Summary This position is located in the Office of Human Capital, Department of the Chief Operating Officer, in Washington, DC. Responsibilities As the Personnel Security Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the agency's Personnel Security Program. Duties include, but are not limited to: Supporting the AmeriCorps Personnel Security Program to ensure that all AmeriCorps employees, contractors, and volunteers meet appropriate federal security requirements. Reviewing and coordinating the risk/sensitivity designation for positions requiring access to AmeriCorps facilities, information and/or systems. Processing security paperwork to ensure agency employees and contractors have or will have the required level of investigation per the designated risk and sensitivity of their position. Reviewing completed forms for completeness and accuracy, requests additional information or clarification of provided information, as required. Initiating, through Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), National Background Investigation System (NBIS), SF-85, Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions and SF-85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions, in order to secure the appropriate background investigation checks for employees and contract personnel, as required. Reviewing completed forms for completeness and accuracy, requests additional information or clarification of provided information from applicant or employee, as required. Supporting the GSA USAccess program to submit required fingerprints and issue agency PIV cards. Upon receipt of completed paperwork, fingerprint results, and final investigations, processing reports as required and takes adjudication actions, including steps when adverse information has surfaced. Recommendations in the case of adverse information may include: 1) steps to clarify information and/or suspend processing of the application until a satisfactory explanation is provided; 2) contacting subject to request additional information; 3) negative adjudication; or 4) other steps, including referral for further investigation. Conducting electronic fingerprint scans on applicants, employees, and contractors through OPM Fingerprint Transmission System or through remote HSPD-12 Enrollment sites, to initiate FBI Name Check and Fingerprint Check, as required. Establishing and maintaining tracking systems for background investigations. Preparing special reports related to the overall security program as requested or on a proactive basis. Supporting on-boarding and exit processes for employee, volunteer and contractor entry to and exit from AmeriCorps. Developing and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for the Personnel Security Program. Drafting and/or issues written communications and reports relative to the personnel security program to internal agency stakeholders or external federal agencies such as Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), General Services Administration (GSA), or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Providing guidance and assignments to other specialists within OHC in absence of the Program Manger to carry out program activities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must have one year specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to at least the mid-range of the NY-02 pay band, which would be at or equivalent to, the GS-09 level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is that which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes: 1) Experience supporting the initiation and review of Federal background investigation forms, using automated personnel security programs/systems, to include data input and analysis; 2) Experience with Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Smart Card or issuance of Smart Card Credential processes and systems; 3) Adjudicating applicant and appointee suitability cases in accordance with 5 CFR, Ch. 731; and 4) Implementing Federal personnel security policies, regulations, directives, standards, and procedures. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Such experience must be clearly documented in the applicant's resume. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement; education may be substituted for Specialized Experience at this grade level. If you are qualifying based on education alone, you must have Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 years of progressively higher-level education leading to such a degree. This education demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. A copy of your unofficial transcript must be submitted or you will lose consideration. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. educational standards. You may also qualify based on a combination of education and experience, if applicable. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information Additional Selections: Additional selections may be made from this announcement or for similar positions across AmeriCorps. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at AmeriCorps. Military Selective Service Act: If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. Veteran's Preference: If you are claiming 5-point or 10-point veteran's preference, you must submit documentation described below in "Required Documents." Special Employment Consideration: Persons with disabilities, disabled veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more, certain other veterans, spouses of certain members of the Armed Forces, VISTA volunteers, some Peace Corps employees and returning Peace Corps volunteers are examples of individuals who are potentially eligible for noncompetitive appointment. If you are eligible and would like to be considered for one of these noncompetitive appointments, applicable documentation that supports your eligibility must be submitted with your application package. Ethics Requirement: Our Agency is committed to the highest ethical standards and, as an employee you will be covered by the criminal conflict of interest statutes (18 U.S.C. 201-209) and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 C.F.R. part 2635). Additionally, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) or Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) within 30 days of your appointment date and on an annual basis thereafter.