Security Specialist

Summary

As a Security Specialist, you will provide assistance in supporting comprehensive agency wide security management policies and plans.

Location of position: Personnel Security, Office of Mission Assurance, Washington, DC

We are currently filling one vacancies but additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area.

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Land & base management
  
  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees
  
  Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities
  
  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

Your application will be considered if you are a:
Current career/career-conditional Federal employee in the competitive service; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.

Videos

Duties

You will perform the following duties as a Security Specialist:

• Performs background investigations, Special Agreement Checks (electronic fingerprints), personnel security equipment, logs, e-QIP follow-up, complex adjudication referral to higher graded staff, adjudication of non-complex actions (no findings), personnel security files maintenance and suspense.
• Assists in the development of agency policy affecting the operating policies for processing background investigations of all personnel.
• Analyzes and evaluates the results, organizes them in a logical manner and prepares clear and complete reports to key officials for necessary action.
• Create and update a security file on all personnel.

This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee's home). Positions include routine telework and remote work arrangements that are geographically specific to: Washington, DC.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
• Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
• Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959

If selected, you must meet the following conditions:

• Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 5 investigation level). You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
• Submit to periodic and random drug testing where a urinalysis will be used to screen for illegal drug use. A negative test result is required before you start.
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of

Qualifications

For each job on your resume, provide:

• the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
• number of hours per week you worked (if part time).

If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.

For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.

The GS-07 salary range starts at $55,924 per year. If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected. To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience supporting an agency and applying principles of Security functional programs, as they revolve around Personnel Security. OR have successfully completed at least one full year of graduate level education (18 semester hours or the equivalent). OR completed all the requirements for a Bachelor`s degree from an accredited college or university plus graduation in the upper third of the college, university or major subdivision such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration based on completed coursework. OR completed all the requirements for a Bachelor`s degree from an accredited college or university plus I have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 as recorded in the official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum (grade point averages are rounded to one decimal place). OR completed all the requirements for a Bachelor`s degree from an accredited college or university plus I have a GPA 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 2 years of the curriculum (grade point averages are rounded to one decimal place). OR completed all the requirements for a Bachelor`s degree from an accredited college or university plus election to membership in a national scholastic honor society (listed in the Association of College Honor Societies: Booklet of Information and/or Baird`s Manual of American College Fraternities).

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Bargaining Unit Status: This position is ineligible for the bargaining unit

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.

GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:

• Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
• Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.

Our commitment is:

• Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
• Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
• Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  
  
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.

• Knowledge to document testimony and evaluate information in routine clearance adjudication cases.
• Knowledge of internal policies and regulations regarding personnel, physical and information security.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally sufficient to defend or explain fundamental security policies, regulations, or directives, and to gain cooperation of customers and other parties to the security program.
• Knowledge of standard security concepts, principles, and practices to review, analyze, and resolve fundamental security problems in the functional areas of personnel security.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.

Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA's Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  You will have access to many benefits including:
  
  
  • Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans)
  • Life insurance coverage with several options
  • Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year
  • Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan)
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Transit and child care subsidies
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Training and development
  
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
  
  Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  
  Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
  
  If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
  
  (a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
  (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
  
  If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
  
  If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
  
  If you are eligible under an Interchange Agreement: Submit your latest SF-50.
  
  If you are a former Peace Corp or VISTA volunteer: Submit your Description of Service.
  
  If you are a current or former Land Management Agency Employee - Submit a and b:
  
  (a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.
  
  (b) Copy of your agency's annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).
  
  If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS page for more information.
  
  If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.
  
  If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
  
  If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
  
  College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
  
  If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
  
  To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
  
  
  • Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
  • Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
  • Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
  • Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
  
  
  Need Assistance?
  
  
  • Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.com or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
  • Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline
  
  
  You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
  
  Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Michelle Briscoe
  
  Phone
  
  202-821-5190
  
  Email
  
  michelle.briscoe@gsa.gov
  
  Address
  
  GSA, Office of Mission Assurance
  
  General Services Administration (GSA)
  
  Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
  
  1800 F Street NW
  
  Washington, District of Columbia 20405
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  After the closing date/deadline:
  
  
  1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
  2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
  3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
  4. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
  5. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.
  
  
  Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.

Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.

Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.

If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:

(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service.
(b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).

If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).

If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.

If you are eligible under an Interchange Agreement: Submit your latest SF-50.

If you are a former Peace Corp or VISTA volunteer: Submit your Description of Service.

If you are a current or former Land Management Agency Employee - Submit a and b:

(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.

(b) Copy of your agency's annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).

If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS page for more information.

If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.

If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.

If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.

College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s). Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.

If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.

To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.

• Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
• Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
• Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
• Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).

Need Assistance?

• Questions or issues completing an application and/or submitting documentation - contact mgshelp@monster.com or 1-866-656-6831 Monday-Friday 7AM - 7PM EST, except for Federal holidays
• Specific questions on the position - contact the HR representative (Monday-Friday during normal business hours) listed on the announcement, prior to the application deadline

You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.

Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.

Agency contact information

Michelle Briscoe

Phone

202-821-5190

Email

michelle.briscoe@gsa.gov

Address

GSA, Office of Mission Assurance

General Services Administration (GSA)

Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)

1800 F Street NW

Washington, District of Columbia 20405

United States

Next steps

After the closing date/deadline:

1. ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
2. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
3. SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
4. FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
5. FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking "Track this Application" on the Applicant Dashboard.

Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request