Personnel Security Specialist

Summary This position is part of the WAPA Headquarters. As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will provide assistance compiling, analyzing, and evaluating investigative data on individuals and make recommendations for final suitability determinations. This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at the Lakewood, CO duty location. Responsibilities As a Personnel Security Specialist you will perform the following duties at the full performance level: Assist in the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, programs, and standards as required to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of WAPA's Personnel Security Program regulation and reporting requirements. Interpret existing security directives and resolves unique and complex security problems. Review pre-appointment security checks on employees and applicants for both Federal and contract employees. Ascertain acceptability of current and prior investigations and determinations of security eligibility dates of completion or adjudication respectively, validity of basis for security clearances and investigation to include, any derogatory information. Extreme discretion and tact is required of the incumbent. Perform final stage technical review of background investigation, previous adjudications, and other types of investigative reports. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a Q level clearance. You must test negative for illegal drugs before placement in the position, and will be subject to random drug testing thereafter. If a determination of the use of illegal drugs is confirmed, non-selection or disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service, may result. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. For the GS-11 level you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting ALL of the following items: Experience reviewing investigative documents for accuracy, completeness, and discrepancies to make a suitability determination. Experience reviewing personnel security policies and procedures, reviewing, assessing, and making suitability determinations on personnel security-related issues. Experience applying personnel security and suitability concepts and principles in conducting security and suitability adjudications related to background investigations. Experience utilizing personnel systems and databases to track and maintain background investigations and suitability information. -OR- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related; -OR- A combination of specialized experience and education as described above. For the GS-12 level you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting ALL of the following items: Experience developing and reviewing personnel security policies and procedures, programs and standards. Experience reviewing, assessing, and making suitability determinations on personnel security-related issues. Experience applying personnel security and suitability concepts and principles in conducting security and suitability adjudications related to background investigations. Experience utilizing personnel systems and databases to track and maintain background investigations and suitability information. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Time-in-Grade: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. Education If you are substituting education for the specialized experience requirement at the GS-11 level then you must provide documentation (transcripts) supporting any education claims in your application. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a compensation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.