Personnel Security Specialist

Summary

This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities.

Duties

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This position provides support for policy development, procedures, promulgation and administrative oversight, thereby establishing how security risks, threats and vulnerabilities are managed by the Department. The work includes personnel security case review and analysis affecting approximately 1,000 USTP federal personnel situated in USTP regional and field offices throughout the United States, as well as private trustees throughout the United States.

The duties and responsibilities for a Personnel Security Specialist generally include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Planning and implementing major aspects of an organization's personnel security program.

- Making decisions/recommendations and adopting new techniques that impact future and long-term personnel security requirements.

- Determining position sensitivity levels based on review and analysis of the position's duties, responsibilities, and required access to sensitive or classified information.

- Reviewing and processing security documents for completeness, consistency, and compliance with regulation and procedure.

- Evaluating applicant suitability, when appropriate, and provides approving officials recommendations based on analysis of available information in relation to suitability standards published by the Department, the Office of Personnel Management, or another appropriate agency.

- Providing applicants and employees advice and assistance to ensure submissions are complete and comply with applicable procedures and processing requirements.

- Providing recommendations and reports on a variety of security projects.

Requirements

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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.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Personnel Security Specialist, at GS-0080-11/12, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.

To Qualify for GS-0080-11, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector: 1) Assisting with adjudicating complex Personnel Security clearances; Assist with directing and coordinating Personnel Security investigations of applicants and employees to ensure they meet security standards; or participating complying with compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements.

To Qualify for GS-0080-12, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector; 1) Adjudicating complex Personnel Security clearances; directing and coordinating Personnel Security investigations. 2) Overseeing and determining compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements. 3) Determining objectives and strategies; coordinating with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals. 4) Monitoring and evaluating the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including Time-in-Grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 11/23/2026.

Your resume must support your responses to the online 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.

***Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.***

Education

If 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.

Additional information

Additional 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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP):

These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
2. Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

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.

Benefits

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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.