Personnel Security Specialist Mid - D.C

Job Description:

The PSS provides support for security assessment investigations, including background investigations, periodic reinvestigations, and security clearances. Employment suitability determinations and continuous evaluation of employees to ensure eligibility for employment.

• All tasks associated with the PSS Entry-level position as necessary.

• With minimum direction, provides supporting research and analysis into complex problems and processes.

• Serves as expert on project teams.

• Provides critical thinking and analysis utilized for completion of written documentation and oral presentations.

• Applies extensive experience and full knowledge of security disciples.

• Reviews and analyzes requests for investigations concerning security clearances, reciprocity, requirements, violations, and assessments. Subjects of the investigations range from on - board employees, contract/access applicants and other personnel requiring security clearances or access to FBI facilities.

• Reviews and analyzes various FBI investigative files and related material to determine and extract all possible identifying information, matching records, questionable or overlapping elements and other areas of investigative consideration, which could have a bearing on an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and loyalty. 

• Examines and analyzes material to determine any deliberate misrepresentation of facts, criminal or immoral conduct, any signs of mentally disabling illness, sympathetic association with hostile intelligence individuals/organizations and facts or fragments of information which furnish reason to sustain suspicion that the subject may be a possible security risk.

• Conducts PSIs as determined during the security investigation, in conjunction with information developed or per the request of FBI HQ.

• Prepare a detailed analysis of all the information developed, supporting analysis and recommendations to initiate further investigation, and any additional security concerns and recommendations based on this information, which would include remedial or precautionary action to meet minimum security standards. Ensures that all relevant information and justification is developed and properly considered in accordance with security policies and FBI regulations.

• Conducts security briefings which include Security Awareness and Hostile Threat. Revises security briefings based on the specific issues developed and security requirements.

• Assists in conducting preliminary and final reviews of statements of personal history and related data prior to the initiation of background investigation procedures.  

• Conducts BIs of individuals who would occupy positions where a determination of suitability for employment or access to classified information is required.  

• Prepare reports on investigations resulting from interviews conducted during BIs.  

• Drafts summary sheets on the results of investigations for all assigned cases.  In case of derogatory information, drafts a detailed evaluation of the adverse information.  

• When information is insufficient to make a recommendation regarding the disposition of the case, drafts a list of recommended questions for lines of inquiry for follow - on investigations.  

• Assist in making recommendations for adjudication of personal background investigations for employment with the FBI and/or issuance of a security clearance. 

• Works assignments include but are not limited to: 

  • Review Personnel Security Questionnaires (SF - 86 and SF - 85P)

  • Verify information submitted on applications

  • Contact subjects via approved methods to complete information on background investigation forms

  • Input data from MAC applications

  • Retrieve data from credit bureaus, request Local Agency Checks, review reports to determine criminal records, traffic violation, etc.

• Prepare reports on investigations resulting from interviews conducted during the BI.

• Drafts summary sheets on the results of investigations for all assigned cases.

• Prioritize assignments and create schedules to meet deadlines.

• Uses advanced interview skills to work with subjects to gather more in-depth details relating to their backgrounds.

• Conducts peer reviews as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have an Active Top Secret US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a Top Secret Clearance.

• Bachelor’s Degree with Seven (7) years’ experience OR Associate’s Degree with nine (9) years’ experience in the personnel security investigative or investigative analyst field.

• Experience interpreting Governmental and commercial database checks to identify areas of concern during the investigative process.

• Experience analyzing investigative reports and other sources of information to identify security vulnerabilities; to develop investigative leads; to propose a recommendation as to the approval, denial, or revocation of eligibility for access to national security information based on the application of the appropriate adjudicative standards.

• Proficient computer skills to include:

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

  • Use of the Internet to conduct research and / or open-source checks in aid of investigations

  • Experience with various Federal LE and IC IT systems for conducting automated record checks.

  • Knowledge of and experience with the use of applicable commercial and Federal Government database systems.

  • Experience performing database searches for information related to personnel security matters.

  • Distribution and update of personnel security documentation files. o Responsibility for security of program data and materials.

  • Processing security clearance and BI documentation in preparation for adjudication.

  • Prepared documentation for Government agencies and customers.

  • Experience performing multiple administrative tasks dealing with databases queries, filing, processing mail and performing audits.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience to conduct established Federal Government standards for investigations, BIs, and security investigations relating to suitability and security standards.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of DOJ and FBI regulations regarding the personnel security process.

• Experience conducting interviews and security briefings, discussing analysis and opinion in a concise, logical and objective manner, and preparing written communications setting forth analyses and recommendations.

• Thorough knowledge of the indices systems, various record check systems, and file review processes to develop and extract the most complete and accurate information relative to the subject as possible.

• Demonstrated understanding of the following security – related / investigative guidelines:

• Federal Investigative Standards (FIS)

• Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs)

• Executive Orders (EOs)

• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (US CFR)

Work Environment:

• This position is performed in a traditional office environment. 

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and/or walk; handle or feel objects; and write. Ability to bend, reach, lift, and carry up to 15 pounds