PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST

Summary

Step into a career where your judgment protects the Nation. As a Personnel Security Specialist with DCSA Trust Decision Adjudications, you will tackle complex cases, influence high-stakes trust decisions, and help shape a stronger personnel vetting enterprise. Bring your analytical edge, lead change, and make a visible national-security impact every day. If you want purpose, challenge, and real responsibility, apply now.

Duties

This is a Term position Not-To-Exceed (NTE) one year, one day; The position may be extended, and may become permanent without further competition. Per DoDI 1400.25-V2005, term appointments terminate automatically upon the expiration date unless approval has been granted for an extension or the employee resigns or is separated at an earlier date. These appointments may be terminated at any time by the DoD Component. This position is an intermittent work schedule. As a PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST you will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Reviews and evaluates personnel security investigations, incident reports, and continuous evaluation alerts for derogatory information. 2. Research, interprets, analyzes, and applies various guidelines, policies, regulations, etc. 3. Determines or makes a recommendation whether or not the granting, denial, or revocation of a clearance is in the best interest of national security. 4. Under Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), the incumbent reviews security related information and makes a recommendation on whether or not an individual is eligible for access to DoD controlled facilities and information systems. 5. Determines the sufficiency of personnel security investigations. Resolves situations complicated by discrepant or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony by initiating requests for (any of the following): additional investigations, drug/alcohol evaluations; medical/psychological evaluations; credit reports; military records; and/or subject interviews. 6. Analyzes the results of subsequent investigations and makes a recommendation to grant, deny, or revoke a security clearance. 7. Documents all personnel security determinations or recommendations in the relevant automated information systems. 8. Uses computer software such as analysis tools to research and facilitate work. Keeps abreast of emerging technologies and professional developments to remain current in the field and for application to work assignments.

Qualifications

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Security Administration Series 0080 for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 11/20/2026 Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this position includes: 1. Applying personnel security practices and procedures to analyze questionnaires to determine recommendations on issues concerning national security. 2. Managing projects and correspondence for Continuous Evaluation and Personnel Security adjudication initiatives. 3. Participating in briefings to provide guidance, resolution of adjudicative issues, and assurance of coordinated/uniform personnel security operations. 4. Communicating with security personnel, agencies and incumbents to ensure pertinent information is obtained in accordance with due process procedures. Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: 1. Decision Making - Evaluates conflicting or incomplete case information, applies adjudicative guidelines, identifies appropriate actions to resolve issues, and reaches sound, supportable security eligibility decisions. 2. Personnel Security - Applies personnel security concepts, principles, practices, and applicable procedures to analyze and resolve routine, complex, sensitive, or controversial security eligibility issues. 3. Writing - Prepares clear, concise, accurate, and well-supported adjudicative correspondence and decision documents, including Letters of Intent, Statements of Reasons, and revocation or denial documentation. 4. Self-Management - Manages workload priorities, documents adjudicative actions accurately and timely, maintains accountability for case progress, and safeguards classified information and sensitive case material. 5. Flexibility - Adapts effectively to changing workloads, mission priorities, case complexity, policies, procedures, and personnel security requirements.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.