Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: FDA: OMH Silver Spring, MD REMOTE - Silver Spring, MD 20904The FOIA Disclosure Specialist is responsible for supporting the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program through the review, analysis, redaction, and release of responsive records. This role works closely with staff, contractors, requesters, and stakeholders to ensure that FOIA requests are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, and agency policies. This position also involves specialized review of scientific and technical records where applicable.
Key Responsibilities
Disclosure Review
Review FOIA requests to determine appropriate actions and response times
Search, analyze, and process materials responsive to FOIA requests
Prepare FOIA request folders, track requests in agency systems, and draft response letters
Prepare an index of produced documents including document details, withheld portions, and exemption codes
Support cradle-to-grave processing of disclosure requests, including recommendations for redactions and release determinations
Review, evaluate, and analyze routine disclosure requests and recommend clearance of OC’s disclosure activities
Ensure disclosure analysis requests are accurate, satisfactory, timely, and contain only information considered disclosable under FOIA, the Privacy Act, and applicable regulations
Review documents for disclosure and recommend appropriate action
Keep abreast of all changes to the statues and regulations to ensure compliance
Maintain awareness of current developments to correctly review and analyze records for disclosure
Apply understanding of scientific principles, content, and context related to drug and biological products for consistent disclosure determinations (for records with scientific content)
Review and ensure work products comply with job aids, policies, and procedures
Keep abreast of all changes to the statutes and regulations to ensure compliance
Redaction & Disclosure
Redact records in accordance with FOIA, the OPEN Government Act, the E-Gov Act, and applicable job aids and guidance from OC staff
Apply exemptions appropriately to ensure information exempt under statutes is withheld
Utilize Adobe Acrobat Pro (or other approved software) to electronically redact and prepare records, including boxing exempt material, sanitization, and Bates numbering if applicable
Prepare documents and Vaughn indices for disclosure-based litigation, as required
Ensure released materials do not contain exempt information
Correspondence & Communication
Draft original correspondence for release on behalf of the agency
Communicate with requesters, regulated industry, sponsors, staff, contractors, and other stakeholders to clarify requests and provide updates
Serve as liaison with requesters and, on occasion, other agencies or appellants
Compliance & Quality
Ensure disclosure analysis is accurate, timely, and compliant with FOIA, the Privacy Act, and applicable regulations
Stay up to date on statutory and regulatory changes to maintain compliance
Ensure released materials do not contain information exempt under applicable statutes
Meet agency performance standards, including review rates and timeliness metrics
Reporting & Tracking
Maintain accurate data entry in FOIA tracking databases
Monitor request backlogs and prioritize processing of sensitive or time-critical cases
Prepare indexes of produced documents, including withheld portions and exemption codes
Support reporting requirements for leadership and oversight staff
Brillient is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
QualificationsEducation Requirement
Bachelors Degree
Experience Requirement
Minimum ten (10) years of specialized experience.
Other Requirement(s):
U.S. citizenship required; must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance in accordance with contract requirements.