This position is located at the William 5. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, a Level 1b Complexity VHA Facility, and is organizationally aligned under the Office of the Director.
Government Information Specialists formulate policy, advise agency and facility management, and ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws governing the collection, maintenance and disclosure of information as well as the safeguarding of Government information while supporting accountability and transparency.
Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Implements, manages and monitors the Privacy and FOIA programs in the facility by distributing information; preparing facility-specific policy guidance; reviewing facility processes and workflow to ensure information is appropriately safeguarded, used and disclosed; reviewing all contracts and other facility agreements for privacy and other appropriate language; and assessing the facility privacy posture through evaluation of the facility's collection, use, storage and maintenance of sensitive personal information.
Advises management and staff on Title 38 U.5.C. Sections 5701, 5705 and 7332, PA, FOIA and, where appropriate, HIPAA requirements, policies, and procedures and ensures that facility managers and staff understand and fulfill their responsibilities. Coordinates program implementation and management with higher organizational levels and prepares reports and information.
Keeps abreast of recent developments in the field of disclosure, including, current legislative resolutions or problems encountered within the FOIA and Privacy program. Researches, analyzes, and responds to all facility FOIA requests for agency information applying FOIA exemptions as required. Reviews and analyzes appeals from denials of access to records requested under FOIA and recommends final agency decision on release/non-release of records.
Prepares responses to privacy inquiries from Congressional Offices, Human Resources, News Media, and the Dept of Health and Human Resources Office for Civil rights (HHS OCR). Investigates HHS OCR requests related to HIPAA-privacy complaints in conjunction with the VHA Privacy Office.
Provides assistance with the investigation of privacy-related inquiries from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) by the VHA Privacy Office and VHA Office of the Medical Inspector (OMI), and provides any required information or materials, as necessary.
Processes complaints and investigates allegations of inappropriate activities related to facility privacy practices, using or accessing individually-identifiable health information, or disclosing or release of individually-identifiable health information. Investigates data breaches, and suggest appropriate remediation. Enter all privacy complaints, incidents and data breaches into the Privacy and Security Event Tracking System (PSETS).
Represents the facility on committees, teams, and work groups and provide guidance on issues related to the use and disclosure of information and privacy related functions. Develops facility privacy and FOIA policies and procedures in compliance with VA/VHA privacy policies and procedures and ensures appropriate implementation within the facility, including all Community Based Offsite Clinics within the Hospital's geographical catchment area and operational reach.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Government Information Specialist/PD18158O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Amy.Hemstreet@va.gov · 612-467-4029
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $74678 – $97087/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-09.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-03 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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