Personnel Security Specialist (ADJ)

Summary Division of Personnel Security (DPS) is responsible for managing and administering the NIH personnel suitability and security clearance program, verifying personal identity, processing and initiating security clearance requests, conducting background checks, making suitability determinations, authorizing and administering facility access, issuing ID badges for NIH personnel, administering security awareness programs. Learn more about this agency Duties If selected for this position as a GS-0080-12 Personnel Security Spec (ADJ) your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Adjudicates background investigation reports and determines the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and/or retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions at the NIH. The incumbent refers potentially controversial, very sensitive or highly unusual case matters to the supervisor or higher-level Specialist for guidance. Prepares interrogatory letters, letters of proposed action, advisory opinion letters, letters of official decisions to employees and contractors. Reviews, assesses, and analyzes information from various sources and makes determinations on national security clearance for employees or other persons for access to sensitive information, resources, material, or work sites. Conducts required suitability determinations and law enforcement checks for NIH, OPM and other agency security offices and recommends the action to take on the waiver requests. Conducts projects/studies to assess NIH's overall personnel security operations and future requirement based on NIH demographics and anticipated changes to government directives for adjudication in conjunction with the supervisor. Advises Information Technology (IT) specialists on DPS's program requirements related to automation projects designed to improve the efficiency of the personnel security program's operations. Advises and collaborates with other divisions with regard to investigative reports concerning actionable information which could impact on personnel suitability and security implications relating to an employee, contractor/vendor or others requesting access to NIH. Requirements Conditions of employment U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period. If selected, Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET background security clearance. This is a Testing Designated Position. Incumbent must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. The Incumbent will also be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position. Qualifications You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirement: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) administering personnel security programs and operations. 2) processing and adjudicating suitability and security eligibility determinations. 3) preparing documentation on personnel security investigations and determinations. 4) administering resources for personnel security programs. You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12923977 Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave. At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework (work from home on situational basis), alternative work schedules. Visit our Applying page for helpful information on the application process. If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information. We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions. If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.