Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program Assistant - (60023676)

State of South Carolina; Blythewood (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

State of South Carolina, through the SC Highway Patrol FOIA section, is seeking an assistant to support the FOIA process. You will assist in all steps of FOIA handling, research requests, enter cases into the database, and prepare and redact materials for release in accordance with state laws such as AXON videos.

You will also handle inquiries via phone, mail, and email, prioritize workflow with FOIA Coordinators, and perform general administrative duties.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and relevant program experience.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of the FOIA process to ensure compliance with state FOIA laws.
• Respond timely and courteously to FOIA requests, including research and entering new requests into the database.
• Prepare and redact materials for release according to state law.
• Field and respond to FOIA inquiries by phone, mail, and email.
• Prioritize work flow with FOIA Coordinators.
• Perform administrative duties such as answering phones and filing.

Skills

FOIA processing

Research

Time management

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree substitution

Tools

Database management

AXON video handling

Job description

Minimum And Additional Requirements

Serves as an assistant in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) section of the SC Highway Patrol. Assists in all aspects of the FOIA process to help ensure the department's compliance with state FOIA laws. Assists the FOIA coordinators by responding in a timely and courteous manner to FOIA requests, including research, entering new requests into the database, working with divisions of SCDPS to gather requested information, applicable documents and media, and preparing and redacting materials for release according to state law, to include AXON videos. Assists in fielding and responding to telephone inquiries, mail, and e-mail regarding FOIA requests. Must be able to prioritize work flow in conjunction with FOIA Coordinators. Performs administrative functions such as answering phones, filing and copying. Sends invoices and collects payment for FOIA fees authorized by law. Performs other duties as requested.

State Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma and relevant program experience. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience.

Agency Minimum Requirements

A high school diploma and relevant experience in administrative services. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required program experience. Strong administrative capabilities including organizational and computer/database skills. Word processing, database management, and automated record keeping skills. Ability to coordinate diverse administrative functions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to communicate effectively. Responsible for the administrative activities associated with processing and responding to requests made under FOIA. Required to follow program-specific protocols as directed. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under deadlines with high attention to detail. Must be able to perform repetitive tasks and sit for extended periods in front of a computer monitor.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin. The department prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), or national origin.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions, along with your application, will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected. Any misrepresentation or omission may result in your disqualification from employment and/or termination. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of your application, as well as the Supplemental Questions. You are required to include your entire work history, listing all jobs you have held. For former jobs that are most closely related to the position you are applying for, you must provide a fuller, more detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. You may not submit a resume in place of completing the Education, Work History, and Supplemental Questions sections. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree with all of the above.

01

The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions, along with your application, will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in your application being rejected. Any misrepresentation or omission may result in your disqualification from employment and/or termination. When applying for this position, you must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of your application, as well as the Supplemental Questions. You are required to include your entire work history, listing all jobs you have held. For former jobs that are most closely related to the position you are applying for, you must provide a fuller, more detailed description of your duties and responsibilities. You may not submit a resume in place of completing the Education, Work History, and Supplemental Questions sections. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree with all of the above.

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), my personal identifying information will be used to conduct a criminal records investigation and a comprehensive driving history review. Furthermore, I understand that if I accept employment with SCDPS, my fingerprints will be collected and submitted to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to conduct a final criminal records investigation on my first day of employment.

• Yes
• No

03

Please select which of the options best represents your level of education and experience.

• At least a high school diploma and relevant experience in administrative services.
• An Associate's degree and relevant work experience.
• At least a bachelor's degree or higher degree.
• None of these.

04

Do you have experience with Word processing, database management, and automated record keeping?

• Yes
• No

05

If you have relevant experience, please describe your experience here.

06

If offered this position, would you be willing to accept a maximum salary of $37,944 - $45,742?

• Yes
• No

07

How did you find out about this position?

• State Government Website (careers.sc.gov)
• Career Fair
• Social Media
• Friend
• SCDPS Employee
• Other

08

If answered SCDPS Employee, please list the employee's full name if possible. If you answered other, please indicate how you found out about this position.

• Required Question