See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position and conditions that apply.
Performs a wide range of physical security duties. Provides expert advice and guidance to management, employees and security staff, and resolves complex and sensitive issues within established policies and procedures.
See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.
Summary
See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position and conditions that apply.
Performs a wide range of physical security duties. Provides expert advice and guidance to management, employees and security staff, and resolves complex and sensitive issues within established policies and procedures.
See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.
Vacancy is open to current or former federal employees, certain military spouses and veterans eligible under VEOA. For more details on eligibility, see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION below. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ, Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework (when authorized), you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the ODS.
Leads projects or initiatives and contributes to the development and implementation of agency-wide security programs.
Independently conducts physical security assessments and inspections at agency facilities to ensure compliance with federal standards and agency policies; identifies vulnerabilities and recommends corrective actions.
Develops, implements and monitors security policies, procedures and programs related to access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance and facility protection.
Conducts independent research and analysis of security incidents, threats and trends; prepares reports, briefings and recommendations for management and senior leadership.
Provides technical advice and authoritative guidance to management, staff and contractors on security requirements, best practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
U.S. Citizenship required. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
All application materials must be received by the closing date. All application forms submitted become the property of SSA Human Resources. Requests for copies of application documents will not be accepted.
Applicants must be in good standing. Applicants must have a fully successful rating of record. Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.
You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS).
May be required to report to work or remain at workstation to perform critical services when building occupants are generally excused for all or part of a workday because of hazardous weather and other emergency situations.
May be required to report during irregular hours and travel in hazardous weather conditions.
May be required to travel to agency delegated and non-delegated buildings.
May be required to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and/or according to rotational schedules.
See QUALIFICATIONS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more information about this position.
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered. See the 'Required Documents' section below for more information.
Qualifications
To meet MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for this GS-13 Security Specialist position you must demonstrate at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-12 or above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of reviewing and analyzing physical security administrative operations, including state-of-the-art equipment, procedures or techniques.
**If you have experience performing this type of work, it must be clearly described in your resume or it cannot be considered.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks at (or equivalent to) GS-12.
Time in grade requirement for applicants with federal status must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
SEE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION.
Education
This position does not have an educational requirement.
Education cannot be used in lieu of (or in addition to) Specialized Experience.
(2) Current Competitive Service / permanent OR conditional tenure
(3) Former Competitive Service -- resigned or retired with
(a) permanent tenure (separation at any time)
(b) conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years) OR
(c) conditional tenure AND vet preference (separation at any time)
(4) Current Excepted Service:
(a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc)
(b) agency with Interchange Agreement
(c) Schedule A -- block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) -- must work in competitive service agency, agency with competitive service compatibility or agency with Interchange Agreement
(d) not described above but can demonstrate prior Competitive Service OR vet status
(5) Former Excepted Service - must have prior Competitive Service (permanent or conditional tenure) OR vet status
(7) VEOA -- see USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans - veterans with non-qualifying federal status (i.e., certain Excepted Service or non-tenured positions) may apply under VEOA, but still must provide federal status documents (e.g., current SF-50 / performance appraisal or separation SF-50).
VEOA / Military Spouse cannot be used to circumvent federal status requirements. Applicants will be considered on federal status first. Military status will be considered only if federal status cannot be used. Eligibilities must be fully documented to receive consideration.
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
OTHER NOTES:
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for this position.
See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in this office. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
SEE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THIS POSITION.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
This is a critical-sensitive / high-risk position. You may be required to complete SF-86 (Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
Position is assigned to:
SSA Headquarters
Woodlawn, Maryland
Security and Resiliency
Physical Security
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
(1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire, in addition to your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal). Be sure you claim the correct Eligibility and submit the appropriate documents to support your claim.
Only applicants who demonstrate eligibility requirements will be evaluated.
(2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions.
(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.
RESUME: Describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited.
-- Knowledge of electronic physical security concepts (possible 20 points)
-- Skill in improving physical security programs (possible 20 points)
-- Skill in coordinating security assignments (possible 20 points)
-- Ability to communicate orally and in writing (possible 20 points)
Total Possible Points = 80
**It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume**
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review. (See Priority Selection below.)
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
PRIORITY SELECTION:
Well-Qualified ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents).
Eligible veterans may apply under this Merit Promotion announcement, but preference points are not applied and veterans do not receive priority consideration.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Resume - all applicants See OPM's new resume guidance
SF-50 - all current and former federal employees - read requirements below
Federal Performance Appraisal - all current and former federal employees (see below)
ICTAP documents -- if claimed
Vet documents - if claimed
Military Spouse documents -- if claimed
If your federal pay scale is not GS or FWS, provide a copy of your agency's pay scale for pay-setting upon a job offer.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO USAJOBS MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUMES are limited to 2 pages and must include:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and
-- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
SF-50 -- required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type. More than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate all of the eligibility requirements. Be sure your SF-50(s) reflect what you state on your resume. Former federal employees must submit their separation SF-50 but may have to submit additional SF-50s to document the four required items. If your qualifying experience was gained in a prior position, submit an additional SF-50 to document the grade of the prior position. Follow instructions in questionnaire.
FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -- required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit an un-rated mid-year review or other un-rated 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI or award SF-50 in lieu of a rated performance appraisal.
If your federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal. Follow instructions in questionnaire. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes.
FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Submit separation SF-50 showing separation was not for performance or conduct.
ICTAP/CTAP -- Submit separation notice AND final SF-50 documenting official separation date. If your separation notice doesn't include performance appraisal information, submit a copy of your final performance appraisal. (Seehttp://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp)
VETERANS: submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing 3+ years of continuous active duty and honorable discharge. Veterans with federal status must also submit the required SF-50s and Performance Appraisal. Do not use VEOA status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.
For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.
Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank, and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable. If you have federal status you must also submit relevant SF-50(s) and performance appraisal. Do not use Military Spouse status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy.
(4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents.
(5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) August 28, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded eligibility documents (SF-50s, Performance Appraisal, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc)
See QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1303 1095" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume - all applicants See OPM's new resume guidance
SF-50 - all current and former federal employees - read requirements below
Federal Performance Appraisal - all current and former federal employees (see below)
ICTAP documents -- if claimed
Vet documents - if claimed
Military Spouse documents -- if claimed
If your federal pay scale is not GS or FWS, provide a copy of your agency's pay scale for pay-setting upon a job offer.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO USAJOBS MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
RESUMES are limited to 2 pages and must include:
-- your name and contact information
-- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week
-- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position
-- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and
-- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date.
Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position.
Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
SF-50 -- required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type. More than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate all of the eligibility requirements. Be sure your SF-50(s) reflect what you state on your resume. Former federal employees must submit their separation SF-50 but may have to submit additional SF-50s to document the four required items. If your qualifying experience was gained in a prior position, submit an additional SF-50 to document the grade of the prior position. Follow instructions in questionnaire.
FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -- required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit an un-rated mid-year review or other un-rated 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI or award SF-50 in lieu of a rated performance appraisal.
If your federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal. Follow instructions in questionnaire. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes.
FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Submit separation SF-50 showing separation was not for performance or conduct.
ICTAP/CTAP -- Submit separation notice AND final SF-50 documenting official separation date. If your separation notice doesn't include performance appraisal information, submit a copy of your final performance appraisal. (Seehttp://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp)
VETERANS: submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing 3+ years of continuous active duty and honorable discharge. Veterans with federal status must also submit the required SF-50s and Performance Appraisal. Do not use VEOA status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.
For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse.
Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank, and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable. If you have federal status you must also submit relevant SF-50(s) and performance appraisal. Do not use Military Spouse status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy.
(4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents.
(5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) August 28, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume
(3) uploaded eligibility documents (SF-50s, Performance Appraisal, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc)
See QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1303 1095" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
