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

Duties

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following. Collects, organizes and tracks information in support of the Personnel Security Program. Reviews position risk sensitivity levels as full assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist. Assemble position descriptions and functional statements for the Personnel Security Specialist for review. Tracks electronically the level assigned and the appropriate background investigation needed. Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card. 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 Application (e-APP) 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. Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using e-APP within the required timeframe as per policy. Works closely with the VA-AC to monitor the progress of investigations when applicable. Assists in presenting training/briefings for supervisors, managers, and employees related to various aspects of the Personnel Security Program. Assures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders, records related to fee basis employees, contract personnel, volunteers, or without compensation employees. Maintains required files related to the suitability process in accordance with OPM/agency guidelines. Requests information from various law enforcement agencies and courts. Assures that the approving official is kept informed of these actions. Reviews applicant's data ensuring that the submitted information matches the demographic data and that all required information has been provided. Accepts/rejects applicants Maintains an in-depth working knowledge of PIV role holder responsibilities. Provides technical advice and guidance regarding matters pertaining to PIV Program. Assembles position descriptions and functional statements for the Personnel Security Specialist for review. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not available Virtual/Remote: This is not a Virtual/Remote position Position Description Title/PD#: Security Assistant 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.

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: Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel and Outlook. GS-05 grade level: You must have at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: Extracts information from various sources that requires considering and applicability of information and the characteristics and quality of the source; Performs clerical assistance tasks in support of established programs; Communicates effectively with internal and external customers. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years of education beyond high school. This education must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position at this grade level. OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. 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-05. 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. GS-06 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: Uses forms for administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the personal identification card; Obtains, inserts, and corrects missing and incorrect data in personnel security files and automated systems; Assures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders. Education: There is NO education substitution for this grade level. GS-07 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Collects appropriate background security information, tracking and reviewing data; Enters, extracts, and evaluates employee information via access to various computer databases; Initiates, reviews, and approves background cases related to the completion of suitability investigations; Completes reports and maintains databases; Processes position risks sensitivity levels, preemployment tasks, log maintenance, electronic fingerprints, minor identification card troubleshooting; Performs admin tasks associated with authorization of personal identification cards, special projects, performing audits, credentialing rules and regulations. Education: There is NO education substitution for this 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 20 Human Resources 1601 E. 4TH PLAIN BLVD VANCOUVER, WA 98661-3713 US
• Name: Charis Romero
• Phone: 360-619-5956 X35956
• Email: [email protected]