Office of the Secretary of the Interior Logo
Position Title
Personnel Security Specialist
Agency
Office of the Secretary of the Interior
Announcement Number
IBC-23-MP-11909035SC Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, March 31, 2023 to Thursday, April 6, 2023
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2.

Do you meet any of the following eligibilities? 

  • I am a current Pathways Intern with the agency where this vacancy is being announced and I am within the 120 day conversion time frame 

To verify your eligibility, you must provide proof of current student status. Note: you must remain enrolled in the degree or certificate program to be eligible for this Internship.  

 

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3.

Do you meet any of the following eligibilities? 

  • I am currently serving on a permanent career OR career/conditional appointment in the Federal service 

  • I have previously served on a permanent career appointment 

  • I have previously served on a permanent career conditional appointment and have completed 3 years of continuous creditable service 

  • I have held a permanent career or career conditional appointment and have veteran preference 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation. For example, a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50 non-award) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your competitive status or a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.  

 
 
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4.

Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation)?  You must meet the following criteria: 

  • was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and, 
  • served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and, 
  • performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and, 
  • if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit relevant supporting documentation (e.g. SF-50, documentation of satisfactory performance such as performance evaluations, memorandum of record where the supervisor documented an acceptable performance level, or reference by supervisors, etc.). 

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5.

Are you a current Federal civilian employee in the Competitive Service at the same grade level, or higher as this position with the same or higher promotion potential?  

-OR-  

Were you formerly employed as a Federal civilian employee on a permanent competitive appointment or have you obtained career-conditional status (and are within 3 years of the date of separation or are a preference eligible) and have you held the same grade as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential? 

To verify your eligibility as a current or former Federal civilian employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:  

  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,  
  • status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).  
 
 
 
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6.

(1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm you are indicated on the PCS orders; and that you:  

  • have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders;  
  • are relocating with your spouse to the new duty location; AND,  
  • have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.  

-OR-  

(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?  

-OR-  

(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?  

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources

To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of the PCS orders indicating you are authorized to relocate on those orders.  

To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc. 

 
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7.

Foreign Service Employees:  Do you meet ALL of the following eligibilities? 

  • I have served in the Foreign Service under an unlimited, career-type appointment 

  • I have completed at least one year of continuous service without a break of a workday under one or more non-temporary Foreign Service appointments 

  • I have service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) reflecting your nontemporary status. If you are outside of the 3-year requirement but are entitled to veteran's preference, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (Member 4 copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.  

 

 
 
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8.

Career Transition Assistance Plan:  Do you meet ALL of the following eligibilities? 

 I am a current or former competitive federal employee displaced or surplused from the agency hiring for this position; and 

  • I am located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; and 

  • I am currently in a position at the same grade level or higher than the position being announced; and 

  • My last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

 
 
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9.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan: Do you meet ALL of the following eligibilities?  

  • I am a current or former competitive federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position; and 

  • I am located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; and 

  • I am currently in a position at the same grade level or higher than the position being announced; and 

  • My last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.  

 
 
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10.

Certain Former Overseas Employees:  Do you meet ALL of the following eligibilities? 

  • I am a former overseas Appropriated Fund employee 

  • I have completed 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area 

  • I have received a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating 

  • I returned to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago 

For more information, review USAJOBS Former Overseas Employees resources

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50, and performance appraisal.  

 
 
 
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11.

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?  

-OR-  

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?  

-OR-  

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?  

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility. If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.  

 
 
 
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12.

Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment? 

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources

To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist. 

 
 
 
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13.

Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:  

  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,  
  • are entitled to veterans' preference 

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources: 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service. 

 
 
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14.

Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:  

  • recently separated (within the past 3 years);  
  • are a disabled veteran;  
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition; OR,  
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal 

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources 

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.  

 
 
 (limit characters)
15.

Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:  

  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,  
  • are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more 

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.  

 
 
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16. Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?

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17.

Are you a current Excepted Service employee of a Federal Agency that has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?  

  • Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration 

  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

  • Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs 

  • The Department of Defense (The Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System) Agreement 

  • Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) employees of the Department of Defense 

  • Federal Aviation Administration 

  • Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration 

  • Corporation for National and Community Service 

  • Tennessee Valley Authority 

For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems

-OR-  

Are you a current:  

• Postal Career Service Employee;  

• Postal Rate Commission Employee;  

• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,  

• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee 

For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.

 
 
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Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
For items 1 and 2, please read the following statements carefully. Your response to the following questions will determine whether you will be eligible for this position or not. If you respond "No" to any question in this section, you will not be eligible for consideration for this position. (limit characters)
1. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire will be true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I provide may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in me not being considered for this position.
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2. Are you willing to submit to an initial and periodic background investigation, including a fingerprint check and a credit check?
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3. Are you willing to submit to an initial drug test and subsequent random testing?
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We will evaluate your resume and responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification and must be supported by your resume and supporting documents. (limit characters)
4. Select the one statement that best describes the experience and/or education level that demonstrates you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements to perform the duties of a Personnel Security Specialist, GS-0080-09. (limit characters)
5. Select the one statement that best describes the experience and/or education level that demonstrates you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements to perform the duties of a Personnel Security Specialist, GS-0080-11. (limit characters)
6. For the GS-12: Do you possess at least one year of specialized experience that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-11 level in the Federal service? Specialized experience is defined as experience that is in or directly related to the line of work of this position and has equipped you with the knowledge and competencies to successfully perform the duties of this position. More specifically, this requirement involves experience in independently performing work in a personnel security office/program/team adjudicating all designations of pre-employment, national security and suitability cases, as well as, interpretation of personnel security laws and regulations, preparing all forms of written documentation associated with determinations for review and approval. Applicant has directly related experience in the initiation and review of background investigation forms, using automated personnel security programs/systems daily for input, output analysis and correction of adjudication actions. Applicant has experience with Homeland Security Presidential Directive - 12 (HSPD-12) Smart Card or issuance of Smart Card Credential processes and systems.
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For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Select only one letter for each item. Failure to support your answer to this questionnaire in your resume may result in a lowered score or loss of consideration. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
7. Apply principles, laws, and regulations pertaining to personnel security (i.e. suitability and National Security Clearances).
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8. Adjudicate pre-employment and no issue suitability cases.
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9. Make recommendations and implement solutions to expedite background investigation and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12)/Personal Identification Verification (PIV) processing.
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10. Use Security related systems such Personnel Investigation Processing System (PIPS), Clearance Verification System (CVS), and Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) for update and research of applicant Background Investigations and Clearances.
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11. Use database management including security requirements to prepare various reports, investigations, and other security documents.
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12. Apply knowledge and principles, laws, and regulations pertaining to Homeland Security Presidential Directives 12 (HSPD-12) card issuance.
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13. Interpret and apply security regulations when addressing background investigations issues and findings.
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14. Review and provide guidance for position designation determinations.
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15. Adjudicate all levels of suitability and/or national security cases.
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16. Analyze security reports and regulations to identify trends and provide improvement to current security processes.
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17. Develop policies and procedures regarding Personnel Security and/or HSPD-12 programs.
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18. Adjudicate suitability cases with advanced or serious case assignments from OPM.
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19. Adjudicate suitability and national security cases.
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20. Review and provide recommendations on the issuance and revocation of national security clearances.
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21. Use Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Office, Access, Project, etc.) in performing duties to create reports and updates.
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22. Initiate, review, and adjudicate background investigations using the Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (eQIP).
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23. Initiate and/or adjudicate Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 HSPD-12/Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credentials using US Access or other government-wide approved automated system.
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24. Create and analyze reports from an automated system to identify, analyze, and resolve problems and data discrepancies.
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25. Analyze data from various automated systems and sources to resolve issues and provide recommendations to team lead, supervisor, or agency officials.
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26. Track suspense dates for timely processing of suitability and national security cases.
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27. Research security questions to provide assistance to customers.
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28. Resolve and research problems regarding personnel security background investigations and PIV cards with Human Resources, Contractor Representatives and other governmental agencies.
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29. Educate employees regarding background investigation, personnel security and HSPD-12 to resolve and address issues with pre-employment and suitability determinations.
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30. Analyze and research uncommon questions and situations regarding security issues to provide assistance to customers.
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31. Interpret and apply security regulations and adjudicative guidelines (Suitability and National Security) when addressing background investigations issues, findings adjudicative determinations.
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32. Promote courteous working relationships with individuals at all levels within the organization to achieve common goals.
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33. Gather information from applicant or other sources to support suitability determinations.
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34. Respond to dissatisfied customers to resolve their concerns regarding personnel security issues.
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35. Resolve differences in a manner that result in improved communications amongst customers and staff.
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36. Provide support and guidance to team members on personnel security and HSPD-12 related issues.
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37. Devise strategies to provide security services that anticipate client needs.
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38. Communicate with and respond to management regarding suitability determinations and clearances or interpretation of policies.
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39. Discuss results, problems, plans, suggestions, terms, or conditions with customers in support of pre-employment and suitability determinations.
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40. Answer routine inquiries regarding background investigation requirements.
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41. Advise customers regarding security topics and processes.
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42. Explain and defend decisions, conclusions, findings, or recommendations in support of adjudication determinations.
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43. Participate actively in conferences, meetings, and presentations involving issues that impact personnel security programs.
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44. Brief security program requirements and guidelines to all levels of management within an organization.
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45. Explain and defend recommendations in support of issuance and revocation of national security clearances.
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46. Provide written communication, security program requirements, and guidelines to all levels of management within an organization.
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47. Develop material for meetings, briefings, off-sites, or conferences using MS Office Suites or similar products and software (i.e., MS PowerPoint, WordPerfect, etc.).
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48. Prepare memorandums and letters regarding personnel security matters.
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49. Develop security information and materials for briefings, meetings, conferences, or publication on websites.
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50. Prepare security documentation in support of suitability and/or national security determinations to include, but not limited to, Adjudicative Worksheets, Letters of Interrogatory, Statement of Reasons Letters of Advisement, etc.
 (limit characters)
51. Write correspondence, memoranda, background papers, and decision papers concerning security programs, changes in policy, and other security issues.
 (limit characters)
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