Security Specialist
About This Position
See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position and conditions that apply. Provides technical oversight and guidance on designing, constructing, accrediting, and operating Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.
Qualifications
To qualify for this GS-13 Security Specialist you must demonstrate at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position and/or experience is in another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-12. Such experience is work that primarily consists of analytical, planning, advisory, operational or evaluative work related to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, training and methods for identifying and protecting information, personnel, property, facilities, operations or material from unauthorized disclosure, misuse, theft, assault, vandalism, espionage, sabotage or loss. Specialized Experience 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-12 (OR 52 weeks in a federal position equivalent to GS-12 as determined by this office). Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
Major Duties
Ensures the readiness and uninterrupted operation of all SCIF communications systems and acts as the liaison for the agency responsible for the management, review, and dissemination of intelligence and threat information at all levels
Ensures classified and sensitive materials are safeguarded, transmitted, transferred, reproduced, downgraded, and destroyed in conformance with prescribed directives.
Interprets and implements applicable Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community directives (ICD), and other regulations that pertain to SCI/SSO operations.
Plans, implements, and maintains a comprehensive self-assessment program targeting the agency’s handling of SCI and all classified information, material, systems, and assets.
How You Will Be Evaluated
(1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire,
in addition to your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal). Only applicants who meet eligibility requirements will be evaluated. (2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12931506 (3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Specialized Experience.
RESUME: Describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited. - Knowledge of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) operating systems regulations, directives, and guidance. (12 points) - Skill in managing and maintaining classified information and systems. (12 points) - Ability to present oral and written presentations. (12 points) - Ability to analyze, interpret, develop and implement policies and procedures in coordination with other organizations. (12 points) - Ability to implement Continuity of Operations policies and objectives. (9 points) Total Possible Points = 57 It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed.
Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. (4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official.
You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience. PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified ICTAP eligibles in the commuting area of this vacancy will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents). Eligible veterans may apply under this Merit Promotion announcement, but preference points are not applied and veterans do not receive priority consideration.
See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.
Additional Information
WHO MAY APPLY: (1) ICTAP/CTAP (see Career Transition) (2) Current Competitive Service / permanent OR conditional tenure (3) Former Competitive Service -- resigned or retired with (a) permanent tenure (separation at any time) (b) conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years) OR (c) conditional tenure AND vet preference (separation at any time) (4) Current Excepted Service: (a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc) (b) agency with Interchange Agreement (c) Schedule A -- block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) (d) not described above but can demonstrate prior Competitive Service OR vet status (5) Former Excepted Service - must have prior Competitive Service (permanent or conditional tenure) OR veterans' status (6) Military Spouses (see USAJOBS Help Center - Military spouses) (7) VEOA -- see USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans -- if you have non-qualifying Excepted Service and are an eligible veteran, you may use VEOA as your eligibility, but still must provide documents demonstrating your Excepted Service status (e.g., current SF-50 / performance appraisal or separation SF-50). VEOA cannot be used to circumvent merit promotion requirements. VEOA applicants with federal status will be considered on federal status first and VEOA only if federal status cannot be used.
Eligibilities must be fully documented to receive consideration. If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. OTHER NOTES: See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for this position.
See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position. This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in this organization.
Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued.
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is Woodlawn, Maryland; you may be required to travel up to 25% of duty time. Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). This is a critical-sensitive high-risk public trust position.
You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted.
You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI).
How to Apply
Per OPM's new resume guidance, resumes must be limited to 2 pages only. Additional documents may be uploaded using the 'Other Documents' option. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) 04/24/2026 and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume (SSA employees may also submit SSA-45) (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. If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers at SSA at [email protected].
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Required Documents
Per OPM's new resume guidance, resumes are limited to 2 pages. Additional documents may be uploaded using the 'Other Documents' option. RESUME -- your name and contact information -- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week -- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position -- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and -- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position.
If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. SF-50 -- required for all current and former federal employees -- SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type.
In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate each of the four eligibility requirements. FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL -- required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit a mid-year review or other 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI action in lieu of a full performance appraisal.
IN LIEU OF PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL (only under certain conditions) -- if your current federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal. FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- your separation SF-50 must show that your separation was for other than performance or conduct. This is the only document former federal employees should submit 'in lieu' of a Performance Appraisal.
VETERANS -- If you are a current or former federal employee using your veterans' status to apply under VEOA, you are subject to the time-in-grade and appraisal requirements and must submit an SF-50 and Performance Appraisal, as stated above,
in addition to your veteran's documents.. VEOA -- submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing honorable discharge and -- 3+ years of continuous active duty OR -- (if not evident on DD-214) documents demonstrating eligibility for veterans' preference **For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse, along with your DD-214 (Member 4 copy). Current active-duty service members claiming eligibility under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date.
Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date, type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after August 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
PREFERENCE ELIGIBLES: ICTAP -- Submit separation notice; SF-50 showing separation; or other ICTAP-eligibility documents and most recent performance appraisal. (See http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp) ICTAP-eligibles must have been separated from an agency in the commuting area of this vacancy. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable.