Public Disclosure Analyst

JOB
This fast-paced position will work under the direction of the Public Disclosure Supervisor in the Public Records program, which is a high functioning team committed to each other and our customers. The Public Records program strives to improve access to public records through education, services, and connections.The Public Disclosure Analyst will analyze, process, and respond to public records requests submitted to the City of Bellevue in compliance with the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and in alignment with best practices as recommended by the Attorney General’s Model Rules. The Public Disclosure Analyst will communicate with requestors, collaborate with department stakeholders, conduct e-discovery searches, analyze responses, and consult with the City Attorney’s Office regarding exemptions.At the City of Bellevue you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and being a part of the community vision. Our people bring unique skills and qualities to the table, embrace the values of honesty, accountability and commitment to service, and take pride in the work they do. You'll work in an environment where being innovative, collaborative, and future focused are the status quo. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Coordinate timely and appropriate responses to public disclosure requests received by the City of Bellevue. Communicate with requestors to provide "fullest assistance" to and "most timely possible action" on public disclosure requests, including clarifying and prioritizing elements of the requests, negotiating reasonable timeframes for response, and memorializing the communications in writing. Prepare response letters to requestors; schedule appointments for review of records; oversee review of records; and respond to questions related to the City's public records policy and procedures including the appeal process and closure of requests.Provide preliminary research on location of responsive records and collaborate with departments on production of records and information responsive to requests. Direct timeframes for responses. Coordinate assembly of multi- departmental responses.Conduct e-discovery searches for email and other relevant content in M365 using keyword search terms, export search results and analyze for responsiveness and identified exemptions.Review collected records to ensure they are responsive and complete according to the request submitted to the City.Conduct research and analysis to determine if collected records are exempt from disclosure and coordinate with the City Attorney's Office for reviews of records anticipated to be exempt. Redact confidential information from responsive records.Maintain an information tracking log, documentation, and statistics to substantiate compliance with Bellevue City Code, Public Records Act requirements, and State Attorney General's Office best practices.Monitor timeliness of City's response to public records requests to assure compliance with all requirements of the Public Records Act.Partner with the City Attorney's Office in maintaining alignment on requests that may also be involved in litigation.Provide training on Public Disclosure policies and procedures and consult with/direct City employees on the requirements of the Public Records Act and applicable City Code and policy.In collaboration with the Public Disclosure Supervisor, support and maintain a variety of performance measures documenting volumes and complexity of requests and work effort required to comply with state law, policies and procedures.Provide updates on the status of requests and performance measures to department leadership.Maintains appropriate levels of training and education to be proficient in application of Washington State laws and Attorney General’s Office public records best practices.Supervision Received and Exercised: Works under general supervision of the Public Disclosure Supervisor. No formal supervisory responsibilities.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical DemandsThe physical demands and work environment 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. Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 35 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.Flexible/Hybrid Working: A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.