Government Information Specialist (Arbitration)
What you'd do
This position is located within the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), Headquarters, Office of General Counsel (OGC) and reports directly to the General Counsel.
Major duties
Responsible for the daily processing of arbitration panel requests; communicating with external parties and providing excellent customer service. Serves as the primary point of contact for parties submitting arbitration panel requests, ensuring timely and accurate processing from intake through final issuance. Responsible for processing applications to be on the FMCS arbitration roster. Reviews and evaluates applications submitted by arbitrators seeking placement on the FMCS roster, verifying that applicants meet all eligibility criteria established by applicable regulations and FMCS policy. Serves as the primary Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/ Privacy Act (PA) Specialist with responsibility for analyzing, processing, and responding to requests for records pursuant to the FOIA and Privacy Act. Independently processes the full range of requests from intake to final determination, including complex and sensitive requests. Responds to FOIA/PA lawsuits concerning records released or withheld, including conducting comprehensive file reviews, drafting declarations to be filed with federal courts, and consulting with representing attorneys. Prepares supporting documentation including administrative records, Vaughn indices, and chronologies of agency action for use in litigation. Supports the Privacy Office by researching and drafting Privacy Act compliance documents. Advises program offices and agency leadership on Privacy Act requirements, including the proper collection, maintenance, use, and disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) in agency records systems. Assists in the administration of FMCS's ethics program by directing inquiries to designation officials, and ensures prompt responses are channeled to personnel as appropriate. Plans and coordinates development, consolidation, review, and approval of ethics, privacy, FOIA, litigation, arbitration, and administrative law programs in support of OGC's mission. Analyzes quantitative and qualitative data evaluating performance and progress, identifies material weaknesses, and recommends corrective actions.
What you need to qualify
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level includes: Overseeing the daily operations of an agency program and serving at the point of contact for all parties ensuring timely and accurate processing from intake through final issuance; Processing complex and sensitive requests, coordinating with program offices and legal counsel, making disclosure determinations, and supporting FOIA-related litigation; and Providing program management and analytical support for legal compliance initiatives; and Administering and/or assisting an agency's ethics program and serving the Records manager. Time in grade: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. This position requires submission of a 2-page resume, completion of a USA HIRE assessment, and an Accomplishment Record based on selected competencies. Candidates scoring above 90 on the USA HIRE assessment will be considered. Your resume will then be reviewed by an HR Specialist and a Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the specialized experience and qualification requirements as outlined in the announcement. Qualifications: This position requires submission of a 2-page resume, and completion of a USA HIRE assessment. Candidates scoring above 90 on the USA HIRE assessment will be considered. Your resume will then be reviewed by an HR Specialist and a Subject Matter Expert to determine if you meet the specialized experience and qualification requirements as outlined in the announcement. Your resume must have complete information. Please ensure your resume accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities under each position you have held with each employer. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. It is your responsibility to make sure your resume states complete information for each job entry (beginning and ending dates of employment stated as MM/YYYY; and total hours worked per week). If your resume does not provide enough information regarding your work history for us to make a creditable qualification determination, your application package may be rendered disqualified and you will no longer be considered for this position. Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment. Qualifications must be met by the Closing Date: You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 11:59pm EDT on the closing date of this announcement. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement, 08/05/2026, to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
Before you apply
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