IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC) (DIRECT HIRE)

Summary

This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority. See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below. Supports the day-to-day functionality and protection of Social Security Administration (SSA) information technology (IT) systems by developing and implementing cybersecurity programs, policies, procedures and digital tools. See QUALIFICATIONS for more information about this position.

Duties

• Ensure the security and integrity of systems, networks and data.
• Perform risk analysis, access management, security application development and testing, audit support, technology research and implementation.
• Provide training delivery, security architecture design, policy coordination and response to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
• Test and deploy cybersecurity capabilities and software solutions, ensuring their effectiveness in threat detection, incident response, data protection and compliance.
• Apply the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to identify, assess and mitigate risks to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of SSA data and systems.
• Work with stakeholders to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in accordance with federal standards.
• Consult with customers and stakeholders to evaluate functional requirements, translate them into technical solutions and deliver actionable results to support the agency’s cybersecurity mission.
• Communicate the agency’s cybersecurity program, policies and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring awareness and understanding of security requirements and best practices.

Qualifications

To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-12 IT Cybersecurity Specialist (INFOSEC) position you must demonstrate (1) Specialized Experience and (2) the IT Competencies for the federal 2210 series. (1) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-11 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-11 or above. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is IT-related work that primarily consists of supporting the planning, development, implementation and/or maintenance of information security programs or policies. If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the specific duties you perform that demonstrate it. Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe. Your experience should include: Assisting with the development of IT security policies and procedures. Participating in risks assessments and helping develop disaster recovery or contingency plans. Collecting, analyzing, and documenting security-related information and recommendations Explaining technical security information and recommendations to different audiences. (2) IT Competencies applicable to this position. Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change. Information Management: Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems. Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience and IT Competencies) must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Selectees must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI). Information on this job series can be found at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/competency-based-policy/general-schedule/2200/2210-competency-based-policy/competency-based-qualification-standard/

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your resume will be evaluated by the hiring office based on the relevant duties you describe (i.e., IT-related work that primarily consists of supporting the planning, development, implementation and/or maintenance of information security programs or policies) and the following: -- Ability to conduct cybersecurity investigations on IT systems -- Ability to mitigate cybersecurity risks -- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders -- Ability to communicate security standards Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience. SEE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13100208 INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly. HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below). Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire. See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims. Other Information

IT Cybersecurity Specialist position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov . If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for position. See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position. This is a non-bargaining unit position. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule. Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment. Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI). This is a special sensitive position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Location of position: Chief of Security and Resiliency (SR) Cybersecurity