JUNIOR FOIA SPECIALIST

Job Title: Junior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Specialist

Location: Onsite – VA Central Office, 811 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC
Pay Range: $28 – $30 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time, Contract (Contingent upon contract award)

Position Summary

CLJ Consulting and Contracting LLC is seeking a Junior FOIA Specialist to support the Department of Veterans Affairs FOIA Program. The Junior FOIA Specialist assists with the processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests under the supervision of senior staff by performing initial intake reviews, conducting records searches, preparing correspondence, and applying FOIA exemptions to responsive records.

This role supports timely and accurate processing of requests while maintaining compliance with federal FOIA statutes, VA policies, and established procedures. The position requires attention to detail, clear written communication, and the ability to follow standardized workflows in a high-volume federal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform intake review of incoming FOIA requests for completeness and proper routing

• Conduct records searches across electronic systems, databases, and shared repositories

• Identify responsive records and prepare files for review and release

• Apply FOIA exemptions and redactions under supervision of senior staff

• Draft acknowledgment letters, extension notices, and routine response correspondence

• Update and maintain FOIA case files within electronic FOIA tracking systems

• Assist with document preparation, scanning, and electronic file management

• Support backlog reduction and workflow tracking activities

• Communicate professionally with internal staff regarding record searches and clarifications

• Follow established FOIA processing procedures, deadlines, and documentation standards

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited institution

• Minimum of one (1) year of FOIA request processing experience within the last 24 months

• Demonstrated experience conducting records searches and identifying responsive documents

• Ability to apply FOIA exemptions accurately and consistently under supervision

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and document management systems

• Ability to follow detailed procedures and meet processing deadlines in a structured workflow environment

Preferred Qualifications

• FOIA training or FOIA certification

• Experience working in a federal FOIA office or federal contracting environment

• Familiarity with FOIA case management systems (e.g., FOIAXpress, eFOIA, or similar)

• Knowledge of Privacy Act requirements

• Experience drafting FOIA correspondence and responses to requesters

Clearance Requirement

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance