Personnel Security Specialist

Customs and Border Protection•Washington, DC

22d

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Professional Responsibility, Personnel Security Division, located in Washington, D.C. The incumbent serves as a senior technical expert supporting personnel security, suitability, fitness, credentialing, and national security eligibility activities for federal and contractor personnel. Primary duties may focus on pre-investigation processing, post-investigation processing, quality assurance and compliance reviews, or credentialing. The specialist handles complex or sensitive personnel security matters, including cases involving conflicting, incomplete, or derogatory information, and determines appropriate actions under governing policy. The role coordinates with internal offices, external agencies, investigative service providers, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and support timely case processing. It may also involve conducting quality assurance and compliance reviews or program assessments and representing the personnel security program in meetings, working groups, reviews, or proceedings. The position is GS-13, with a stated salary range of $121,785 to $158,322. Applicants must meet the stated qualifications and conditions of employment, including applicable citizenship, residency, background investigation, and time-in-grade requirements. Overtime may be required, and the employee must be able to operate a government-owned vehicle and hold a valid, non-restricted driver's license.

Requirements

One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including relevant personnel security review, adjudication, case management, documentation, or technical guidance duties.
U.S. citizenship.
For applicants not currently employed by CBP, physical residence in the United States or its protectorates for at least three of the last five years, subject to stated waiver conditions.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements by 10/23/2026; current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band.
Pass required pre-employment processes, which may include a background investigation and/or polygraph.
Be available to work overtime on a scheduled or unscheduled basis.
Possess the ability to operate a government-owned vehicle and a valid, non-restricted driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
Conduct pre-employment processes in English.
Meet applicable federal ethics requirements, including obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity after entering on duty.

Responsibilities

Support personnel security, suitability, fitness, credentialing, and national security eligibility activities for federal and contractor personnel.
Analyze complex or sensitive personnel security matters involving conflicting, incomplete, or derogatory information and determine appropriate actions consistent with governing policy.
Coordinate with internal offices, external agencies, investigative service providers, and other stakeholders to resolve personnel security issues and ensure timely case processing.
Conduct quality assurance, compliance reviews, or program assessments to evaluate adherence to investigative, adjudicative, credentialing, and documentation requirements.
Represent the personnel security program in meetings, working groups, reviews, or proceedings by explaining program requirements, determinations, and recommended courses of action.
Review personnel security investigation packages, reciprocity requests, and supporting records for adequacy, compliance, and required investigative coverage.
Apply personnel security, suitability, fitness, and national security adjudicative standards to investigative information and identify issues requiring resolution.
Use personnel security systems and investigative databases to research, document, track, and manage case actions.
Prepare written adjudicative summaries, notices, recommendations, or other case documentation.
Provide technical guidance on personnel security processes, investigative requirements, adjudicative standards, or case handling procedures.