SummaryThe SEPS is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Department of Justice programs regarding personnel security, information, physical security, litigation security and emergency preparedness planning.
The position assess the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of people who have access to all types of Department information, resources, and material which could adversely affect the national security, public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service.
DutiesHelp
The duties and responsibilities for a Personnel Security Specialist, GS-0080-11/12 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Initiating, adjudicating, and processing employees and contractor background investigations.
- Adjudicates the results of background investigations to determine eligibility for SCI access.
- Analyzes and resolves personnel security problems for situations involving conflicting or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony.
- Recommends approval/denials for interim security clearances up to TS/SCI.
- Processes pre-appointment waiver requests, identifies and resolves issues.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
- You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See "Additional Information" for specific details.
- Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
- You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
- A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
- This position requires the incumbent to hold a security clearance at the Top Secret/SCI level.
QualificationsTo qualify for the position of Personnel Security Specialist, at GS-0080-11/12, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service, which includes: Adjudicating background investigations for security clearances; conducts interviews relative to personnel security investigations; AND verifying information entered into a automated security adjudication system, such as NBIS/eAPP or any other personnel vetting system.
OREducation: A Ph.D. or equivalent degree or three (3) academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. if related.
Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for a GS-11. Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used to qualify.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-12, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service, which includes: Processing requests for security clearances up to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI); directing and coordinating investigations of applicants and employees to ensure security standards are met AND overseeing and determining compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements.
You
MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by 11/09/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 11/09/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
EducationIf you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required:
- You must submit a transcript, which may be unofficial, as long as it contains a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award.
- Your transcript must come from a nationally accredited educational institution recognized by the Department of Education.
- Please do not submit electronic transcripts with documentation security protection. These may prevent our application system from accepting and processing the document.
- If submitting a foreign transcript, you must have the transcript reviewed by an approved foreign education review organization recognized by the Department of Education. Your transcript must also be in English or have an English translation included.
Additional informationAdditional selections may be made from this announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
1) your performance and conduct;
2) the needs and interests of the agency;
3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
BenefitsHelp
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
