The incumbent of this position serves as a Security Assistant in the Personnel Security Office and performs security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program within a Shared Services Unit. This position also entails Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Program responsibility, which is a Government-wide identification standard for identity credentials issued by the Federal Government to its employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers.

Duties

This is a developmental position that ranges from the GS-05 to the GS-07. At the full performance level, the incumbent will perform the below (not all inclusive) major duties: Performs work related to the collection, organization and/or tracking of information in support of the Personnel Security Program. Serves as the initial point of contact during the pre-employment process for new appointees. Initiates, reviews and releases appointees background investigations in the Enterprise Process Automation System (EPAS) or in conjunction with the VA- Adjudication Center (VA-AC). Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released within the required timeframe. As needed, works with applicants who may be experiencing difficulties with completion of electronic forms related to the background screening process. 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. In conjunction with the Personnel Security Specialist and/or Lead/Supervisor, presents training/briefings for supervisors, managers, and employees related to various aspects of the Personnel Security Program. Below the GS-07 full performance level, the incumbent will serve in a developmental assignment to provide the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the full range of duties as a Security Assistant, GS-0086-07. The incumbent will perform the duties outlined in the target grade position description but will operate under closer supervision and will not be expected to demonstrate the same level of subject matter mastery. All other factors remain the same. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST. 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. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Position Description Title/PD#: Personnel Security Assistant/PD99952-S Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary and is accomplished in an office environment; involving everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions. Some walking and standing may occur in the course of a normal workday. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required 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

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• You may be required to 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 by the closing date of this announcement, 01/02/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education s described below: At the GS-05 level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-04) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: carrying out administrative support tasks; answering questions/inquiries from customers or referring them to the correct person/office; and utilizing computer software and web based data systems/programs. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years of education above the high school level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial or technical school. I understand that I must submit transcripts in support of this and that failure to do so may result in a not qualified rating. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and was obtained from an accredited college or university. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. At the GS-06 level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-05) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: utilization of security objectives and programs; following established procedures or instructions for carrying out support tasks related to security administration; maintaining reports and logs on the status of security and/or background related information; handling access request for access cards (i.e. PIV or CAC) and researching applicable regulations. At the GS-07 level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: use of automated systems for the issuance of access cards (i.e. PIV or CAC); properly obtaining and entering required background information into automated systems; utilizing proper regulations for the adjudication process; working with individuals to obtain required information for the same; performing audits of security programs; and providing consultative services to managers regarding security programs and regulations. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 or GS-07 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Note: Information on crediting combinations of education and experience can be found in paragraph 5 of the General Schedule (GS) Qualification Policies.

Contacts

• Address VHA VISN 7 Human Resources 3700 CRESTWOOD PARKWAY NW SUITE 500 DULUTH, GA 30096-5046 US
• Name: Magdalena Young
• Phone: 319-981-2698
• Email: [email protected]