Security Assistant

Personnel Security Assistant

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. The work of the Personnel Security Assistant has a direct impact on the accomplishment of national and local performance measures with regard to timeliness of actions and following are the major duties of this position:

• 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.
• For pre-employment processes, serves as the initial point of contact for new appointees including but not limited to paid or without compensation employees, volunteers, students, residents, and contractors. 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.
• Initiates, reviews and releases appointees background investigations in the Office of Personnel Managements Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system or in conjunction with the VA-Adjudication Center (VA-AC).
• 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.
• Support the programming of PIV cards after being manufactured. Perform minor PIV troubleshooting of the PIV System during malfunctions and resolve system issues.

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. Assures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders, records related to fee basis employees, contract personnel, volunteers, or without compensation employees. Maintains required files related to the suitability process in accordance with OPM/agency guidelines. Requests information from various law enforcement agencies and courts. Assures that the approving official is kept informed of these actions. Reviews applicant's data ensuring that the submitted information matches the demographic data and that all required information has been provided. Accepts/rejects applicants

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 - 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Compressed/Flexible: Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant/ PD99952S