Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County's Police Department (ACPD) is seeking a highly organized and time-conscious FOIA Specialist to assist with managing requests submitted under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This position engages directly with members of the community to facilitate public records requests by identifying, gathering, and reviewing responsive documents and digital evidence. The role is responsible for ensuring all records are properly prepared and redacted in full compliance with Virginia FOIA and applicable legal standards. The selected candidate will communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing, while representing the Department in interactions with the public, internal staff, and external partners.

This position sits within the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), whose mission is to support the Police Department's overall mission by developing and implementing sound regulations and policies and by ensuring that the Department's actions uphold the highest standards of integrity, comply with governing laws and policies, and align with established professional standards.

Major Job Duties:

• Assisting with the intake of and response to FOIA requests;
• Analyzing incoming requests to determine compliance with Virginia FOIA standards and departmental procedures, including identifying applicable exemptions;
• Collecting and examining responsive documents and digital evidence to determine releasability and ensuring all redactions comply with Virginia FOIA, applicable statutes, and departmental policies;
• Supporting the management of the Department's records repository in GovQA and collaborating with the Office of the County Attorney on the redaction of body-worn and in-car camera video;
• Maintaining accurate logs and documentation of requests, monitoring deadlines, and providing regular updates to the FOIA Officer or supervising staff;
• Maintaining knowledge of and contributing to the development of departmental policies, procedures, and other written directives;
• Attending applicable training provided by the Virginia FOIA Council and the Office of the County Attorney to stay current on FOIA guidelines; and
• Performing other related duties as assigned to support the Department's operational needs.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Knowledge of Virginia FOIA as it applies to law enforcement records;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including conveying complex and confidential information clearly and concisely;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Axon, GovQA, and the Department's Law Enforcement Records Management System (LERMS);
• Ability to gather, organize, evaluate, and analyze data and to manage timelines effectively; and
• Ability to solve loosely defined problems and work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, or a related field; and
• Some experience in public administration and general research in public policy, along with Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, etc.).

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience can be substituted for the educational requirement. A Master's degree or higher may be substituted for some of the experience requirement.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Some experience working as a Paralegal;
• Experience applying Virginia FOIA requirements to law enforcement records;
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, etc.); and
• Experience using the GovQA platform.

Special Requirements

Background Check/Polygraph: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. Due to the sensitive nature of this position, candidates receiving consideration will be required to undergo a pre-employment polygraph examination. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Professional License/Certifications:

• The selected candidate must obtain Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) certification; and
• The selected candidate must complete FOIA training through the Virginia FOIA Council and the Office of the County Attorney.

Letter of Interest: A complete application includes a letter of interest. Please attach your letter to this application detailing your background and experience and how they have prepared you for this position.

Resume Requirement: A complete application includes a resume. Please attach your resume to the application and verify that the details of your application provide further evidence of your experience and qualifications as displayed on your resume.

Work Environment: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Work Hours: This is a part-time position. Specific work hours may vary and will be determined at the time of hire. The incumbent may be required to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime as necessary. This is an on-site position with approved telework opportunities based on operational needs.

Work Location: The Police Department office is located at 1425 North Courthouse Road.

The official title of this position is: Management Specialist (NB)

This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.

For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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