Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to: All United States citizens, Retained Grade Preference (RGP) eligibles, and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician eligibles in the commuting area may also apply.

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As a PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST (ADJUDICATOR) you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Reviews and evaluates personnel security investigations, incident reports, and continuous evaluation alerts for derogatory information.
• Research, interprets, analyzes, and applies various guidelines, policies, regulations, etc.
• Determines or makes a recommendation whether or not the granting, denial, or revocation of a clearance is in the best interest of national security. Uses "whole person" concept when making such recommendations. Under HSPD-12, the incumbent reviews security related information and makes a recommendation on whether or not an individual is eligible for access to DoD controlled facilities and information systems.
• Determines the sufficiency of personnel security investigations. Resolves situations complicated by discrepant or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony by initiating requests for (any of the following): additional investigations, drug/alcohol evaluations; medical/psychological evaluations; credit reports; military records; and/or subject interviews. Analyzes the results of subsequent investigations and makes a recommendation to grant, deny, or revoke a security clearance.
• Documents all personnel security determinations or recommendations in the relevant automated information systems.
• Uses computer software such as analysis tools to research and facilitate work. Keeps abreast of emerging technologies and professional developments to remain current in the field and for application to work assignments. Maintains an Adjudicator Experiences Checklist.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a US citizen
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
• Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
• This is a Drug Testing designated position
• Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
• Work Schedule: Full Time
• Overtime: Occasionally
• Tour of Duty: Flexible
• PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Non-Exempt
• Financial Disclosure: Required
• Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
• If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
• Incumbent is required to attain the Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC) within two (2) years of entry on duty. Certification must be maintained in accordance with program rules.
• Incumbent is required to attain Due Process Credential (DPC) within 6 months of completing all requisite due process training and experiential requirements

Qualifications

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: Security Administration Series 0080 (opm.gov) for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 11/20/2025

Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.

For the GG-11: You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 09 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for the GG/GS 11 position includes: Reviewing personnel security questionnaires to determine recommendations on issues concerning national security, Preparing correspondence on Continuous Evaluation and Personnel Security adjudication matters and Developing materials for briefings to provide guidance, resolution of problems, and assurance of coordinated/uniform personnel security operations.

For the GG-12: You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GG/GS 11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for the GG/GS 12 position includes: Applying personnel security practices and procedures to analyze questionnaires to determine recommendations on issues concerning national security, Managing projects and correspondence for Continuous Evaluation and Personnel Security adjudication initiatives, Participating in briefings to provide guidance, resolution of adjudicative issues, and assurance of coordinated/uniform personnel security operations, and Communicating with security personnel, agencies and incumbents to ensure pertinent information is obtained in accordance with due process procedures.

Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:

1. Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.

2. Personnel Security: Apply personnel security principles and methods to process initial investigations, clearances, periodic re-investigations, and clearance upgrades/downgrades, suspension, revocations, terminations, reinstatements and to complete the adjudication, and appeals processes. Evaluate internal and external security clearance requests and ensures applicant's actions are consistent with regulatory requirements. Analyze and report on clearance and appeals findings to senior security officials and makes appropriate notifications.

3. Self Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

4. Writing: Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience.

5. Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; effectively deals with ambiguity.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the SME Resume Panel review.

Application Questionnaire: Applicants must complete a screen out questionnaire as part of the application process. Applicants identified as meeting the basic education requirement and minimum qualifications for the position may move on to the SME Resume Panel review.

HR/SME Panel Review: An HR/SME Panel will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the competencies stated below. Only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed. Applicants that are found qualified will move on to the next phase of the hiring process.

Competencies: Decision Making, Personnel Security, Self Management, Writing, and Flexibility

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration.

A review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses provided in the Assessment Questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation, you will be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

All eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.