FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

About the role

This position is open to the public and all current city employees covered under the City’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES (AFSCME) – BARGAINING UNIT 1, 3, 4 & 5. Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid.

Responsibilities

• Responds to requests for information filed by citizens, journalists, and outside entities pursuant to the State of Illinois Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”)
• Responds verbally and in writing to inquiries from the general public, business establishments, community organizations, media and governmental agencies regarding city programs, services, and business matters of public record
• Researches, examines, and analyzes documents to provide responsive documents in response to FOIA requests and makes appropriate redactions of exempt information
• Sets and adheres to deadlines for information requests, and where appropriate, requests extensions in writing
• Affirms the magnitude of information requested and assesses whether it proves burdensome in adherence with the State of Illinois Freedom of Information guidelines
• Obtains necessary information from manual, computerized and archived files, and records
• Responds via the internet in writing to requests for information sent electronically through the internet concerning departmental programs, services or matters of public record, as required
• Oversees and participates in the mailing of responses to written requests for information
• Trains and orientates clerical and administrative staff to track down information, redact exempt information from public documents, photocopy, and scan documents, as required
• Prepares and maintains statistical and narrative work activity reports
• Maintains and updates log of all FOIA requests
• Works with the Department of Law to respond to subpoenas for documents
• May review information to be posted onto the intranet and internet websites for accuracy regarding departmental programs and services, as required
• May represent the department at public hearings and community meetings to explain and promote city services, programs, and upcoming events, as required

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a directly related field, plus two years research and analysis work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and, experience
• Certification by the State of Illinois as a Freedom of Information Officer is required, within six (6) months of hire

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, English or a directly related field, plus two years research and analysis work experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and, experience
• Licensure, Certification, Or Other Qualifications: Certification by the State of Illinois as a Freedom of Information Officer is required, within six (6) months of hire.

Skills

• Political sponsorship or recommendation must be omitted from all application materials submitted for City employment

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$68,616.00

Schedule

Monday through Friday

HOURS: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Location

Office of Public Safety Administration – Office of the General Counsel

ADDRESS: 3510 S Michigan Ave