Foia Analyst - Executive Bureau

The Executive Bureau, Legal Division of the Sheriff's Office, is seeking a qualified candidate for the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Analyst role. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive FOIA support services to the organization, acting as the primary recipient and processing point for all FOIA, Privacy Act (PA), and Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) requests. As FOIA Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing a variety of records and ensuring that all responsive documents are released and disclosed in compliance with applicable laws, exemptions, and exclusions. This will involve liaising with officers across the organization to provide guidance on FOIA/TPIA matters and facilitate timely responses to requesters. In addition to this, you will also be responsible for collecting, extracting, and evaluating data to prepare responsive information and answer public information requests. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and regulations.
Reviewing and analyzing FOIA/TPIA requests for data sharing and assisting paralegals in gathering the requested data while exercising discretion and judgment in the application of laws, regulations, and agency practices related to FOIA/PIA
Providing accurate, timely, and relevant analysis of the requested FOIA/TPIA data and ensuring that all responsive documents' release and disclosure adhere to applicable laws, exemptions, and exclusions
Liaising with all agency departments to collect and analyze data requests related to FOIA/TPIA requests for crime, incidents, calls for service, arrest, and other data
Seeking scope clarification from requesters as needed, maintaining complete and accurate records, and providing status reports
Using a variety of computer software applications to retrieve and analyze data, such as spreadsheets, mapping, and statistical software
Preparing documentation for, and drafting responses to, FOIA/TPIA requests, and coordinating proposed disclosures of information for several entities within the agency
Redacting documents by agency/entity FOIA protocols, which include annotating appropriate FOIA exemptions on records
Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methods, and preparing and presenting complex and detailed statistical reports
Employing principles and applications of mathematics and statistics, which may require knowledge of research principles and techniques
Handling highly confidential information
Performing data storage and de-identification procedures following institutional and national policies to ensure the maintenance of confidentiality and privacy.
Performing any other duties as assigned within the scope and responsibility of the position
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in processing FOIA requests and records or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge of:

• Working knowledge of FOIA/TPIA regulations, policy, and statutory requirements
• Statistical research and reporting methods, procedures, and techniques
• Operational knowledge and understanding of standard processes and procedures related to FOIA requests
• Strong background in Civil Law Enforcement and Confidential/Commercial exemptions.
• Policies regarding record management and access
• Techniques for conducting statistical analysis in a criminal justice environment
• Advanced principles and practices of crime and intelligence analysis, including collecting, validating, analyzing, and disseminating crime data
• Data pulls using SQL language, report query builder, and MS Access query and report builder
• Power BI Dashboard analysis development
• Excel formulas and macro creation

Skilled in:

• Researching, gathering, organizing, and analyzing data to determine the accuracy and relevance of information, evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to receive and provide information with clarity, courtesy, and tact.
• Exceptional collaboration skills with internal and external offices.
• Utilizing computer applications, including records management system (RMS), document and word processing, spreadsheet software, statistical analysis software, presentation software, diagram software, and graphics
• Compiling data and making intermediate statistical and mathematical computations with speed and accuracy
• Critical thinking skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write comprehensive reports and present findings both in writing and in person
• Skilled proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office programs ( i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.), Power Bi, etc.

Ability to:

• Multi-task and evaluate and prioritize assignments
• Proven ability to review, coordinate, track, and log requests
• Generate well-written, clear, and concise analytical reports
• Effectively communicate complex information
• Maintain confidentiality
• Think critically, utilize good judgment, and apply ideas
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Visual acuity to work with details, computer terminals, and extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing

N/A
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Physical Demands
This role is sedentary, however, the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is necessary to lift files and/or boxes of files, documents, etc.
To Apply:
Meet the requirements for transfer as stated in the Harris County Sheriff's Office Manual, Section 229, and be in an active status (Please see policy for details)
Complete online job application (including HCSO employment history and education)
Note:
Submission of an application by an employee neither implies nor ensures the transfer will be granted
Transfers will be decided based on the needs and the best interest of the HCSO
Applicant submission of Job Application does not guarantee an interview
Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Employment Type: Regular Full-time