Freedom of Information (FOI) Assistant

Surrey Police Service

Freedom of Information (FOI) Assistant

Temporary Full Time (1 year) - Exempt
Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. The transition from the RCMP to SPS is well underway and SPS has spent the past three years building a local, modern, accountable police service for Surrey residents. On November 29, 2024, SPS will become the police of jurisdiction, assuming responsibility for policing and law enforcement in Surrey.

SPS is working to redefine policing with innovative new approaches and community-based solutions. It’s an exciting time as SPS continues to expand our team with talented people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey. We have already hired over 400 employees and will grow to be one of the largest independent police services in Canada. Since day one, SPS has been intentional about building a culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, with a strong focus on employee wellness and career development.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
SPS has an exciting opportunity for a FOI Assistant to join the Office of the Chief Constable on a 1-year contract. Reporting to the Manager, Information and Privacy, the incumbent will provide specialized and technical clerical work concerning compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

The incumbent receives, reviews, clarifies, and confirms all requests for access to information. They will also be responsible for gathering and organizing records as well as prioritizing workload to ensure requests are fulfilled within legislated timelines.

Responsibilities for the FOI Assistant include:

• Reviews file material in detail for disclosure and the protection of privacy.
• Triages formal requests for records to various business areas.
• Filing all electronic and hard copy documentation and maintain the SharePoint library for FOI.
• Advises senior staff of relevant issues and provides advice to other members of the Department in matters of collection, retention, and disclosure of information.
• Assists with reviewing records, ensuring adherence to legislated requirements as well as responsibilities to third parties are met.
• Prepares records for disclosure, including drafting correspondence and redacting records.
• Refers requests for routine information to other business areas as required.
• Identifies and conducts training needs in relation to the disclosure of information, protection of privacy and FIPPA.
• Assists members of the public in seeking information about access to records and/or seeking access to their own personal information.
• Prepares and provides reports and statistical data relating to duties of the position.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in all matters through supervision and maintenance of confidential file systems.
• Prepares fee estimates and invoices and collects revenues as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

The successful candidate will be familiar with statutory requirements under FIPPA and be equipped with knowledge of best practices, principles, and processes applicable to FOI and privacy in local government. The incumbent will showcase ability to conduct preliminary review of requests to determine if they are routinely releasable or should be formally processed under FIPPA. They will demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills in conveying information regarding FIPPA related issues.

The candidate will have sound analytical and research skills with an ability to exercise resourcefulness in dealing with a variety of situations. The candidate will have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts. They will be able to handle confidential and sensitive information while exercising persuasiveness in dealing with contentious matters. The ability to work independently, take initiative and exercise good judgment is required for this role.

QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful incumbent will have:

• Grade 12 supplemented by a diploma in a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience with FOI work.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and relevant computer-based applications, including word processing.
• Experience with PRIME, SharePoint, and Adobe is an asset.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Able to obtain and maintain the required level of police security clearance.

Interested applicants are asked to apply online to our Careers page by 4:00pm on December 10th, 2024.

This is an exempt position. The salary range for this position is $72,589 - $85,399 (Pay Band A2) based on 2024 Rates.

Thank you for your interest in working with SPS. We pride ourselves on hiring members that model the mission, vision, and values of SPS through unquestioned integrity and sustaining a visible, credible, inclusive, and respected profile.