Lead Personnel Security Specialist

Summary This position is in the Personnel Vetting Operations Division (PVOD), Security Enterprise Services Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS). PVOD administers personnel vetting for the Office of the Secretary of War, WHS leadership, and high-profile clients including the U.S. Supreme Court, Federal Courts, Pentagon Force Protection, Defense Legal Services, Capitol Police, and Congress. Duties The incumbent is a senior personnel security specialist who advises the SESD chain-of command on new developments and advances in security techniques pertinent to personnel security. Specialist is expected to meaningfully participate in planning organizing, and directing studies associated with streamlining business processes and maximizing interfaces with customers and other organizations in the security field. These process improvements are recommended based upon person work experience as a personnel security specialist, as well as based upon current knowledge of modifications of security processes and systems currently underway in the Department, as well as of security transformation efforts underway elsewhere in Government. Leads and distributes daily security casework to specialists and contractors; manages branch performance metrics by manipulating database platforms such as DISS and PERSEC to monitor, balance, and expedite high-priority clearance cases. Represents WHS on agency-level Tiger Teams and joint working groups, driving the development of national-scope security standards, operational guidelines, and agency-wide vetting policies. Directs on-the-job training and mentorship for new employees and contractors; establishes performance standards, resolves informal complaints, and provides strategic recommendations to supervisors regarding staff promotions, reassignments, and training needs. Partners with senior leadership to design and implement automated case management systems, authoring technical specifications and operating procedures (SOPs) to modernize long-range strategic business operations. Qualifications In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below. You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability to develop written rationales to recommend the clearance denials or revocations; utilizing automated personnel security database platforms (such as DISS, PERSEC, or equivalent case management systems) to monitor pending caseloads, quality assurance metrics, and expedite priority cases; distributing and balancing case workloads among team members and contractors in accordance with operational priorities; AND participating in or leading working groups or "Tiger Teams" charged with developing agency-level security standards, guidelines, or policies. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume.Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration. Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at

Active Duty Service

MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible." Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave. Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Education Education cannot be substituted for experience.