Serves as a Security Assistant in the Personnel Security Unit and the position is to perform security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program (hereinafter, "Personnel Security Program") within a shared services unit. The Personnel Security Program assures that all appointees have the appropriate level of security/suitability clearance commensurate with their assignment. Serves as an Assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Review position risk sensitivity levels as full assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist. Serves as the initial point of contact for new appointees including but not limited to paid or without compensation employees, volunteers, students, residents, and contractors. Reviews information submitted by the requesting office to validate level of background required, enters appointee information into a local data base tracking system and refers appointee for fingerprinting. Initiates, reviews and releases appointees background investigations in the Office of Personnel Managements Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system or in conjunction with the VA- Adjudication Center (VA-AC). Monitors the status of specific pending items, compiles data to produce reports, follows up to determine status and records results. Reports are produced on a regular basis (weekly) to keep top level management apprised of the status of the Suitability/Security Program and for performance management/performance improvement initiatives. Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using e-QIP within the required timeframe as per policy. Works closely with the VA-AC to monitor the progress of investigations when applicable. Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints for appointees or when the FBI returns fingerprints unclassifiable for various reasons. Only in rare instances when there is machine malfunction, manually takes fingerprints for the purpose of background investigations from OPM. Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources, i.e., fingerprint/badge log, notification(s) of investigation(s) scheduled by OPM, requests by OPM for additional information, receipt/disposition of results of both Special Agreement Checks (SAC's) and National Agency Check with Inquiry (Tl's) or higher, to include interim reports or pending completion reports, assignment for adjudication and final disposition of the investigation. As appropriate, logs and tracks the status of suitability issues referred by the Personnel Security Specialist for OPM adjudication. Assists in the execution of personnel security-related functions as they relate to VA Subjects in Veterans Affairs Centralized Adjudication and Background Investigation System (VA-CABS). Has basic knowledge of the application and training on using VA-CABS. Support the programming of PIV cards after being manufactured. Perform minor PIV troubleshooting of the PIV System during malfunctions and resolve system issues. Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card, a standardized identification badge designed to increase security related with physical access to Federal facilities and networks and logical access to computer systems. PIV cards will be issued to current and new employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers who require access to VA? controlled facilities and/or information systems. Accomplishes special projects in relation to the PIV Program. Uses appropriate approaches to perform a variety of duties related to special projects involving issues of a sensitive nature. Conducts research and compiles data from diverse sources, assembles information and develops reports or presentations. Maintains proficiency in the VA PIV Portal to create and issue PIV cards, capture biometrics, troubleshoot card and pin issues, and perform all aspects of card lifecycle management. Assists with the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Program in performing functions associated with the daily operations to include performing registrar and/or issuer duties and training sponsors on their roles and responsibilities. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Position Description Title/PD#: Personnel Security Assistant/PD99952-S, PD99952A, and PD99952S Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, small boxes, or books. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized at the agency's discretion. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-5 Grade level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as: Extracting information from various sources that requires considering and applicability of information and the characteristics and quality of the source; issuing security ID cards; performing clerical assistance tasks in support of established programs (e.g., personnel, physical, information or industrial security) when such work requires; general administrative and/or clerical skills, practical knowledge of specific security administration . OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Bachelor's degree or four (4) full academic years of education beyond high school. (Transcripts Required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a high school degree. (Transcripts Required) GS-6 Grade level Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as: Using forms administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the personal identification card, a standardized identification badge designed to increase security related with physical access to Federal facilities and networks and logical access to computer systems; obtaining, inserting, and correcting missing and incorrect data in Personnel Security files and automated systems; assuring that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders. There is no educational substitution for the GS-6 grade level. GS-7 Grade level Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as: Collecting appropriate background security information, tracking and reviewing data, completion of reports, maintaining databases and processing; enter, extract, and evaluate employee information via access to various computer databases; initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases related to the completion of suitability investigations; completion of reports; maintaining databases and processing, position risks sensitivity levels, pre-employment processes, log maintenance, electronic fingerprints, minor identification card troubleshooting; ad min tasks associated with authorization of personal identification cards, special projects, performing audits, credentialing rules and regulations. There is no educational substitution for the GS-7 grade level. 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; religions; 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.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

Contacts

• Address VHA VISN 8 Human Resources 140 FOUNTAIN PARKWAY N. SUITE 600 ST PETERSBURG, FL 33716 US
• Name: Ashley Studley
• Phone: 478-279-8456
• Email: [email protected]