DEIDRA JENKINS
Hyattsville,MD
Summary
Experienced information professional skilled in delivering impactful results. Specializes in data management, research, and information retrieval with a strong emphasis on team collaboration and adaptability. Recognized for reliability and problem-solving abilities, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes. Proficient in utilizing advanced information systems and technologies to meet organizational needs.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Government Information Specialist
Food And Drug Administration
07.2020 - 04.2025
- Performed in-depth review and analysis of each request to determine what information and documents were requested. Coordinated with other involved response units in order to assure the coordination activities and completion of request are carried out effectively.
- Assisted with three FOIA litigations, which required producing at least 500 pages monthly to the Department of Justice.
- Processed and closed over 50 requests
- Performed detailed research, analysis, and evaluation of identified documents to determine whether documents requested are subject to release under the law and implementing regulations, or whether the documents may be withheld under statutory exemptions. In the event of a partial grant of access, segregates documents into categories subject to release, and those subject to protection/withholding.
Assisted in the presentation of a legally defensible position in the event of an appeal when records are withheld. Drafts documentation on decisions, negotiations on denials and withholdings. Develops responses to requester, notifying same of final decisions made by higher authority. Drafted appropriate correspondence, notices, internal memoranda, or other documents necessary for disposition of the request.
Received FOIA and Privacy Act requests and determines all actions to be taken. When appropriate, referred request to other offices for assistance in responding. Uses detailed knowledge of the Act to resolve procedural/policy matters. Determined sources within CTP and FDA where requested records and information are maintained. Applies extensive knowledge of Center and Agency record-keeping systems, records policy and internal procedures to ascertain whether records produced by the Agency may be appropriately released. Monitors status and progress of each request file assigned and responds to inquiries from the public and/or management concerning same.
Conferred with managers and their staffs at all levels within the Center on questions dealing with administrative, legal, or policy FOIA issues. Provides information, guidance, and assistance to requestors, the general public, and other organizational units within the Center and Agency on current procedures, regulations, format, or technical matters involved with the preparation and issues of responses. - Prepared reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
- Organized information by studying, analyzing, interpreting and classifying data.
Government Information Specialist
Department of Housing and Urban Development
09.2002 - 07.2020
- Developed, researched, and prepared responses to all categories of FOIA request addressed to HUD Headquarters officials using FOIA provisions, Departmental policy and current regulations.
- Assisted patrons with complex research inquiries, providing expert guidance and personalized support throughout the process.500 FOIA requests.
- For 3 years all appealed reqeusts I processed were affirmed
- Processed and closed over
- Used database to research, gather, analyze and present data.
- Performed legal research and assist program areas in identifying and eliminating internal problems hindering the timely completion of responses to FOIA requests.
- Ensured orderly maintenance and retrieval of FOIA files.
- Assisted in developing procedures for administering FOIA to ensure consistency in responses.
- Coordinates work tasks with supervisor to resolve any problems in the preparation of final documents.
- Recommends procedures or approaches that will have some effect on the final product.
- Provided assistance and support to the Division's efforts to reduce or eliminate the FOIA backlog and in complying with E-FOIA requirements.
- Handled special projects such as responses to complex or voluminous FOIA requests.
- Coordinated responses with staff attorneys and the Assistant General Counsel or the Deputy General Counsel.
- Assisted the FOIA Division in litigation support, document production, and other paralegal support services.
- Performed comprehensive searches of agency records on the automated correspondence system and performs data input into departmental systems for tracking and monitoring purposes.
- Applied individual judgment and knowledge of departmental programs for the purpose of referring FOIA requests to the appropriate office.
- Assured that all material provided is complete and that adequate searches have been conducted.
- Contact responsible officials to obtain copies of any missing or incomplete agency records or to document the adequacy of the search.
- Gathered and analyzed data for studies and reports and made recommendations based on findings.
- Drafted and edited written materials including agendas for city council meetings and [Document type].
- Responded to citizens' complaints and requests for information and services.
- Cultivated close working relationships with other municipalities and governmental agencies to achieve.
- Fostered a climate of collaboration between the general public, the city manager and members of city council.
- Served as the main point of contact.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies
Prince Georges Community College
Largo, MDMaster Certificate - Project Management
George Washington University
Washington, DC08-2017
Skills
- Process optimization methods
- Quick program learning
- Analytical strategist
- Supportive team leadership
- Innovative and Creative Thinker
- Extensive training in diverse subjects
Accomplishments - Awards
- Over 20 Incentive Awards or Acknowledgement of Exemplary Performance of Work
- Over 20 Outstanding and Excellent/Highly Annual Performance Appraisals
- Special Act Award for Implementation of Phase I Project
- Employee of the Quarter - Peer Recognition Award
Timeline
Government Information Specialist
Food And Drug Administration
07.2020 - 04.2025
Government Information Specialist
Department of Housing and Urban Development
09.2002 - 07.2020
Some College (No Degree) - Paralegal Studies
Prince Georges Community College
Master Certificate - Project Management
George Washington University
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