This position serves as a Lead Personnel Security Specialist, and the work assigned is of a very confidential, complex and highly sensitive nature. This position performs the security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program (hereinafter, Personnel Security Program) within a Shared Services Unit, and assures that all appointees have the appropriate level of security/suitability clearance commensurate with their assignment.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Conducts security and suitability adjudications related to background investigations. Reviews completed suitability investigations with the purpose of providing recommendations on pre-employment and continued employment considerations. Determines the impact of potential adverse or derogatory information; exercises personal judgement and discretion to evaluate the nature of information received and recommends or takes appropriate action. Implements the policies and procedures for the Personnel Security Program. Provides authoritative information and assistance by administering programs for continuous evaluation of personnel; developing guidelines, procedures, and other materials for use by operating officials. Recommends or takes action on cases where the facts are not completely ascertained, or where there is contradictory evidence or incomplete, inconclusive or controversial material. Draft and issue Proposed Action Letters (PALs) to applicants and appointees whose investigative results contain actionable suitability information. Obtains and adjudicates investigations conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other certified investigative agencies of agency personnel. Processes and oversees the submission of higher-level investigations to the VA-Adjudication Center (VA-AC). Lead duties Articulate and communicate to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Train or arrange for the training of team members in methods and techniques of team building and working in teams to accomplish tasks or projects, and provide or arrange for specific administrative or technical training necessary for accomplishment of individual and team tasks. Prepare reports and maintain records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinate the preparation, presentation and communication of work-related information to the supervisor. Report to the supervisor periodically on team and individual work accomplishments, problems, progress in mastering tasks and work processes, and individual and team training needs. Resolve simple, informal complaints of employees and refer others, such as formal grievances and appeals, to the supervisor or an appropriate management official. Performs related duties as required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not available Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework on an ad hoc agreement. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Critical Skills incentive: Approved Position Description Title/PD#: Lead Personnel Security Specialist/PD99953S Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary and is accomplished in an office environment. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday.

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

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Preferred experience: Completion of Adjudication certification GS-11 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-09 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 includes:Conducting security and suitability adjudications related to background investigations, Reviewing completed suitability investigations; Determining the impact of potential adverse or derogatory information, Implementing the policies and procedures for the Personnel Security Program, Resolves difficult and complex security problems such as overlapping and conflicting requirements within the Personnel Security Program. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have at least a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related, in an accredited college or university that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work of this position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled (e.g., Human Resources, Business, Public Administration, or Management. OR, Combination: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first two years) and specialized experience, as described above, to meet the total requirements. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do to the work of this position. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-11. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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 20 Human Resources 1601 E. 4TH PLAIN BLVD VANCOUVER, WA 98661-3713 US
• Name: Audrea Cutchin
• Phone: 503-220-8262 X50046
• Email: [email protected]