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

South Carolina DDSN; South Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Department of Public Safety, specifically the FOIA section of the SC Highway Patrol, seeks an assistant to support FOIA requests, research, data entry, and document preparation for release in accordance with state law. The role includes handling AXON videos and coordinating with divisions for information gathering.

The position emphasizes strong administrative abilities, accuracy, and timely communication via phone, mail, and email, with duties extending to invoicing/fee

Qualifications

• Strong administrative capabilities including organizational and computer/database skills.
• Word processing, database management, and automated record keeping skills.
• Ability to coordinate diverse administrative functions and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Respond to FOIA requests in a timely, courteous manner.
• Research, enter new requests into the database, gather information from divisions.
• Prepare and redact materials for release according to state law (including AXON videos).
• Field and respond to inquiries by phone, mail, and email; prioritize workflow with FOIA Coordinators.
• Perform administrative tasks and process FOIA fees as required.

Skills

Organizational skills

Computer/database skills

Word processing

Database management

Automated record keeping

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree substituted for experience

Job description

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.