Personnel Security Specialist (ADJ)

Summary Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPSAC) 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. Responsibilities 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 DPSAC'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 Qualifications You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: 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: 11) managing personnel security programs and operations; 2) reviewing and adjudicating suitability and security eligibility determinations; 3) preparing suitability and security summaries on personnel security investigative reports; and 4) advising on investigative reports concerning actionable information on personnel suitability and security access. 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, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. 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 assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12610920 Education 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. A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement. 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. 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. Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process. Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment. 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.