Personnel Security Specialist

Position Overview

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Personnel Security Division (PSD). The primary purpose of this position is to review, evaluate, and adjudicate personnel security investigations conducted by DHS, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and other investigative agencies. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

• GS‑09 Eligibility: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS‑07 grade level in Federal service, that demonstrates the ability to illustrate basic knowledge of personnel entry control and techniques to acquire information. Knowledge of the investigative information process, appropriateness of access investigation and clearance for all employees, contractors, and others. Knowledge of the principles, concepts, regulations and operating techniques related to personnel security program matters, including an understanding of the agency jurisdiction and authority to conduct security investigations.
  
  Knowledge of the suitability criteria:
  Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Eligibility for Access to Classified Information.
• Alternatively, a master’s or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressive graduate education leading to such a degree, a LL.B. or J.D., if related to the career field, or a combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience that, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement. Graduate education beyond the first year may be used to qualify for the GS‑09 level.
• GS‑11 Eligibility: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS‑09 grade level in Federal service, that demonstrates knowledge of principles, concepts, and operating techniques related to personnel security program matters and in‑depth understanding of agency jurisdiction and authority to conduct security investigations. Experience in determining investigative information warrants cases, communicating security access, analyzing source information, and ad‑judicating background investigations. Working knowledge of Intelligence Community Directive to adjudicate Sensitive Compartmented Information cases.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressive graduate education leading to such a degree, a LL.M., if related to the career field, or a combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience that equals 100% of the total requirement. Graduate education beyond the first two years may be used to qualify for the GS‑11 level.
• All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• Time‑in‑grade:
  Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.
• Current or former Federal employees must submit a copy of their SF‑50 Form showing competitive service appointment. If applying for a higher grade, provide an SF‑50 that demonstrates the length of time in the current/highest grade. Proof of promotion potential or permanent appointment under an interchange agreement may be required.
• Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment.
• Failure to submit all required documentation may result in lack of consideration as a status candidate.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work through National Service programs.