Journeyman FOIA Specialist at Central Research, Inc. – Washington, District of Columbia

Position Summary:

Central Research Inc. (CRI) partners with federal agencies to deliver mission-critical information management and compliance services. We value integrity, service, and excellence, and foster a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

The Journeyman FOIA Contractor performs mid-level FOIA processing with minimal supervision in support of our government client and contributes to enterprise wide FOIA operations. This role reviews and interprets FOIA requests, conducts or validates records searches, applies exemptions, prepares releasable records, and ensures that responses meet statutory and agency requirements. The Journeyman provides technical accuracy and consistency, supports junior staff when needed, and helps maintain efficient workflow management and high quality FOIA production. This position executes responsibilities aligned with FOIA functional requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review, interpret, and analyze FOIA requests to determine appropriate tasking and search requirements.
• Conduct or validate thorough searches for responsive records across multiple systems and repositories.
• Apply FOIA exemptions accurately and consistently, document exemption decisions clearly.
• Prepare releasable records and redacted materials using approved redaction software.
• Draft professional FOIA correspondence, summaries, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all FOIA responses meet statutory requirements, agency policy, and DOJ/VA guidance.
• Maintain accurate records and case documentation within FOIA tracking systems.
• Provide support and technical guidance to junior FOIA staff when needed.
• Contribute to workflow efficiency and help ensure timely, accurate FOIA production.
• Follow established procedures associated with FOIA operational requirements 5.2–5.4.

Minimum Requirements (Education & Experience):

• US Citizenship required
• Associate degree required.
• Additional FOIA experience may substitute for formal FOIA training or degree requirements.
• Two (2) years of successful FOIA request processing within the last 36 months.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Federal Public Trust (5c) security clearance (financial/credit history and background will be reviewed):
  • Not in default on federal student loans
  • Demonstrated financial responsibility
  • No felony convictions within the past 7 years
  • Misdemeanor convictions within the past 7 years may impact eligibility
  • No non-medical collections totaling $7,500 or more.

Preferred Requirements (Education & Experience):

• FOIA related training preferred

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Meets or exceeds all Junior FOIA Contractor KSAs.
• Minimum of two (2) years of FOIA request processing experience within the last 36 months.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FOIA exemptions, timelines, request types, and fee categories.
• Ability to analyze and interpret FOIA requests to determine tasking, scope, and search strategies.
• Skilled in conducting or validating accurate and complete records searches.
• Proficiency with redaction tools and documenting exemption justifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting clear responses and summaries.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and consistency across FOIA casework.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and teamwork in a production driven environment.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database tools.
• Ability to conduct effective internet and records research to support FOIA search and review activities.

Other Requirements & Information:

CRI is partnering with our partner companies to successfully fill these critical positions. By submitting your application, you grant CRI permission to share your application, including your resume, with our partners, to aid them in meeting their staffing needs. Rest assured; your application will only be shared with our partners if CRI's vacancies have been filled. You may opt out of this consideration within your application.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.

We are currently unable to consider applicants residing in California, New York, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and the city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your understanding.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Know Your Rights Poster can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf