Summary The incumbent of this position serves as a Personnel Security Assistant in the PSU, and the position is to perform 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. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies as they occur. Responsibilities The Personnel Security Assistant performs work related to the collection, organization and/or tracking of information in support of the Personnel Security Program. The Personnel Security Program includes the processes of initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases for release to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in compliance with policies relating to completion of suitability investigations for Federal employees and others requiring background investigations for non-sensitive and public trust positions. The work of this position centers on assisting 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 Review position risk sensitivity levels as full assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist. Assemble position descriptions and functional statements for the Personnel Security Specialist for review. Track electronically the level assigned and the appropriate background investigation needed Initiates, reviews and releases appointees background investigations in the NBIS System in conjunction with the VA- Adjudication Center (VA-AC). in conjunction with the Personnel Security and Adjudication Center Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using NBIS e-Apps e-QIP within the required timeframe as per policy. Works closely with the adjudicator to monitor the progress of investigations when applicable. Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints via USAccess Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources Support the programming of PIV cards after being manufactured. Perform minor PIV troubleshooting of the PIV System during malfunctions and resolve system issues. Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card, a standardized identification badge designed to increase security related with physical access to Federal facilities and networks and logical access to computer systems. Accomplishes special projects in relation to the PIV Program. 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. In conjunction with the Personnel Security Specialist and/or lead/supervisor, presents training/briefings for supervisors, managers, and employees related to various aspects of the Personnel Security Program. Utilize the VA-CABS system building applicant positions; verifying scheduled and favorably adjudicated investigations. Uses the NP2 systems; PIPS/CVS Reviews applicant's data ensuring that the submitted information matches the demographic data and that all required information has been provided. Accepts/rejects applicants Ensures that security activities are in accordance with agency security policies. Keeps security information confidential and assures compliance with the requirements of safeguarding personal and other sensitive data pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 1997, and the Privacy Act of 1974. 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: Monday - Friday, 8:00 Am to 4:30 PM Position Description/PD#: Personnel Security Assistant/PD99952-S and PD99952-A Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 may 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. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2026. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: GS-06 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal Service; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: extensive knowledge in using initiative and is able to work independently within the framework established by the Supervisor in carrying out recurring assignments such as obtaining, inserting, and correcting missing and incorrect data in Personnel Security files and automated systems; extensive experience in following established procedures or instructions that specifically describe how the work is to be done and the kind of modifications or exceptions that can be made and is able to refer specific problems not covered by the Supervisor's instructions or standard operating procedures to Supervisor or Lead Personnel Security Specialist for assistance and/or a decision; extensive experience in using guidelines in the form of instructions, manuals, and regulations. GS-07 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level in the Federal Service; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: expert knowledge in performing work related to the collection, organization and/or tracking of information in support of the Personnel Security Program; expert experience in processes of initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases for release to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in compliance with policies relating to completion of suitability investigations for Federal employees and others requiring background investigations for non-sensitive and public trust positions; extensive knowledge of assisting 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. 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 this grade level. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
