Personnel Security Specialist

Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Professional Responsibility, inFarmers Branch, Texas; Washington, District of Columbia.

Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

  06/05/2025 to 06/11/2025

• Salary

  $66,436 – $153,354 per year

  
  
• Pay scale & grade
  

  GS 9 – 13

• Locations
  • Washington, DC Many vacancies
  • Farmers Branch, TX Many vacancies
  
  
• Remote job
  

  No

• Telework eligible
  

  No

• Travel Required

  25% or less – Travel 25% or less for training.

  
  
• Relocation expenses reimbursed
  

  No

• Appointment type
  

  Permanent

• Work schedule
  

  Full-time

• Service
  

  Competitive

• Promotion potential
  

  13

• Job family (Series)
• Supervisory status
  

  No

• Security clearance
• Drug test
  

  Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk
• Trust determination process
• Financial disclosure
• Bargaining unit status
• Announcement number

  OPR-12743435-DHA-BVG

  
  
• Control number
  

  838192000

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Duties

As a Personnel Security Specialist, GS-13 you will perform the following duties:

• Adjudicate credentialing, fitness, suitability, and national security eligibility of individuals for entry and retention in sensitive, non-sensitive, and/or public trust positions.
• Serve as a technical authority in making credentialing, fitness/suitability, and national security eligibility decisions.
• Train and provide guidance to entry-level personnel and others.
• Evaluate requests for personnel security investigations and security clearances on applicants, employees and contractors.
• Ensure that the appropriate processing and record keeping related to personnel security cases/investigations is followed.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time permanent position (Career/Career-Conditional appointment). Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Security Clearance: Individuals selected for this position should be able to obtain and maintain at a minimum Secret clearance.

Qualifications

Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

GS-9: You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience : One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Reviewing personnel security documents for accuracy and completeness;
• Verifying previous background investigations of applicants, contractors, and other personnel;
• Collaborating with applicants to obtain missing information required for suitability paperwork;
• Assisting specialists with the review of suitability documents to ascertain the impact on the granting, denying, or revoking of security clearances;
• Assisting security specialists in the evaluation and recommendation of suitability and security determinations;
• Responding to requests for personnel security information or assistance;
• Researching personnel security guidelines, polices, and procedures. OR

Education : A master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a LL.B/J.D., if related. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience maybe used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-09 position. Combinations are computed by first determining the applicant’s total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant’s 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 beyond the first year may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-09 for the combination. Graduate education must be from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

GS-11: You qualify at the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:

Experience : One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level performing duties such as:

• Reviewing personnel security questionnaires for completeness and accuracy, initiating contact with personnel to resolve discrepancies;
• Identifying and comprising written summaries of issues that impact credentialing, fitness, suitability, and/or national security eligibility determinations;
• Making recommendations related to credentialing, fitness, suitability, and/or national security eligibility determinations. OR

Education : A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a LL.M., if related. Graduate level education must have been from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and activities necessary to do the work. OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience maybe used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-11 position. Combinations are computed by first determining the applicant’s total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant’s 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 beyond the second year may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11 for the combination. Graduate education must be from an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.

GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Applying broad understanding of personnel security regulations across multiple determination types (e.g. credentialing, fitness, suitability, and national security eligibility);
• Obtaining sufficient evidence to support personnel security determinations;
• Making recommendations and decisions related to credentialing, fitness, suitability, and/or national security eligibility;
• Using knowledge of personnel security, relaying information related to adjudication and/or background investigations to junior staff.

GS-13 You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as:

• Reviewing, evaluating and making determinations related to complex personnel security cases (e.g. credentialing, fitness, suitability, and/or national security eligibility) ensuring compliance with federal regulations;
• Providing expert guidance on credentialing, fitness, suitability, and/pr national security eligibility on case preparation efforts;
• Preparing complex written correspondence, reports, and/or briefings related to personnel security to a broad range of audiences;
• Developing and providing training to junior staff members and/or other agency personnel.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. , , , and possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Additional information

Promotion Potential: When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about , including your rights and responsibilities.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an , and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for SECRET as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the website and select “Benefits.” will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

These are non-bargaining unit positions.

Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under .

• Benefits
  

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

  
  
  

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.

Direct Hire Authority: These positions will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management’s Direct Hire Authority. The “Rule of Three”, Category Rating and Veterans Preference will not apply to this vacancy. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see: .

Veterans: Although the Direct Hire Authority permits hiring without regard to Veterans Preference, applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). View information on .

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements, specialized experience, and all selective factors. In addition, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must be determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. Well-qualified applicants will possess the key competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for a position as prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.

• Benefits
  

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

  
  
  

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

  
  
  
  1. Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer’s name, employer’s telephone number, employer’s address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications (for more information, see the
  2. Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See for more information.
  3. Are you a surplus or displaced employee claiming special priority selection rights under CTAP, RPL, ICTAP? You must submit a copy of your agency Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certification of Expected Separation; a copy of your RIF separation SF-50 or your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location; and a copy of your most recent performance rating. For RPL candidates eligible based on compensable injury, you must also submit documentation showing injury compensation benefits cease or the Department of Labor denies an appeal for continuation of injury compensation benefits.
  4. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
  
  

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  
  

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from .

  
  
  

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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