Personnel Security Specialist

This position is in the Personnel and Security Branch, Personnel and Document Security Division (PDSD), Office of Homeland Security (OHS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). PDSD administers the Department's Personnel Security Program and is responsible for USDA-wide personnel security policy and operations.

Applies OPM Suitability/Fitness and ODNI national security adjudication standards, criteria and procedures to evaluate background investigative information on the individual's suitability for employment and eligibility for a security clearance.

Completes the necessary security checks necessary for processing preliminary vetting and national security eligibility of department applicants, employees, contractors and affiliates.

Drafts letters of interrogatory, as well as other official correspondence, to include ineligible determinations in support of Personnel and Document Security Division.

Reviews appropriate e-APP forms and Requests for Personnel Security Services packages submitted for accuracy and completeness.

Conducts administrative inquiry investigations to resolve sensitive allegations of security infractions or violations, or incidents that impact the proper protection of classified information.

Performs review of applicant data, process and update applicant’s Continuous Evaluation/Vetting data (e.g., collection, use, disclosure, and retention of information) in accordance with applicable laws.

Ensures timely and accurate input of case data into all appropriate databases reflecting current status of actions involving public trust and national security positions.

Ensures timely notification to OPM of final adjudicative outcomes.

Confers and collaborates with senior personnel when intricate personnel security problems arise in individual cases.

Duties described above are at the full performance GS-12 level, duties at the GS-09 and GS-11 levels will be developmental.