Public Records Officer, Operations & Policy Analyst 3

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Position Title:

Public Records Officer, Operations & Policy Analyst 3

Position Type:
Employee

Salary Range: $6,276 - $9,644

Opportunity awaits! The Public Records Unit (PRU), part of the Chief Operations Office, part of Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), is seeking a skilled Public Records Officer to analyze complex record requests, make informed release decisions, and ensure compliance with state and federal Public Records Law. In this role, you will explain outcomes to requestors and partners, evaluate operational processes, and recommend improvements that reduce risk and strengthen agency practices.

This position offers a high level of autonomy, significant decision‑making responsibility, and the chance to support ODHS programs that serve people and communities across Oregon. If you’re ready to apply your expertise and grow in a mission‑driven environment, we invite you to join our team.

As a Public Records Officer, you will:

• Records Request Analysis and Release Analyze complex record requests and determine what information can be released; apply red actions and cite appropriate laws and rules. Explain statutory discretion and release decisions to requestors, ODHS staff, Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant Attorney Generals (AAGs) and other partners. Prepare records for clients, attorneys, media, and the public by redacting or removing non‑releasable information. Review large volumes of records to estimate the effort required for redaction and determine applicable fees.
• Policy Analysis and Legislative Coordination Interpret and explain agency policies, rules, and public records laws to staff, stakeholders, legislators, media, and the public. Serve as a subject matter expert on public records processes and provide policy consultation to ODHS programs and offices. Work with DOJ AAGs on public records petitions, explaining agency decisions and applying legal guidance within short timelines. Collaborate with ODHS Legal to support accountability, protect public interests, and reduce litigation risks.
  
  Coordinate with partner agencies on requests involving overlapping responsibilities. Prepare accurate cover letters that cite relevant statutes, rules, and laws. Evaluate statutes and legislative intent; research and prepare background information for executive management. Recommend agency positions on legislative proposals and suggest policy or legislative changes. Assess policy proposals and advise on likely operational, political, and public impacts. Draft or revise policy to reduce operational risk.

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work, OR;
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

• Experience in conducting complex analysis, making sound decisions, and solving challenging issues while balancing legal requirements and business needs.
• Experience applying laws, rules, policies, and procedures with strong understanding and skill.
• Experience maintaining attention to detail along with strong organizational and time‑management skills in a fast‑paced, high‑productivity environment.
• Experience communicating orally and in writing with a variety of people, answering questions, and explaining information and decisions.
• Experience working with highly confidential records.
• Knowledge of ODHS programs and systems, or other related Human Services experience,…