Security Assistant

Summary

The Security Assistant performs security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program within a shared services unit. The Personnel Security Program assures that all appointees have the appropriate level of security/suitability clearance commensurate with their assignment. The incumbent serves as an Assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist. Also entails Personal Identity Verification Program (PIV) responsibility.

Duties

• Duties include but are not limited to: Initiates, reviews and releases applicants' and appointees' background investigations in the Office of Personnel Management's Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system or in conjunction with the VA Personnel Security Adjudication Center (VA-PSAC). Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card, a standardized identification badge. Supports the programming of PIV cards after being manufactured. Performs minor PIV troubleshooting of the PIV System during malfunctions and resolve system issues. Assists the Personnel Security Specialist in collecting appropriate background information, tracking and reviewing data, completion of reports, maintaining databases and processing follow-up actions on various security related matters and assisting with suitability adjudications. Responsible for maintaining an in-depth working knowledge of PIV role holder responsibilities. Provides technical advice and guidance to employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers regarding matters pertaining to the PIV Program. As needed, works with applicants who may be experiencing difficulties with completion of electronic forms related to the background screening process. Also works with Recruitment and Staffing to assure required background documents are complete and accurate as per policy (OF-306, SF-85, SF-85P, etc.). Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints for applicants and employees or when the FBI returns fingerprints unclassifiable for various reasons. Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an applicant's or appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources, i.e., fingerprint/badge log, notification(s) of investigation(s) scheduled by Office of Personnel Management (OPM), requests by OPM for additional information, receipt/disposition of results of both Special Agreement Checks (SAC's) and Tier 1 investigations (T1's) or higher, to include interim reports or pending completion reports, assignment for adjudication and final disposition of the investigation. Maintains proficiency in USA access to create and issue PIV cards, capture biometrics, troubleshoot card and PIN issues, and perform all aspects of card lifecycle management. Responsible for assisting in the execution of personnel security-related functions as they relate to VA Subjects in Veterans Affairs Centralized Adjudication and Background Investigation System (VA-CABS). Has basic knowledge of the application and training on using VA-CABS. Assists with the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Program in performing functions associated with the daily operations to include performing Registrar and/or Issuer duties and training Sponsors on their roles and responsibilities. Regularly monitors the status of specific pending items, compiles data to produce reports, follows up to determine status and records results. Reports are produced on a regular basis (weekly) to keep top level management apprised of the status of the Suitability/Security Program and for performance management/performance improvement initiatives. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM MST Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant/PD99952S, PD99654-S, and PD99653-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized- Must live in the designated location. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/09/2026. For GS-05 grade level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: responsibilities in performing office work and database maintenance; performing standard and non-standard assignments involving different and unrelated processes or methods in varying sequence; resolving non-recurring problems and meeting deadlines; following guidelines in the form of instructions, manuals, and regulations. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years education above high school (transcripts required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education. Example; The applicant has 9 months of specialized experience and 75 semester hours of college (15 semester hours beyond the second year and the equivalent of 3 months of specialized experience). For GS-06 grade level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities in performing office work and database maintenance; registering and enrolling applicants/customers by evaluating eligibility and identity, taking and/or scanning Applicant photo and fingerprints; submitting fingerprints to FBI; submitting investigation forms to OPM; reviewing investigation results; and approving or denying applicant requests. For GS-07 grade level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases for release, Review position risk sensitivity levels, Reviews information submitted by the requesting office to validate level of background required, enters appointee information into a local data base tracking system and refers appointee for fingerprinting. Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using e-QIP within the required timeframe as per policy. Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints, Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources There is no educational substitution for the GS-6 or GS-7 level. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position Attention to Detail Computer Skills Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Technical Competence Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, small boxes, or books. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at the GS 6 and GS 7 grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Grade: GS 5 to 7. . Apply by 2026-11-09 on USAJOBS.