Summary

The OSO is seeking a Personnel Security Specialist - Suitability and National Security Adjudications to conduct suitability and national security adjudications. The role supports headquarters and regional offices in personnel and physical security, safety, emergency management, and background investigations. OSBO develops and maintains policies and procedures to promote and implement security program principles, practices, and criteria in accordance with Federal statutes and regulations.

Duties

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In this role as a Personnel Security Specialist - Suitability and National Security Adjudications, you will be responsible for:

• Serving as a personnel security specialist responsible for determining the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions in the agency.
• Reviewing requests for security clearances and interviews applicants, applying agency or organizational regulations regarding the type of personal security check required.
• Ensuring the personnel security policies and procedures are implemented within the agency and in full compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations.
• Conducting pre-employment investigations for SEC applicants, contractors, paid interns, and volunteer interns.
• Representing the assigned office at internal and external meetings, professional seminars, conferences, and discussions with other federal agencies.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• CITIZENSHIP: You must be a US Citizen.
• SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/)
• SECURITY CLEARANCE: Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. Favorable results on a Background Investigation may be a condition of employment or selection to another position.
• DRUG TESTING: This position may be subjected to drug testing requirements.
• PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS): Moving/Relocation expenses are not authorized.
• DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: This appointment may require completion of a one-year probationary period.
• The selectee is required to report to the duty station(s) listed.
• The selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

Time-in-grade for this announcement is one year at the GS/SK-12 level.

Applicants are responsible for confirming all required materials are submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please check the HowYou Will Be Evaluated and Required Documents sections carefully, as missing documents will render the application incomplete and ineligible for review.

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. 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. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT:

SK-13: Applicant must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/SK-12 level. Specialized experience includes:

1) adjudicating reports of investigation to render both suitability and national security determinations; AND

2) utilizing personnel security databases including e-QIP, CVS, and PIPS; AND

3) developing, analyzing, and implementing policy, standards, and procedures for personnel security programs; AND

4) resolving personnel security issues.

ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD COMPETENCIES: Your Accomplishment Record narratives should address the following competencies. See the How You Will Be Evaluated section below for more information:

Competency 1: Critical Thinking - Considers a variety of factors, general and subject matter-specific, when making decisions and determining next steps in a case.

Competency 2: Security Practices - Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and guidelines related to securing personnel, facilities, and information, including the requirements for handling, transporting, and protecting classified information and proper reporting of security incidents.

Competency 3: Technical Utilization - Involves effectively navigating both internal and external systems to access adjudicative information as needed. By leveraging available technology, personnel can ensure greater compliance and facilitate timely adjudications.

Competency 4: Technical Communication - Translates technical information into non-technical terms and accurately conveys technical information to end users (e.g., staff, management) and outside parties.

Additional information

Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement and may be filled from any division or office within the agency.

SEC COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Total salary (base pay + locality) is dependent upon duty location. The overall salary range listed above is provided for informational purposes; a selectee's initial pay will be established below the maximum rate of the range. The pay for current SEC employees will be determined according to the procedures specified in the agency's policy. Please visit the agency's Compensation Overview page for more information.

Disability Employment: For information on disability appointments, click here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SURPLUS OR DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not I/CTAP eligible. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; the questionnaire asks you to identify your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility (2) be rated well-qualified; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. View information about I/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

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

LAND MANAGEMENT WORKFORCE FLEXIBILITY ACT (LMWFA): The LMWFA provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. For more information, click here.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:

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

Reasonable Accommodation: If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the SEC application process due to a medical disability, please contact [email protected]. For religious-based accommodations, please contact [email protected] . Please be sure to submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.

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.