Personnel Security Specialist

Full Job Description

As a Personnel Security Specialist with the US Office of Personnel Management, Suitability Executive Agent Programs, Suitability Adjudications, you will adjudicate complex suitability cases, oversee agency determinations, develop policy guidance, deliver training, and support government-wide personnel vetting initiatives.

For the GS 13: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service (or equivalent).

You must include evidence of this specialized experience in your resume, including dates of experience (month/year), to be considered qualified for this position.

Specialized experience for this position must have included ALL of the following: Adjudicating personnel security or suitability cases, including evaluating investigative records and applying laws, regulations, and adjudicative guidelines; and Reviewing and analyzing complex or sensitive cases involving potential removal or debarment actions and preparing written determinations; and Providing technical guidance or oversight to agencies or stakeholders on suitability or personnel vetting decisions; and Developing training, policy guidance, or presentations related to personnel security, adjudication, or vetting programs.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

One year at the GS-12 grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS13 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

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. Major Duties:

Serve as a decision-maker or panel member on complex suitability cases, including removal and government-wide debarment actions.

Review and adjudicate investigative records, evaluate evidence, and prepare final decision letters subject to appeal.

Provide oversight of agency adjudications, including reviewing referrals, requesting additional information, and communicating determinations.

Develop and deliver training and presentations on suitability adjudication policies, procedures, and fitness standards.

Contribute to development and interpretation of regulations, policies, and operational guidance for government-wide vetting programs.

Monitor quality assurance, internal controls, and performance metrics; provide recommendations for program improvements.

Represent OPM in interagency working groups and respond to complex correspondence, including Privacy Act requests and congressional inquiries.