Become a Government Information Specialist with the VHA
Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for compliance and data integrity? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Government Information Specialist to join the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Salt Lake City, Utah. This role is central to our mission, ensuring that sensitive information is managed with the highest standard of accountability and care for our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Privacy/FOIA Officer, you will serve as a subject matter expert for data governance. Your daily tasks will include:
- Policy Formulation: Developing and integrating policies for data collection, storage, and destruction.
- Adjudication: Making independent, complex decisions regarding information disclosures, redactions, and denials.
- Compliance Monitoring: Investigating non-compliance and measuring operational efficiency.
- Communication: Acting as the primary liaison between the facility and the public, Congressional representatives, and legal entities.
- Training: Educating staff on data protection procedures and risk assessment.
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate specialized experience in privacy or FOIA management. You must have one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Additionally, all selected applicants must complete an online assessment and pass a security investigation.
Comparison of Applicant Eligibility
| Feature | Internal Candidate | External Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Time-in-Grade Required | Yes | No |
| Background Check | Yes | Yes |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
| Assessment Required | Yes | Yes |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous pension and thrift savings (401k-style) plans.
- Flexible work arrangements and telework options.
- Ample vacation and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Be Explicit: Use the USAJOBS resume builder and clearly state your hours per week and specific duties related to privacy laws.
- Check Status: Use the "Track this application" feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your assessment results.
If you are ready to apply your analytical skills to a mission that matters, this position offers a unique chance to impact Veterans' lives. Submit your application through the official USAJOBS portal before the October 5, 2026, deadline.
Why This Government Information Specialist Job Matters
Protect the privacy of those who served. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Government Information Specialist and lead critical data governance initiatives.
Government Information Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Government Information Specialist to serve as the Privacy/FOIA Officer for a VHA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this pivotal role, you will oversee data governance, manage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and ensure compliance with federal privacy statutes. You will act as the primary authority on data disclosure, providing guidance to facility leadership and ensuring transparency while safeguarding sensitive information. This role is essential to maintaining the integrity of the VA's information systems and supporting the agency’s commitment to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Government Information Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-11 level for internal candidates)
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Must complete an online assessment
- Must pass a background/security investigation
- Must be able to receive annual influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Preferred Qualifications for Government Information Specialist
- Extensive experience as a Privacy/FOIA Officer in a federal or large organizational setting
- Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement agency-wide privacy policies
- Advanced proficiency in conducting legal research regarding federal and state statutes
- Experience in training staff on data protection procedures
- Strong communication skills for interacting with Executive leadership and the public
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Comprehensive retirement programs, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
💡 How to Apply Government Information Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Government Information Specialist Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Gather all required documentation, including SF-50s for current/former federal employees.
- Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
- Submit your application package by the closing date.
- Check your email for notifications regarding mandatory USA Hire assessments.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to comply with new federal hiring policies.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required information is included in the correct format.
- Clearly define your specialized experience, providing specific examples of your work with privacy and FOIA regulations.
- Save your resume and documents as PDFs to maintain formatting.
- Set aside at least 3 hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once notified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Privacy/FOIA Officer?
They manage the collection, use, and disclosure of information, ensuring the agency complies with federal laws while balancing the need for public transparency.
Can I work remotely in this position?
This position is not remote, though it is eligible for ad-hoc telework, which can be discussed during the interview process.
Are there specific education requirements?
No, there is no educational substitution for the required specialized experience at this grade level.
What if I have a disability?
The VA encourages individuals with disabilities to apply and offers reasonable accommodations for the assessment process.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period is required for all new hires.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We provide comprehensive care to those who have served in our nation's military. Our team members are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to honor the men and women who served, as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. Working at the VHA means contributing to a culture of compassion, excellence, and integrity.