Security Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in Washington Headquarters Service (WHS), Security Enterprise Services Directorate (SESD), in the Office of Special Security Division & will serve as a Security Specialist responsible for providing WHS security support.

The SESD provides security support to senior managers in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, WHS, the Director of Administration & Management (DA&M) & to DoW, & Congressional & Presidential established boards, commissions, & task forces.

Promotion Potential: If you are selected below the full performance level, you will be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted if performance is satisfactory, you successfully complete all requirements and are recommended by management.

Promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of promotion is implied. In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below.

You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates experience: Applying a broad knowledge of multiple security disciplines (e.g., personnel, physical, information security) to independently manage conventional security programs and resolve complex security issues with limited supervision.

Serving as a subject matter resource on specialized security programs, such as for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), by providing guidance to staff on access requirements, conducting security briefings, and ensuring compliance with established directives.

Assisting with the oversight of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) by conducting self-assessments, reviewing accreditation documentation, and developing or refining local Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your experience: Independently managing and providing oversight for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary security program, including personnel, physical, information, and industrial security, for a complex organization.

Serving as a senior technical authority on specialized security programs, such as Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) or Special Access Programs (SAPs), by interpreting broad national-level policy to develop and implement local security procedures and provide authoritative guidance to leadership.

Directing the full lifecycle of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), from initial concept and construction planning through accreditation and decommissioning, while ensuring compliance with all Intelligence Community Directives.

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).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages.

For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume.

If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration.

Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission..

A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service.

This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin.

It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters.

Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible".

Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level.

If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Major Duties:

The SESD operates in a fast-paced, high demand environment, providing support to some of the senior-most leadership of the Department of War. Security responsibilities include Industrial Security.

Information Security, Operations Security, Personnel Security, Physical Security, SCI Administration, Mission Assurance, Controlled Unclassified Information, Insider Threat, Classification Review, and Counterintelligence Awareness and Reporting.

Incumbent typical work assignments may include the following: Manage and provide operational oversight for a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary security program, including personnel, physical, industrial, information, and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security.

Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing authoritative guidance and assistance to leadership and staff on the processing of security clearances, SCI eligibility requests, and the handling of derogatory information.

Oversee the full lifecycle of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), from concept and construction through accreditation and decommissioning, ensuring compliance with all applicable Intelligence Community Directives.

Develop, interpret, and implement local security policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring all security functions and programs adhere to DoD and national-level regulations.

Manage and conduct a comprehensive security education and training program, including initial indoctrinations, annual refresher briefings, and specialized training on topics such as unauthorized disclosure and classification management.

Maintain and ensure the accuracy of personnel security databases, such as DISS and Scattered Castles, and conduct annual self-assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend program improvements.