RECORDS ANALYST 3

Description

The Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is currently seeking a Project Records Analyst to assist the agency with public record requests!  

The core purpose of the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) is to empower blind and low vision individuals to reach their full potential.  We believe in a future where every blind and low vision student in Washington has the supports and services they need to succeed.  Our programs and services are provided across a diverse continuum of service options; including a range of short and long-term programs that include residential options at our Vancouver campus, outreach services in local schools and communities, access to specialized technology and resources through our Ogden Resource Center, as well as training options for parents, educators, and related service providers through a combination of department efforts.  Our greatest resource at WSSB are our incredible staff.  Our valued employees are continuously encouraged to improve the ways that we provide service to our students and the community. WSSB’s core values are: being student-centered, equity, accessibility, relationships, and continuous improvement.

This position supports the agency mission by responding to public record requests and consulting with various individuals including staff, legal, and the Superintendent to ensure proper responses and determinations. This position will coordinate the day-to-day receipt, delivery, distribution, access, maintenance and retention of manual and/or electronic forms and/or records for public records requests.

Duties

• Achieve and maintain expert knowledge of Chapter 42.56 RCW, Public Records Act (PRA), legal advisory opinions and other supporting documents to analyze responsive records and redact information appropriately.

• Serve as initial contact for public records requests. Generate exemption logs for withheld reports and redactions as needed.
• Use independent judgment to analyze, understand, coordinate response, track progress in fulfilling request, assemble, prepare, and review records while independently and accurately applying redaction and seeking assistance and guidance where appropriate.
• Correspond directly with people requesting public records in a timely manner as required under the PRA, including initial acknowledgment and any follow-up communication with requesters.
• Educate citizens on the availability of specific information and processes by which records can be obtained. Prepare records for inspection and supervise onsite file reviews.
• Coordinate and complete electronic searches.
• Assist in the development of public disclosure training, guidelines, and processes.
• Assist staff to develop search terms sets for public records requests.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent on continually improving the agency's in-house search processes.
• Manage records to include but not be limited to electronic records per the WSSB Specific Retention Schedule and State General Retention Schedule.
• Review records retention and essential records schedules to ensure conformance with legal requirements and state agency or institution standards.
• Maintain the agency's file schema.
• Ensure records are organized and copies are reduced to provide systematic control of records for their whole lifecycle so that WSSB can reduce the resources needed to manage information.
• Assist in the development of public disclosure training, guidelines, and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, law, or a closely allied field OR 
  • Two or more years of direct work experience in public records disclosure or conducting research and analyzing policies, laws, rules, or regulations OR equivalent combination of related education/experience.
• Working knowledge of Public Records laws (like Chapter 42.56 RCW) and applicable rules. Knowledge of government administrative structure.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable rules, regulations, and policies. 
• Strong customer service, communication and analytical skills. 
• Ability to deal with stress and difficult clients. 
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times and be part of maintaining a respectful workplace. 

Desired Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience in records management or disclosure of public records, or similar position.
• Knowledge and understanding of chapter 40.14 RCW, Preservation and Destruction of Public Records.
• Completion of Washington Public Records Act Training.

What we offer!

WSSB offers employees a mission-driven and student-focused environment that empowers blind and low-vision individuals to reach their full potential. Our beautiful 13.2 acre campus is on the National Register of Historic Places and not only includes state-of-the-art classrooms but a fitness center with saline pool and floor-to-ceiling rock climbing wall, track & field, auditorium, braille center, low vision clinic, LIFTT program offering dorm-style housing and much more!

How to apply:

To begin the online application process, click the 'Apply' button at the top of this announcement. To be considered for this position you must include the following information in your online application and complete any supplemental questionnaire(s).

• A completed online application profile that includes education and employment history (applications that state "see my resume" or similar language on the application will be considered incomplete); and,
• Allow contact for three professional references included in your application, including at least one supervisor, with up-to-date contact information.

For questions or information regarding the online application, please email kristina.bader@wssb.wa.gov. Complete job description available upon request.

The hours for the Records Analyst position are flexible between 20-40 hours/week (scheduled between 7:30am-4pm, M-F).  This is a non-exempt position including a comprehensive benefits package: PEBB medical/dental/vision, life, disability, HSA, FSA, PERS retirement, deferred compensation, supplemental benefits & more (refer to the benefits tab for details).

Note: The full salary range has been posted for informational purposes only.  Typically, new hires do not start at the top of the range without State of Washington experience in a similarly situated position as this is considered a longevity step. WSSB is an equal opportunity employer.

Supplemental Information

Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Opportunity for All: 
The Washington State School for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.  A background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competency to perform in the position. 
Veterans Preference:
 Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wish to claim Veteran's Preference MUST attach a copy of their DD214, or other verification of military service. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security number. For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Additional Information: 
The state of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons with a disability who need assistance with their application, or that need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 947-3311. Should you have any questions regarding this position, or the online application, please email Kristina.Bader@wssb.wa.gov.