About this role
ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers . If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. All positions are onsite, unless otherwise stated. Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) Series & Grade: GS 0080 11/12 Promotion Potential: GS 12 Agency: Department of Homeland Security Organization: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Office: Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Personnel Security Division (PSD) Duty Location(s): Arlington, VA Work Schedule: Full time Appointment Type: Permanent Clearance: TS/SCI (ability to attain) Who May Apply: Veterans with a 30% or more service-connected disability rating Individuals eligible under Schedule A (5 CFR 213.3102(u)) Summary: This position is located in the Personnel Security Division (PSD) within the Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). PSD is responsible for determining the suitability, fitness, and national security eligibility of applicants, employees, contractors, and other affiliates who require access to CISA facilities, information, and systems. The Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator) reviews and adjudicates background investigations, applies personnel security and suitability standards, and supports the overall integrity of CISA’s personnel security and clearance program. Positions may be filled at the GS 11 or GS 12 grade level with promotion potential to GS 12. Duties: As a Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudicator), you will: Review and evaluate background investigation files and other security relevant information for applicants, employees, contractors, and State, local, tribal, and private sector partners requiring access to classified or sensitive information. Assess the scope and sufficiency of investigations based on position risk and sensitivity levels; identify derogatory information and determine whether additional inquiries are needed. Apply Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs), Federal Investigative Standards (FIS) , and DHS/CISA personnel security policies to support determinations regarding: Suitability for Federal employment; Fitness to work for or on behalf of the Federal Government; Eligibility to occupy national security positions; Eligibility for access to classified National Security Information (NSI) and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Conduct or support pre employment checks and personnel security interviews to clarify issues, verify information, and resolve discrepancies. Prepare clear, well documented case summaries, letters of interrogatory, eligibility notifications, and notices of adverse action , ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and procedural requirements. Coordinate with investigative and adjudicative components (e.g., OPM, DHS, FBI, CIA, NSA, and other agencies) to obtain information, resolve discrepancies, and stay current on investigative procedures and emerging threats. Support and, at the higher grade, lead elements of key personnel security programs , such as: Continuous evaluation and reinvestigations; Quality assurance reviews of cases; Industrial security and classified visit programs; Security awareness and training initiatives. Maintain liaison with program managers and other stakeholders, provide status updates on cases , explain determinations, and advise on personnel security policies and processes. Use judgment to interpret and apply guidelines and propose procedural improvements that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of personnel security operations. At the GS 12 level, you will also: Independently review complex and sensitive cases and make final adjudicative decisions on suitability, fitness, and NSI/SCI eligibility, including cases involving waivers, conflicting or insufficient data, and unique or precedent setting issues. Serve as a senior adjudicator and technical authority , reviewing work produced by lower graded specialists, providing feedback, and ensuring that determinations are consistent with established criteria. Help plan and prioritize workloads for the team; recommend adjustments to balance tasks and meet production goals and deadlines. Implement and help manage vital personnel security program elements (continuous evaluation, quality assurance, reinvestigations, industrial security, and security awareness). Represent PSD in meetings and at formal hearings, and, as needed, testify regarding clearance processes, adjudicative criteria, and the rationale for adverse decisions.