Personnel Security Specialist
About The Position
The Personnel Security Specialist (SEPS) develops, implements, and maintains Department of Justice programs concerning personnel security, information security, physical security, litigation security, and emergency preparedness planning. The role assesses the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of people with access to Department information, resources, and materials that could affect national security, public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service. The position is classified GS-0080-11/12. The incumbent initiates, adjudicates, and processes employee and contractor background investigations; adjudicates investigation results to determine eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access; analyzes and resolves personnel security cases involving conflicting or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony; recommends approval or denial of interim clearances up to TS/SCI; and processes pre-appointment waiver requests, identifying and resolving issues. The incumbent must hold a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Requirements
- Be a United States Citizen or National.
- Complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening.
- Hold a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
- Complete a USA Hire assessment within 48 hours after the announcement closing date.
- Meet all eligibility requirements by the announcement closing date and throughout the hiring process.
- For GS-11 specialized experience: one year at GS-9 or equivalent in the Federal Service adjudicating background investigations for security clearances, conducting interviews related to personnel security investigations, and verifying information entered into an automated security adjudication or personnel vetting system; alternatively, qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may be used.
- For GS-12 specialized experience: one year at GS-11 or equivalent in the Federal Service processing clearance requests up to SCI, directing and coordinating applicant and employee investigations to ensure security standards are met, and overseeing and determining compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements.
- Meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by 11/09/2026.
- Provide a resume supporting application questionnaire responses and qualification requirements.
- If qualifying through education, provide transcripts from an accredited institution; foreign education must be shown equivalent to U.S. education and supported by credential evaluation documentation.
Responsibilities
- Initiate, adjudicate, and process background investigations for employees and contractors.
- Adjudicate background investigation results to determine eligibility for SCI access.
- Analyze and resolve personnel security problems involving conflicting or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony.
- Recommend approval or denial of interim security clearances up to TS/SCI.
- Process pre-appointment waiver requests and identify and resolve related issues.
Benefits
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
