Security Specialist

Job Title: Security Specialist - DHS

Location: Washington, DC

DHS is seeking a qualified Security Specialist to provide comprehensive security support across personnel, physical, industrial, information, and operations security domains. The ideal candidate will have experience implementing federal security directives, supporting classified programs, and advising on security policy and compliance. Mid-level contractor support is also specifically needed to plan and coordinate actions for Personnel Security Entry On Duty (EOD) and suitability processes for both federal and contract DHS employees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer the Cognizant Security Authority's (CSA) departmental security program to protect classified information and facilities in accordance with applicable directives, regulations, manuals, and guidelines.
• Provide support to Personnel Security for DHS S&T Directorate, including planning and coordinating actions for EOD and suitability processes for both federal and contract employees.
• Create pre-appointment, suitability, periodic reinvestigations, and upgrade records for each subject.
• Handle sensitive information needed for suitability requirements.
• Issue and verify new badge request forms; coordinate with Access Control for badge sponsorship for applicants outside of the DC Metro area.
• Send eQIP and Contractor fitness invites to new applicants.
• Execute and append all necessary checks for EOD/Suitability for each applicant's record, including accessing CVS, CIS, NCIC, NN16, TECS, and JPAS databases, retrieving credit reports, fingerprint submissions, and handling applicant eQIP files.
• Order investigations via OPM portal based on each subject's risk level as determined by their specific position.
• Initiate both investigations and re-investigations; coordinate with the Office of Personnel Management to submit all required documentation to begin the appropriate investigation (BI, MBI, ANCI, NACI, NACLC, or SSBI).
• Receive, scan, and upload completed investigations; transfer files and prep cases for final determinations.
• Provide solutions to specific customer service queries, status checks, eligibility status, and explain the process of pre-appointment and DHS Suitability to requestors.
• Secure HSDN rooms to ensure proper use as per DHS security guidelines and document access to each room.
• Attend and assist with briefings with new vendors to explain required security processes for onboarding at DHS, including paperwork and investigations needed to begin work at DHS S&T.
• Support the implementation of DHS security management directives and recommend security policy changes as appropriate.
• Provide support services in personnel security, foreign disclosure, physical security, industrial security, security education and training, classification management, operations security, and classified document control.
• Assist with industrial security support, including contract reviews for security requirements and clauses, and support the DHS/S&T Appendix G: Sensitivity Review process.
• Coordinate the Operations Security (OPSEC) program at DHS/S&T.
• Process foreign travel notifications and foreign national visitor reports.
• Provide technical assistance on security matters, including inspection, investigation, and review in accordance with DHS security policy and procedures.
• Support security oversight and the interpretation of new or revised federal security policy, laws, regulations, and DHS Management Directives.
• Provide support for security review and coordination of DD Form 254 issuance with program managers and Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs), including Facility Clearance Level sponsorship as required.
• Monitor all on-site physical security devices and systems.
• Maintain a working relationship with DHS/S&T contract representatives, advising on security matters via weekly staff meetings or briefings.
• Coordinate, process, and monitor contractor fitness assessments for all S&T contract new hires, special acquisitions, position upgrades/downgrades, and detail positions, ensuring timely completion in coordination with the DHS Office of the Chief Security Officer (OCSO) Personnel Security Division (PSD).
• Provide general security customer service and monitor the security email mailbox
• Provide onsite facility support and coverage at DHS/S&T facilities, as assigned.
• Support risk management activities, including Small Business Innovation Program (SBIR) Due Diligence and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program plans.

CSA/SCIF-Specific Duties:

• Ensure SF701/SF702 forms are posted, collected, and retained for 90 days.
• Conduct annual Emergency Plan tests (e.g., power outages, fire drills, written tests).
• Validate Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) access rosters.
• Report initial security incidents to the Special Security Officer (SSO); complete DHS Form 11000.10.
• Request PIV card access via access control, submit for alarm passcode authority, and provide training on open/closing procedures.
• Assist with security container combination changes or coordinate with Physical Security.
• Ensure all Information System (IS) assets have appropriate classification labels (SF706, SF707, SF708, SF710, SF712).
• Complete courier authorization requests, submit to SSO for approval, and assist with proper wrapping procedures.
• Ensure SCI Refresher training is conducted annually (obtain list from PALMS and send to SSO for input to ISMS).
• Prepare for SCIF Compliance Audits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Security Management, Criminal Justice, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in federal security programs (personnel, physical, industrial, information, or operations security).
• Personnel Security experience, including knowledge of DHS Personnel Security Division processes and procedures.
• Experience with DHS security guidelines.
• Experience with eQIP and its process.
• Experience with investigation types: BI, MBI, ANACI, NACI, NACLC, and SSBI.
• Experience with security-related databases: CVS, CIS, NCIC, NN16, TECS, JPAS, and OPM portal.
• Experience with Access Control activities.
• Experience in generating briefing materials and participating in presentations.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), listening and comprehension, and adherence to applicable communication channels, policies, and procedures.
• Customer service skills: intuitive, action-oriented, and exercises initiative.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple tasks, recognize time constraints, and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and customers. Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting DHS or other federal science and technology organizations.
• Experience with SBIR/STTR risk management

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