Personnel Security Specialist

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS To qualify for a NQ-02 (equivalent GS 9-12), a qualified candidate's online application and résumé must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ 01 or GS 07/08. -OR- You may substitute the successful completion of master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position, -OR- 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related -OR- A combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement. This is computed by determining the total qualifying specialized experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Only graduate education in excess of one full year may be used to qualify. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience demonstrating practical knowledge of the principles, concepts, policies, practices, and methods of a federal personnel security, suitability, vetting, or credentialing program; and the ability to analyze facts, interpret regulations, and conduct research of established security policies, guidelines, or directives to support program execution. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include, but are not limited to: 1. Reviewing, evaluating, or processing personnel security/HSPD-12 or vetting information, such as background investigations, security questionnaires (e.g., SF 86), information reports, national security databases or investigative files, to identify issues, assess risk factors, or support eligibility, access authorization, suitability, or credentialing determinations. 2. Preparing written summaries, case notes, recommendations, or reports of findings related to personnel security/HSPD-12 cases, credentialing actions, incident reviews, or program assessments to support further action or decision making. 3. Administering or executing federal identity credentialing programs, such as HSPD 12 or PIV, including processing applications, validating identity documents, reviewing adjudication or enrollment data, and supporting credentialing determinations. 4. Evaluating, processing, or administering Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) or facility clearance-related actions, or supporting Privacy Act (PA) or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests within a personnel security or vetting program. 5. Researching, interpreting, or applying personnel security/HSPD-12 related regulations, adjudicative guidelines, DOE Orders, or federal policies to support case processing, workflow development, compliance reviews, or program execution, including providing federal oversight to support service contractors. 6. Supporting personnel security/HSPD-12 program operations through program analysis activities, such as developing or maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs), updating internal program websites or documentation, conducting workflow or process analysis, generating or reviewing program metrics or reports, or participating in quality assurance or program oversight reviews related to personnel vetting or credentialing functions. To qualify for a NQ-02 (equivalent GS 9-12), a qualified candidate's online application and résumé must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ 01 or GS 07/08. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.