Job Location : Olympia,WA, USA
Our agencys strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If youre ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.
Lets build whats next, together. Working within the Office Services Unit, the Public Disclosure Specialist is responsible for responding to and processing public requests. Working under the direction of the Public Disclosure and Records Manager this position is expected to work independently ensuring response timelines are met with accurate and complete responses. Using various software tools, such as GovQA, Microsoft E-discovery, and others, this position will independently search for, review and prepare responses to agency public disclosure requests. As needed this position will interact with unit records coordinators and other division staff across Commerce to gather and evaluate requested materials. This position will also occasionally seek advice or guidance from the Assistant Attorneys Generals office to ensure accurate interpretation of RCWs. This is a hybrid position based out of our Olympia office.Collecting and processing agency records Tasks include: Independently conduct email and text message searches using Microsoft E-discovery, SMARSH and Everlaw, according to the requests outlined in the public disclosure request. Coordinate with agency records coordinators to gather any requested records not available via automated searches, including but not limited to files stored on unit shared drives and employee H drives. Independently process gathered records, including but not limited to emails, text messages, and documents, determining responsiveness and exclusions based on the parameters of the request, RCW 42.56 (the Public Records Act), Policies and precedents set forth by the AGO. Independently review and apply appropriate redactions on all collected records ensuring all protected data is removed, according to RCW 42.56 (the PRA) and Commerce policies, prior to release. Coordinate the production of responsive records to the Public Records Unit in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring compliance with all laws, rules and exemptions, outlined by RCW 42.56 and AGO policies related to public records disclosure. Occasionally seeks advice or guidance from the Attorney Generals Office to ensure accurate interpretation of RCWs, limiting agency risk exposure. Consult with agency staff, as requested, clarifying requirements of and answering questions regarding active public disclosure requests. Receiving and responding to Public Disclosure Requests Tasks include: Monitor and respond to all assigned public disclosure requests received via GovQA and the shared public disclosure email inbox within 5 business days. Review public disclosure requests and seek clarification from requestor as need to ensure accurate and timely responses. Determine requirements of PDRs, sending workflows to and gathering responsive records from agency staff. Other Duties as assigned Tasks include: Maintain up to date understanding of developing Public Records Act case law. Assist the Public Disclosure and Records Manager with special projects as assignedRequired Position Qualifications: Any combination of six (6) total years of experience. This could be gained by a combination of relevant education beyond high school equivalency and/or professional-level experience involving business, public administrative, or related field. Minimum of two (2) years of substantial professional-level experience that must include processing and responding to public disclosure requests related field. Experience and education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and or certification programs) combinations that meet the requirements for this position: Possible Combinations College credit hours or degree - as listed above Years of required experience - as listed above Combination 1 No college credit hours or degree 6 years of experience Combination 2 1 year of education beyond post-high school of GED equivalency 5 years of experience Combination 3 2 year of education beyond post-high school of GED equivalency 4 years of experience Combination 4 3 year of education beyond post-high school of GED equivalency 3 years of experience Combination 5 4 year of education beyond post-high school of GED equivalency 2 years of experience Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Experience using existing public disclosure tools currently used at various state agencies and local municipalities, such as Everlaw, GovQA, Adobe Acrobat, SMARSH and E-Discovery. Ability to complete Attorney General Public Disclosure courses Required Position Competencies: Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality at all times. Knowledge and understanding of the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) Clear and confident decision-making skills Comprehensive analysis skills Independently mange time and prioritize projects, organizing and tracking records to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Ability to meet all completing deadlines, outlined by the PRA (RCW 42.56) and Commerce policy, efficiently and effectively ensuring accuracy. To be considered for this position the following are needed: