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the strict two-page limit.
- Be highly specific about your experience; the VA will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Save your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly links your experience to the duties mentioned in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, telework may be authorized for this position, with specific eligibility discussed during the interview process.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in automatic ineligibility.
Can I use education to qualify for this GS-12 role?
No, there is no educational substitution for the required specialized experience at this specific grade level.
What is the closing date?
The position closes on September 8, 2026.
Is there a probation period?
Yes, all new appointees are required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Bedford Healthcare System is part of the largest integrated healthcare network in the United States. Our mission is to honor those who have served by providing high-quality, compassionate care. The VA prides itself on a culture defined by the 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to serving those who have served us.