Department of Defense

PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST (ADJUDICATOR)

Fort Meade, Maryland Full time

PERSONNEL SECURITY SPECIALIST (ADJUDICATOR)

Department: Department of Defense

Location(s): Fort Meade, Maryland

Salary Range: $84601 - $131826 Per Year

Job Summary: DCSA's Adjudication Vetting Services is looking for a Personnel Security Specialists to review, evaluate, and resolve routine adjudicative actions. This role requires a change agent with the ability to analyze investigation results and make recommendations to grant, deny, or revoke a security clearance. Consider DCSA, and be a part of America's Gatekeeper Team!

Major Duties:

  • 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.

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 to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12831452. Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at: https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Application Deadline: 2025-11-20