Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
Location(s): Woodlawn, Maryland
Salary Range: $70623 - $133142 Per Year
Job Summary: See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position and conditions that apply. Coordinates and carries out special projects and studies covering many areas of SSA's personnel program. Performs works of analytical, technical and advisory nature in connection with the goals of the agency's personnel management program. See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.
Major Duties:
Qualifications: To qualify for this Personnel Security Specialist position, you must demonstrate: (1) at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience OR (2) Optional Education (GS-09 and GS-11 only) OR (3) Combination of Specialized Experience and Optional Education (GS-09 and GS-11 only) Minimum Qualifications for GS-09: (1) Specialized Experience: At least 52 weeks providing administrative services related to Personnel Security and federal personnel vetting. This experience must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-07 OR (for positions on another federal pay scale or experience outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-07. Work that demonstrates specialized experience includes: (1) applying analytical and problem-solving methods and techniques and (2) presenting findings or recommendations **If you have experience performing this type of work as it relates to Personnel Security, it must be clearly described in your resume, or it cannot be considered. (2) Optional Education: you must have a master's degree OR successful completion of at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent degree. (3) Combination: you must have a portion of Specialized Experience (i.e., less than 52 weeks performing qualifying duties) and a portion of qualifying Optional Education that can be combined to meet the full requirement. SEE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW Minimum Qualifications for GS-11 (1) Specialized Experience: At least 52 weeks providing advisory services related to Personnel Security and federal personnel vetting. This experience must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-09 OR (for positions on another federal pay scale or experience outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-09. Work that demonstrates specialized experience includes: (1) applying federal rules, regulations and procedures (2) assisting with gathering, maintaining and analyzing data in areas such as federal policies, procedures, systems, etc. (3) using automated systems for gathering data, preparing documents or reports; and (4) assisting senior staff and employees with personnel security issues, inquiries, problems and complaints . **If you have experience performing this type of work as it relates to Personnel Security, it must be clearly described in your resume, or it cannot be considered. (2) Optional Education: you must have a Ph.D. or successful completion of at least 3 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (3) Combination: you must have a portion of Specialized Experience (i.e., less than 52 weeks performing qualifying duties) and a portion of qualifying Optional Education that can be combined to meet the full requirement. SEE EDUCATION SECTION BELOW Minimum Qualifications for GS-12 Specialized Experience: you must have at least 52 weeks providing technical services related to Personnel Security and federal personnel vetting. This experience must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-11 OR (for positions on another federal pay scale or experience outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-11. Education cannot be used in lieu of or in addition to Specialized Experience to meet Minimum Qualifications at this grade level. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience and/or Optional Education) must be met by the closing date of this announcement. If you have federal status and are applying for promotion, you must have at least 52 weeks at GS-07 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-09 GS-09 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-11 and GS-11 (or other federal equivalent) for promotion to GS-12 Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
How to Apply: (1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account. (2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct. (3) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents. (4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process. (5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND (6) 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) May 15, 2026, and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume (and transcript, if applicable) (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. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Application Deadline: 2026-05-15