Personnel Security Specialist

Summary This position is part of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security, Department of Energy. As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will review statutory, regulatory, and administrative policies associated with the personnel vetting program to determine changes required to foster improved program performance and accountability as well as to enhance compliance and operational efficiency. Learn more about this agency Duties The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. The mission of the Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security (EHSS) as the Department's central organization, is to be responsible for health, safety, environment, and security; providing corporate-level leadership and strategic vision to coordinate and integrate these vital programs. EHSS is responsible for policy development and technical assistance; safety analysis; and corporate safety and security programs. EHSS advises DOE Senior Leadership on all matters related to environment, health, safety and security across the complex. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will: Work with DOE Headquarters and field office personnel, as well as staff of the NNSA personnel vetting program, to develop and implement program corrections and improvements. Provide training direction and guidance to departmental personnel vetting programs in all matters. Analyze new training concepts, identify problems and work with the National Training Center (NTC) to apply new concepts and training techniques for personnel vetting. Review, screen and evaluate reports of investigation conducted by NBIB, FBI, OPM, DSS, and other Government agencies, as well as other information relating to security clearance and/or eligibility for a security credential, to include but not limited to, ensuring timeliness and completeness of investigative coverage. Review written evaluations of derogatory, discrepant, missing and/or mitigating information found in investigative reports or files that raises security concerns regarding access authorization or security credentials. Research new applications and method in the area of background investigation submission, tracking, and processing to ensure accuracy and timeliness of requests and granting of clearances and/or credentials. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov. If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period. This position is not remote, the selectee will be expected to report to the duty station(s) listed. If selected, military spouses, veteran caregivers, and spouses of foreign service employees may be eligible for applicable workplace flexibilities. Situational telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. You may be required to travel up to 10% of the time to conduct site visits to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel security and safety programs with possibility of overnight travel depending on budget availability. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check. This position has been designated as Critical-Sensitive, High Risk and requires a security clearance at the "Q" level. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service. This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following: Coordinating with other organizations to assist in the development and implementation of training and certification programs related to traditional and Trusted Workforce 2.0 personnel vetting disciplines for current and future milestones. Conducting site visits to review personnel security policies and operations to identify problem areas to make recommendations for improvements and resolving security issues. Providing advice, guidance, and direction on a wide range of security, reconciliations, adjudications, policies, procedures, and administrative issues. Education cannot be substituted for specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must (1) meet all of the requirements as described in this section; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring in the in Well Qualified category (or higher). You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. Equal employment opportunity policy. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. 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. 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.