Security Assistant

Full Job Description

As a Security Assistant with Suitability Executive Agent Programs (SuitEA), you will review and analyze background investigations, research and verify suitability information, and support adjudication actions that help ensure an effective, reliable, and trustworthy federal workforce.

Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic 1 year developmental program with the potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government.

At the successful conclusion of this program, you may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a Federal career or career-conditional position.

To qualify for the grade GS-5, you must meet one of the following: At least one year of specialized experience that is equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service that includes providing clerical support to an organization by maintaining files; reviewing and preparing correspondence; using databases; answering and directing telephone calls to the appropriate office; planning and and organizing work, maintaining security of sensitive information, reviewing documents for accuracy, and accurately entering information into a database.

OR Have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, or have a bachelor's degree in any field.

OR Have a combination of post-high school education and general experience which when combined equals 100% of the requirements.

To combine education and experience, first determine the total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade GS-5; then determine the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level.

Add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for the grade GS-5.

To meet the Recent Graduate Program Eligibility requirements, you must have obtained a qualifying Associates, Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, Doctorate, Vocational or Technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution, within the previous 2 years.

All Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accredited institutions recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education. Applicants may verify accreditation at the following website: Accreditation. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by OPM accordingly.

ATTENTION VETERANS: A veteran, as defined in 5 U.S.C.

2108, who due to military service obligation, was precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon his or her release or discharge from active duty.

In no event, however, may the individual's eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date on which the individual completed the requirements of an academic course of study.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 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:

Review suitability referrals - Examine routine and non-routine referrals, background investigations to include debarment cases, to determine if they meet OPM jurisdiction and adjudication guidelines.

Research and verify information - Gather data from background investigations, court records, employment records, and law-enforcement sources to clarify discrepancies or incomplete case details.

Prepare case documentation - In routine cases, draft correspondence, written inquiries, fieldwork requests, and written recommendations.

Coordinate with agencies - Communicate with agency security or HR offices to obtain clarifying information, resolve adjudicative discrepancies, and ensure accurate case processing.

Maintain case systems and reports - Enter, track, and update case data; generate timeliness, status, and workload management reports for follow-up and branch review.

Support branch operations - Assist with outreach, file preparation and other administrative projects supporting suitability adjudication functions.