Personnel Security Specialist IV - Lead (Active Top Secret with SCI Eligibility clearance and Hybrid role)

Akima, LLC•Arlington, VA

34d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Personnel Security Specialist IV provides adjudication support to Federal Adjudicators by developing suitability and national security recommendations in accordance with applicable Executive Orders, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and relevant policies and guidelines. While final suitability and national security determinations rest with authorized Federal Adjudicators, the Specialist fulfills these responsibilities while also serving as a Team Lead.

Requirements

Expert knowledge or awareness and adherence to government policies or regulations governing security suitability and eligibility, such as Federal Investigative Standards (FIS), Executive Orders (E.O.) 12968, 13526, and 10450, Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) , Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs), Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 704 or other guidelines to make the appropriate adjudication recommendations.
Manage the review of systems, databases, responses to security questionnaires, reports of investigation (ROI), law enforcement documents, incident reports, and other source security information that contain personal history and related information associated with a candidate to make suitability, eligibility and adjudication recommendations or determinations.
Make recommendations in accordance with regulations as to whether applicant meets the requirements for employment in a sensitive or non-sensitive position and is consistent with all appropriate adjudicative guidelines.
Assist with implementing operational policies, procedures, programs, and standards as required, ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of trusted workforce to include the Continuous Evaluation Program, continuous vetting, and RAPBACK.
Assist Federal staff to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures.
Implement existing security directives, makes recommendation to resolve unique and complex security problems by coordinating with senior security specialists to include solutions and follow-up written communications.
Contributes to initiatives aimed at improving functional and automated processes within the subdivision.
Help lead a team of specialists by reviewing their work, providing training on current and new processes, auditing case work, and managing the overall caseload.
Be the POC for the team, Operational request; ops meetings, team reports; customer requests; customer follow up and etc.
Expert knowledge of case processing, systems, procedures, and requirements.
Strong understanding of all case types and their specific processing requirements.
Good understanding of Microsoft programs.
Demonstrates professionalism and strong teamwork skills.
TS clearance with SCI eligibility.

Responsibilities

Manages the review of systems, databases, responses to security questionnaires, reports of investigation (LOI), law enforcement documents, incident reports, and other source security information that contain personal history and related information associated with a candidate to make suitability, eligibility and adjudication recommendations or determinations.
Makes recommendations in accordance with regulations as to whether applicant meets the requirements for employment in a sensitive or non-sensitive position and is consistent with all appropriate adjudicative guidelines.
Assists Federal staff to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures.
Implements existing security directives, makes recommendation to resolve unique and complex security problems by coordinating with senior security specialists to include solutions and follow-up written communications.
Contributes to initiatives aimed at improving functional and automated processes within the subdivision.
Provide Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) support including but not limited to Scattered Castles checks.
Perform all duties of Personal Security Associate III and/or Personal Security Specialist III as required.
Maintain all system and application accesses required for the role.
Support New Hire Onboarding: System Access: Assist with and track progress on system access setup. SOPs & Training: Provide initial process overview and guidance to help new hires complete their assignments. Daily Attendance & DAR: Walk new hires through daily attendance procedures and DAR (Daily Activity Report). New Hire process guidance: Deliver overview sessions for new and existing team members as needed. Progress Tracking: Monitor team progress to ensure new hires are catching up effectively. Assign new hires with teammate for the Buddy System. Housekeeping: Provide guidance on administrative tasks such as timesheets, email setup, and PTO procedures.
Liaison Between Team and Branch Management: Act as the primary point of contact between team members and the rest of the branches. The Lead should initiate communication with the customer when needed—always copy the Program Manager (PM). Notify the PM of any issues, questions, or concerns promptly.
Provide Support During Urgent Situations: Be available to assist with urgent matters or cases, which may occur multiple times a day. Coordinate with the PM to prioritize current issues.
SCIF Duty Oversight: Ensure SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) duty requirements are consistently fulfilled. Coordinate scheduling and coverage to maintain compliance with security protocols and necessary system access. Serve as a point of contact for any SCIF-related questions or issues –Keep PM current. Participate fully in SCIF duty.
Attendance Tracking Support: Assist the PM in tracking team attendance. Ensure all PTO is reflected on the PM’s, Deputy’s, and Leads’ calendars.
Reporting Assistance: Support the PM with weekly and monthly reporting. Verify DAR numbers to ensure accurate reporting.
Lead Meetings Participation: Attend all Leads meetings. Share concerns, roadblocks, ideas, and suggestions. Actively participate and provide briefings during each meeting.