Personnel Security Specialist

The SEPS is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining Department of Justice programs regarding personnel security, information, physical security, litigation security and emergency preparedness planning. The position assess the reliability, loyalty, suitability, and trustworthiness of people who have access to all types of Department information, resources, and material which could adversely affect the national security, public welfare, or the efficiency of the Federal service. Major duties: The duties and responsibilities for a Personnel Security Specialist, GS-0080-11/12 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Initiating, adjudicating, and processing employees and contractor background investigations. Adjudicates the results of background investigations to determine eligibility for SCI access. Analyzes and resolves personnel security problems for situations involving conflicting or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony. Recommends approval/denials for interim security clearances up to TS/SCI. Processes pre-appointment waiver requests, identifies and resolves issues. Qualifications: To qualify for the position of Personnel Security Specialist, at GS-0080-11/12, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below. Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service, which includes: Adjudicating background investigations for security clearances; conducts interviews relative to personnel security investigations; AND verifying information entered into a automated security adjudication system, such as NBIS/eAPP or any other personnel vetting system. OR Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent degree or three (3) academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.M. if related. Combination of Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for a GS-11. Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used to qualify. Specialized Experience: For the GS-12, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service, which includes: Processing requests for security clearances up to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI); directing and coordinating investigations of applicants and employees to ensure security standards are met AND overseeing and determining compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements. You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by 11/09/2026 of this announcement. Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 11/09/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.