Suitability Adjudicator

Full Job Description

As a Personnel Security Specialist with OPM's Suitability Executive Agent Program, you will assist in reviewing investigations, identifying suitability issues, analyzing information, and preparing case summaries.

You will make adjudicative decisions that uphold the integrity and efficiency of the workforce.

As you progress through training, you will assume more sensitive adjudicative, analytical, and policy interpretation responsibilities as you gain experience and demonstrate proficiency.

Applicants must have one of the following: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service performing all of the following: assisting with reviewing background investigations or personnel security cases; gathering and verifying information related to character, conduct, or employment suitability; preparing draft summaries or correspondence related to suitability findings; and applying established procedures or regulations in support of security or adjudicative determinations.

One full academic year of graduate-level education in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as, Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or another related field.

A Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement, described below. An equivalent combination of education and specialized experience.

Superior Academic Achievement: To qualify for superior academic achievement you must have completed the requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with either: (1) class standing in the upper third of a graduating class or major subdivision; or, (2) a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on four (4) years of education or the final two (2) years; or, (3) a grade point average of 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final two (2) years of the curriculum; or, (4) membership in a national scholastic honor society.

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:

Assist in Reviewing Referrals and Investigations - Ensures suitability referrals are appropriate, complete, and within OPM jurisdiction; identifies routine issues and refers complex cases to senior specialists.

Conduct Information Gathering - Makes calls or sends written inquiries to clarify or resolve suitability issues and gathers evidence necessary for case assessment.

Support Case Review and Closure - Assists in reviewing completed cases to determine if suitability actions are warranted and closes routine cases under supervision.

Prepare Draft Summaries and Correspondence - Drafts summaries of issues, evidence, and correspondence for review; communicates with agencies, personnel, applicants and appointees, sources of information, and OPM offices on basic suitability matters.

Assist with Projects and New Initiatives - Supports higher-graded specialists in suitability-related projects, policy updates, and training initiatives undertaken by the Adjudications office.