FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER - WILLIMANTIC POLICE DEPARTMENT

Willimantic, CT

The Willimantic Police Department seeks qualified applicants for the position of Freedom of Information Act Officer. This is a full-time position (40 hrs/wk @ $26.00/hr). Under the direction of the Chief of Police or his designee, the Freedom of Information Act Officer receives and responds to requests of public record, and court subpoenas using multiple resources and streams of data to research and locate relevant information, and speaks and writes about findings.

For a complete listing of duties and responsibilities, please see the full job description on the Town of Windham website ().

Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university in Journalism, Communications, English, or a directly related field, plus two (2) years research and analysis work experience; or in lieu thereof, any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Must pass an extensive pre-employment background check, including a pre-employment drug screen.

Must possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Bilingual (English and Spanish), preferred.

Applications may be obtained from the Town of Windham, Town Manager’s Office, 979 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226; or on our website at and must be submitted with a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references no later than Monday, October 21, 2024. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

TOWN OF WINDHAM

JOB DESCRIPTION

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT OFFICER

NATURE OF WORK - Under general supervision, the Freedom of Information Act Officer receives and responds to requests of public record, and court subpoenas using multiple resources and streams of data to research and locate relevant information, and speaks and writes about findings.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED - The Freedom of Information Act Officer performs work under the general supervision of the Police Command Staff and/or the Police Administrative Division Staff.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED - None.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -

Responds to requests for information filed by citizens, journalists, and outside entities pursuant to the State of Connecticut 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 a variety of 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.

Resolves information requests within the required timeframes, and where appropriate requests extensions in writing.

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 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.

Regular attendance is a requirement of this position.

*** The duties listed above are only intended as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position. ***

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS -

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE -

Knowledge of writing and formatting styles and methods used in the preparation of responses to inquiries for information.

Knowledge of research principles, practices, and techniques.

Knowledge of applicable computer software packages.

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Must possess superior customer-service skills and maturity.

Considerable ability to perform duties promptly with attention to detail and accuracy; prioritize and organize work; and maintain confidentiality.

Considerable ability to read and comprehend standard instructions correspondence and memos; and write routine reports and memos.

Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions and to organize and express thoughts and ideas through oral and written communications.

Must possess considerable computer literacy skills, and the ability to work independently for long periods of time.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, public officials, residents, members of the general public, vendors, other departments and agencies, supervisors, and coworkers.

A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized college or university in Journalism, Communications, English, or a directly related field, plus two (2) years research and analysis work experience; or in lieu thereof, any combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Must pass an extensive pre-employment background check, including a pre-employment drug screen.

Must possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Bilingual (English and Spanish), preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS -

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: talk and hear; walk, sit, stand, bend, twist, kneel, stoop, and crouch. The employee must have the ability to lift, move, reorganize, and shelve reference books and other job-related office equipment and materials on a daily basis. The employee may occasionally have to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must have the ability to routinely use hands, fingers, and wrists for repetitive motion, to handle and/or feel equipment, objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to climb stairs to various levels.

Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must possess normal audio ability. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet with the possibility of stressful situations with the public.

The employee must be able to work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others at all times. The employee must be free from mental and/or physical disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described, and have the ability to maintain his/her composure with the public and co-workers in everyday, stressful, and emergency situations. The employee must be able to respond to difficult situations, ease tensions, and address disturbances.

*****The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.*****

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• Have you submitted a Town of Windham Job Application?

Ability to Relocate:

• Willimantic, CT 06226: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26