Security Specialist

Summary

As a Security Specialist with the US Office of Personnel Management, Security, Suitability, and Credentialing Line of Business, you will develop personnel security policy recommendations, oversee research and innovation initiatives, evaluate emerging technologies, and coordinate interagency efforts to improve Federal personnel security, suitability, and credentialing programs.

Duties

Develop and recommend policies, procedures, and strategies to improve Federal personnel security, suitability, and credentialing programs. Oversee research and innovation initiatives, including establishing research priorities, managing project resources, and coordinating with research partners. Evaluate emerging technologies, security systems, and data integration capabilities to identify risks and opportunities for improving personnel vetting processes. Apply research findings, behavioral science, and data analytics to evaluate personnel security programs and recommend improvements. Coordinate with Federal agencies and stakeholders to implement personnel security reforms, including continuous vetting and investigative standards. Manage program initiatives by monitoring project schedules, resources, contracts, deliverables, and implementation progress. Prepare policy recommendations, technical reports, briefings, and guidance for leadership and interagency stakeholders. Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration) Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required. You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office. This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit. Qualifications

For the GS 15: You must have at least one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service (obtained either in the private or public sectors) performing ALL of the following: Analyzing personnel security, suitability, or credentialing policies, regulations, and program requirements to develop recommendations for policy or procedural change; Reviewing research and innovation initiatives to identify opportunities for improving personnel security or vetting programs; Evaluating technologies, information systems, or data integration capabilities to identify risks to personnel security or vetting processes; AND Managing security-related projects or program activities, including monitoring schedules, resources, deliverables, and implementation progress and preparing recommendations or reports for management. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

For Category Rating: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the three quality categories: Qualified, Well Qualified, or Best Qualified. Qualified Category = Does not exceed the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Well Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below. (This category must be met to be considered under ICTAP procedures) Best Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and excels in the Critical Competencies defined below. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. The Category Rating Procedures require veterans are placed ahead of non-veterans within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Other Information

This position will be filled at one of the locations listed, in compliance with all applicable return-to-office requirements. Current OPM employees with an approved RTO exemption or exception are eligible and encouraged to apply. Incentive payments may be considered. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement. Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain score of 85 or higher on the assessments) and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.