Become a Privacy and FOIA Leader at the Washington DC VA Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled and strategic professional to join the Washington DC VA Medical Center as a Government Information Specialist. This position is a cornerstone for operational transparency and data integrity, offering a unique opportunity to shape how the agency handles sensitive information. If you are an expert in Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regulations with a passion for public service, this role offers the perfect intersection of legal acumen and organizational leadership.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead the facility's data governance program. Your primary duties will include:

Policy Oversight: Developing and implementing facility-specific policies for data collection, storage, and destruction.
Compliance Monitoring: Investigating non-compliance issues and measuring operational risk.
FOIA Adjudication: Making complex determinations regarding record disclosures and redactions.
Executive Advising: Providing subject-matter expertise to leadership regarding federal and state mandates.
Training and Outreach: Conducting educational sessions to ensure staff understand privacy procedures.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet stringent federal standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Time-in-Grade: Current or former federal employees must have held a GS-11 position for at least 52 weeks.
Specialized Experience: You need one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, focusing on privacy and FOIA management.
Resume Limit: You must adhere to a strict two-page limit for your resume.

Salary Overview

Grade	Salary Range
GS-12	$102,415 - $133,142 per year

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy access to a robust federal benefits package, including health and life insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. Furthermore, you will work in an environment that supports personal and professional well-being, practicing the "Whole Health" philosophy.

Application Tips

Be Precise: When describing experience, include job titles, exact dates, and hours per week.
Check Formatting: Use a sans-serif font and 0.5-inch margins for your resume.
Document Everything: Ensure your SF-50 forms explicitly demonstrate your one-year time-in-grade.

This role is an ideal career step for a privacy professional who wants to make a measurable difference in the lives of our Veterans. By ensuring the highest standards of data governance, you are protecting the trust and privacy of the men and women who served our country. Apply today to contribute your expertise to the Washington DC VA Medical Center.

Why This Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer) Job Matters

Protect the legacy of those who served while shaping the future of agency transparency. Join the Washington DC VA Medical Center as a Privacy and FOIA expert.

Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer) Job Overview

The Washington DC VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Government Information Specialist to oversee our facility-level Privacy and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs. This critical role involves leading data governance initiatives, formulating policy, and ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations. You will serve as the primary advisor to executive leadership on disclosure decisions, providing transparency and safeguarding sensitive information for Veterans and their families.

Requirements for Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet one-year time-in-grade requirement for current or former Federal employees.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level or equivalent.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages.
Completion of an online assessment.

Preferred Qualifications for Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer)

Expertise in data governance program leadership.
Strong background in Privacy and FOIA legal/regulatory research.
Proven experience in policy development and implementation.
Demonstrated ability in conducting investigations and adjudications.
Experience with executive advising and stakeholder engagement.
Skill in training, communication, and change management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
✓Ad-hoc telework flexibility.
✓Contribution to a meaningful, mission-driven organization dedicated to Veteran care.
✓Access to a comprehensive health and wellness environment.

💡 How to Apply Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Government Information Specialist (Privacy/Freedom Of Information Act Officer) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Attach all required documents, including SF-50s and transcripts if applicable.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 4, 2026.
Monitor your email for a link to the USA Hire assessment if required.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages; any longer and you will be ineligible.
Clearly state your duties, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.
Provide multiple SF-50 forms if your most recent one does not clearly show one year of time-in-grade.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of this role?

The Privacy/FOIA Officer oversees the facility's data governance program, manages disclosure decisions, and ensures organizational compliance with federal and state privacy laws.

Is telework permitted?

Yes, this position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework, though it is not a fully virtual position.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Federal agencies now require resumes to be two pages or less. Submitting a longer resume will result in your disqualification from the selection process.

Is there an educational substitution for this grade?

*A: No, there is no educational substitution at the GS-12 grade level for this specific position.*

Is a security clearance required?

*A: This position is classified as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk, but it is subject to background and suitability investigations.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served our nation. The Washington DC VA Medical Center provides comprehensive healthcare services, ranging from primary care to complex specialty medicine. As part of a mission-critical team, you will contribute to an environment that prioritizes the whole health of our Veterans.