Summary Division of Personnel Security and Access Control (DPS) is responsible for managing and administering the NIH personnel suitability and security clearance program, verifying personal identity, processing and initiating security clearance requests, conducting background checks, making suitability determinations, authorizing and administering facility access, issuing ID badges for NIH personnel, administering security awareness programs. Responsibilities If selected for this position as a GS-0080-12 Personnel Security Spec (ADJ) your duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Adjudicates background investigation reports and determines the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and/or retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions at the NIH. The incumbent refers potentially controversial, very sensitive or highly unusual case matters to the supervisor or higher-level Specialist for guidance. Prepares interrogatory letters, letters of proposed action, advisory opinion letters, letters of official decisions to employees and contractors. Reviews, assesses, and analyzes information from various sources and makes determinations on national security clearance for employees or other persons for access to sensitive information, resources, material, or work sites. Conducts required suitability determinations and law enforcement checks for NIH, OPM and other agency security offices and recommends the action to take on the waiver requests. Conducts projects/studies to assess NIH's overall personnel security operations and future requirement based on NIH demographics and anticipated changes to government directives for adjudication in conjunction with the supervisor. Advises Information Technology (IT) specialists on DPS's program requirements related to automation projects designed to improve the efficiency of the personnel security program's operations. Advises and collaborates with other divisions with regard to investigative reports concerning actionable information which could impact on personnel suitability and security implications relating to an employee, contractor/vendor or others requesting access to NIH. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You qualify at the GS-12 level, if you meet the following qualification requirements: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: 1) administering personnel security programs and operations 2) processing and adjudicating suitability and security eligibility determinations 3) preparing documentation on personnel security investigations and determinations 4) developing standard operating procedures related to personnel security programs You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. 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. To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12765071 Education Additional Information This position is designated as a "non-emergency/teleworker" position and the selected candidate will be considered a "non-emergency/teleworker" employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave. At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework (work from home on situational basis), alternative work schedules. A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement. Your pay is determined by the geographically defined pay locality applicable to your approved duty location. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration. Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process. Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.? If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable\_Accommodations\_for\_USA\_Hire.