The Privacy/FOIA Officer has oversight for the data governance program and initiatives at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center and its supporting catchment area. The position makes unique facility-level determinations about disclosures, issuance of denials, redactions, access, use and dissemination of federal agency records. The position formulates policy, ensures compliance with federal and state laws, and conducts thorough research of federal implementing regulations.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Develops the local privacy strategy that integrates the Battle Creek VA Medical Center with data governance program goals, national strategic priorities, and VA core values. Performs complex analysis of key policy inquiries that can encompass any and all information collected, used or disclosed in the facility.
Contributes to significant agency decisions, policy recommendations and executive leadership consultations based on an in-depth knowledge of government regulatory and federal and state statutory requirements, case law and Office of Inspector General (OIG), Government Accounting Office (GAO) and National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) verdicts.
Coordinates and delegates complex investigative responsibilities that frequently collaborate with Office of Chief Counsel in the District, human resources, executive leadership, and labor partners. Leads a team that analyzes and evaluates complex data, conducts meetings, briefings and suggests potential administrative action to leadership pursuant to a privacy violation.
Using an expert understanding of all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines, independently analyzes all interrelated issues that affect the privacy/FOIA program. Plans and conducts monitoring activities which measure the overall level of operational compliance by the facility. Contributes to national VHA performance data by submitting reports with findings and recommendations to senior leadership and national program offices.
Makes changes to facility policies and procedures after gaps in compliance are identified. Develops and integrates policy-based processes, roles and controls that influences how data is created, collected, used, stored and destroyed throughout the organization. Independently investigates non-compliance of privacy related issues at all levels of the organization and outside of the organization when VHA information is involved.
Advocates for Veterans, patients and employees that are victims of privacy violations. Conducts detailed investigatory interviews with staff, patients and vendors to collect facts in response to privacy complaints. Identifies privacy risk within the organization and ensures corrective action is taken to mitigate the safety of patients' privacy.
Independently performs in-depth legal research that pertains to both federal and state statutes to render expertise, provide solutions and facilitate corrective action. Reviews federal court determinations and pertinent case law to make determinations in Privacy, FOIA and other health care related matters that involve the agency.
Coordinates with the Office of Chief Counsel in the District to help protect Government interests regarding privacy and FOIA when legal ramifications exist. Adjudicates complex privacy and FOIA decisions that affect employees, Veterans, patients, and commercial businesses in the absence of supervision. Responsible for the determining the authority to disclose information from the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
Manages a system-wide communication strategy as it relates to the request timely release and amendment of records from the facility. Ensures that agency correspondence for data governance is transparent, timely, accurate and complete in response to requests for information from the general public, Congressional representatives, law enforcement, courts, and commercial business.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Government Information Specialist-Privacy/FOIA Officer/PD99843S
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
carol.phillips4@va.gov · 765-251-1129
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $89508 – $116362/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-10-28.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-22 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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