Personnel Security Specialist

Program Support Center • Washington, DC

8d

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Health and Human Services, Program Support Center, headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. The Personnel Security Specialist obtains and reviews background investigations conducted by certified investigative agencies, including DCSA, OPM, and other federal Investigation Service Providers. The specialist advises OPDIV and STAFFDIV security representatives about unfavorable information in investigative reports that may affect suitability or security deliberations. Within delegated authority, the specialist certifies that investigation results have been reviewed, that a final adjudicative decision has been made, and that the decision has been reported to OPM. The role also processes Special Agency Check requests and adjudicates investigations for non-sensitive and public trust positions when only minor derogatory information is present.

The position requires one year of specialized experience at the applicable grade level, or qualifying graduate education, or a combination of experience and education. Candidates must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date. Appointment is subject to a background security investigation and favorable adjudication, a negative pre-employment drug test, and may involve probation or a financial disclosure requirement. Random, reasonable-suspicion, and post-accident drug testing may apply after hiring.

The announcement closes when 50 applications have been received or on the stated closing date, whichever occurs first. Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package, with eligibility dependent on position type. Incentives may be authorized but are not guaranteed.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must be suitable for federal employment and meet time-in-grade restrictions by the announcement closing date.
• Must successfully complete a background security investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
• A negative applicant drug test is required; post-hire random, reasonable-suspicion, and post-accident testing may apply.
• GS-9 qualifying experience: One year equivalent to at least GS-7 initiating and reviewing investigations in electronic personnel security systems; gathering, analyzing, and processing personnel-security information and follow-up actions; and maintaining databases, reports, and identity verification systems while supporting security credential and access-tool issuance and troubleshooting.
• GS-9 may alternatively be qualified through a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; a qualifying combination of experience and education is also accepted.
• GS-11 qualifying experience: Making recommendations on hiring, retention, and suitability decisions; collecting and coordinating supporting documentation for personnel security and suitability actions; and providing policy guidance while ensuring security credentials and identity verification tools are issued in compliance with regulations.
• GS-11 may alternatively be qualified through a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; a qualifying combination of experience and education is also accepted.
• Applicants must document exact employment dates and hours worked per week when applicable; foreign education used to meet requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to accredited U.S. education.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and review background investigations conducted by certified investigative agencies, including DCSA, OPM, and other federal Investigation Service Providers.
• Advise OPDIV and STAFFDIV security representatives of unfavorable investigative information that could affect suitability or security deliberations for employees or applicants.
• Certify, within delegated authority, that background investigation results have been reviewed, a final adjudicative decision has been made, and the decision has been reported to OPM.
• Process background investigation requests for Special Agency Checks for customer activities.
• Adjudicate background investigations for non-sensitive positions and public trust positions when only minor derogatory information is present.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; eligibility depends on position type.
• Incentives may be authorized, potentially including moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentives, student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, or creditable service for annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level