Personnel Security Specialist

To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-11. For GS-13, one year at GS-12. Specialized experience includes initiating and processing security investigations, independently reviewing waivers, evaluating investigation results, assessing fitness, and adjudicating cases. There is no education requirement.

• GS-12: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-11, including initiating and processing security investigations for employees and contractors; independently reviewing waivers, evaluating investigation results, assessing fitness, and adjudicating cases under established guidelines; assisting in developing SOPs, analyzing policy changes, and preparing recurring reports.
• GS-13: One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-12, including managing security investigations for employees and contractors and continuous evaluation/vetting processes; reviewing and resolving complex derogatory information and discrepancies; assisting in developing SOPs, interpreting policy changes, and recommending strategic solutions; advising managers and applicants on complex or non-standard i…
• Time-in-Grade: Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• You must meet status eligibility: current DOJ employees with career or career-conditional appointments in the competitive service, or displaced Federal employees eligible under CTAP.
• There is no education requirement for this position.

Conduct and review investigative checks; review background investigation paperwork for completeness, errors, and derogatory information.

• Provide recommendations to team lead and supervisor regarding assessment and resolution of severe derogatory information.
• Review, evaluate, and make complex adjudicative decisions within established timelines.
• Collaborate with a team of personnel on resolving difficult security matters.
• Serve as a liaison to coordinate security-related activities within the organization.
• Complete day-to-day operational activities to support the security program.
• Assist with implementing operational policies, procedures, programs, and standards.

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

• You must meet status eligibility for this announcement (current DOJ competitive service employees or CTAP eligible).
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
• The Criminal Division participates in E-Verify.
• A one-year probationary period may be required.

A career with the U.S. government provides a complete benefits package.

• Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.

This position is open to current Department of Justice employees with competitive status.

• Displaced Federal employees eligible under CTAP may also apply and must be rated well-qualified (score 85 or above) to receive selection priority.
• Additional selections may be made from this vacancy to fill subsequent vacancies.
• The Criminal Division participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
• If you are unable to apply online, contact [email protected] or (202) 514-0361 for assistance.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law.
• For questions about reasonable accommodation, email [email protected].

The Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing federal criminal laws and developing policies related to criminal justice. The Security Programs staff within the Office of Administration manages personnel security, physical security, information security, and emergency management for the division. This role supports the division's mission by ensuring that only trusted individuals have access to sensitive information and facilities. The Criminal Division offers a structured federal career environment with clear advancement paths and complete benefits.