Summary A successful candidate in this position will serve in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security, Office of Personnel and Facility Clearances and Classification, Applicant and Reinvestigation Adjudication Division carrying out a variety of personnel security assignments and apply knowledge of personnel security, policies, guidelines, standards, and procedures. Responsibilities As a Personnel Security Specialist, you will: Render decisions regarding access authorizations for the NNSA, which includes suspension and the Administrative Review process. The background investigations and additional reports may contain information related to Allegiance, Foreign Influence, Foreign Preference, Sexual Behavior, Personal Conduct, Financial Considerations, Alcohol Consumption, Drug Involvement and Substance Misuse, Psychological Conditions Criminal Conduct, Handling Protected Information, and Use of Information Technology. Apply sound judgment to make decisions that have an impact on agency national security and national defense missions. Assignments include analyzing and evaluating complex, sensitive and controversial information. Obtain information from individuals through issue resolution actions who may be unwilling to cooperate and are hostile and developing summaries with excellent rationale for recommended actions or determinations. Utilize written communication to explain personnel security regulations and procedures; to resolve problems; to conduct inquiries; to plan and conduct briefings and informational programs; and to explain the results of investigations and clearance levels. Requirements Conditions of Employment Subject to Random Drug Testing Must pass a pre-employment drug test. Favorable suitability determination required. Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance. You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification. A one year probationary period may be required. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NN/NQ-01 or GS-7/8. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in applying knowledge of theories, techniques, and practices in the field of personnel security to determine eligibility for access to classified information. Examples of Specialized Experience: 1. Reviewing requests for personnel security clearances to assure that all required information is provided, requesting missing information when applicable, and granting clearances when derogatory information is absent. 2. Reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating reports of personnel security investigations to identify the presence or absence of derogatory information. 3. Preparing summaries and recommendations of personnel security case files for further action. 4. Preparing and conducting issue resolution actions to resolve derogatory information. -OR- You may substitute the successful completion of master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field that provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position, -OR- 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related -OR- A combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement. This is computed by determining the total qualifying specialized experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. Only graduate education in excess of one full year may be used to qualify. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education To qualify based on education - a master's or equivalent degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an equivalent combination of graduate education and experience can be qualifying. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. A written evaluation of any foreign education must be provided with your application in response to this vacancy announcement or be received by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide this evaluation will result in you being found unqualified for the position. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education, see the Department of Education website, and for a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. All males born after December 31,1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy. EEO Policy: Click HERE. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE. Veterans Information: Click HERE. Telework: Click HERE. Selective Service Registration: Click HERE. Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.