Summary

As a Personnel Security Specialist with the US Office of Personnel Management, Suitability Executive Agent Programs, Suitability Adjudications, you will adjudicate complex suitability cases, oversee agency determinations, develop policy guidance, deliver training, and support government-wide personnel vetting initiatives.

Duties

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• Serve as a decision-maker or panel member on complex suitability cases, including removal and government-wide debarment actions.
• Review and adjudicate investigative records, evaluate evidence, and prepare final decision letters subject to appeal.
• Provide oversight of agency adjudications, including reviewing referrals, requesting additional information, and communicating determinations.
• Develop and deliver training and presentations on suitability adjudication policies, procedures, and fitness standards.
• Contribute to development and interpretation of regulations, policies, and operational guidance for government-wide vetting programs.
• Monitor quality assurance, internal controls, and performance metrics; provide recommendations for program improvements.
• Represent OPM in interagency working groups and respond to complex correspondence, including Privacy Act requests and congressional inquiries.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
• Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
• You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office.
• This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.

Qualifications

For the GS 13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service (or equivalent). You must include evidence of this specialized experience in your resume, including dates of experience (month/year), to be considered qualified for this position. Specialized experience for this position must have included ALL of the following:

• Adjudicating personnel security or suitability cases, including evaluating investigative records and applying laws, regulations, and adjudicative guidelines;
• Reviewing and analyzing complex or sensitive cases involving potential removal or debarment actions and preparing written determinations;
• Providing technical guidance or oversight to agencies or stakeholders on suitability or personnel vetting decisions; and
• Developing training, policy guidance, or presentations related to personnel security, adjudication, or vetting programs.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-12 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS13 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.

Incentive payments may be considered.

If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements visit the following websites:

• Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A
• Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
• Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
• Other Special Appointment Authorities

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration)

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request an RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need an RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

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:

- your performance and conduct;

- the needs and interests of the agency;

- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

- 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.

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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.

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.

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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.