Personnel Security Specialist

Amentum•Huntsville, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Personnel Security Specialist (PSS) supports security assessment investigations, including background investigations, periodic reinvestigations, security clearances, employment suitability determinations, and continuous evaluation of employees. The role supports administration of security programs by participating in less complex investigations from inception to completion and making adjudication recommendations. The position is contingent upon factors including contract award, security processing, ability to pass a CI polygraph, and position availability; the hiring process may be lengthy. The specialist reviews and analyzes investigative materials, interviews, database and credit checks, FBI records, and government files to identify security concerns and investigative leads. They coordinate with FBI Field Offices, FBI headquarters divisions, DOJ, other agencies, and Intelligence Community officials; provide guidance on investigations; assess whether investigative leads have been adequately covered; and recommend further investigation, interviews, or polygraph examinations when warranted. They prepare formal analyses, reports, correspondence, briefings, and recommendations for the FBI HQ and Government leads, subject to Government review or approval where specified. They also upload official records to designated systems and maintain responsibility for security of program data and materials. The position is performed in a traditional office environment. Compensation is listed as $58,000–$65,000. Amentum describes benefits including health and welfare coverage, paid time off and holidays, retirement benefits, educational reimbursement, parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tax-saving options, disability and life insurance, and pet insurance. Benefits may vary by employment type, location, and applicable agreements.

Requirements

Active Top Secret U.S. Government clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to maintain the clearance.
Two years of experience in the personnel security investigative or investigative analyst field.
Demonstrated analytical ability to critically review and analyze incoming materials and investigative reports, identify potential security vulnerabilities, and discern viable investigative leads.
Experience conducting and interpreting database checks and credit reports.
Experience performing routine office administrative support functions.
Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Experience using the Internet for research and open-source checks in support of investigations.
Experience performing database searches related to personnel security matters.
Experience processing security clearance and background investigation documentation in preparation for adjudication.
Experience preparing documentation for government agencies and customers.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience conducting investigations and background investigations under established Federal Government standards related to suitability and security.
Bachelor’s degree with two years of experience, or associate degree with four years of experience.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated understanding of Federal Investigative Standards (FIS).
Demonstrated understanding of Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs).
Demonstrated understanding of Executive Orders (EOs).
Demonstrated understanding of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (US CFR).

Responsibilities

Support personnel security assessment investigations, including background investigations, periodic reinvestigations, security clearances, suitability determinations, and continuous evaluation.
Participate in less complex security assessment investigations from inception to completion and provide adjudication recommendations.
Conduct, review, and analyze interviews and other investigative materials; research and analyze complex personnel security issues.
Perform FBI indices and arrest-record checks, database searches, credit-report checks, and open-source research as needed.
Request, receive, review, and analyze FBI and other government files to assess potential security risks.
Summarize research findings and prepare correspondence to Field Offices outlining case backgrounds, security concerns, and investigation needs.
Issue investigative guidance and leads consistent with Federal standards and FBI policy; forward correspondence to the Government lead for approval when required.
Coordinate with Field Offices regarding submission of investigation information and review investigative reports for adequacy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements and policies.
Identify investigative gaps and inadequacies, provide additional instructions, and recommend further investigation or elimination of unproductive procedures.
Recommend polygraph examinations or interviews based on analysis of available information and prepare related communications and guidance.
Review further investigation, interview, and polygraph results to assess whether issues and information gaps have been resolved.
Prepare formal written analyses of security concerns and their resolution, including potential remedial or precautionary actions to meet minimum security standards.
Establish and maintain liaison with FBI HQ divisions, DOJ, other agency officials, and members of the Intelligence Community to obtain, develop, and resolve queries.
Coordinate with FBI components to surface, develop, and resolve issues; recommend methods and procedures for passing and affirming clearances.
Perform security assessment investigations and provide recommendations to FBI HQ; review requests for security clearance investigations.
Assist with case briefings and debriefings as necessary.
Upload official documents into designated systems of record, management, workflow, or tracking systems, files, and sub-files.
Maintain responsibility for the security of program data and materials.
Perform routine office administrative support and prepare documentation for government agencies and customers.