Security Assistant

Summary If selected you would conduct a wide variety of technical support and range of assignments related to the Personnel Security and credentialing process for federal and non-federal personnel employed by the agency. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Collect and review all background investigation and security clearance forms for accuracy; contacts employees and/or program officials for missing documentation when necessary. Administer the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) request process for employee credentials. Research and updates personnel security databases and associated documents on required background investigations. Serves as the technical expert in processing SF-85, Non-Sensitive/Low-Risk Background Investigations. Pull reports on pending SF-85 requests; analyze the content of the reports and conducts appropriate follow-up (e.g. overdue submissions, delinquent or missing forms, correspondences, etc. ) Operates the Livescan machine for fingerprinting new employees. Transmits the fingerprint cards or Livescan fingerprints for the Special Agency Check (SAC) Prepares and signs correspondence to customers identifying required corrections and/or additions. Facilitates the closing of investigations upon receipt of certificates, suitability determinations, or clearances. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a US Citizen or US National Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit Successful completion of one-year trial period Qualifications To be eligible, applicants must meet one of the following requirements; Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two (2) years; or Individuals who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above shall have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. This eligibility period cannot extend more than 6 years from the date on which the requirements for the academic course of study were met. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements above, applicants must possess the experience requirements as follows: Using Microsoft Office Suite and associated applications. Maintaining and updating tracking spreadsheets and files. Operating LiveScan Fingerprint machine for submitting fingerprints for Special Agency Check (SAC). Verifying accuracy of paperwork and making adjustments and corrections as needed according to standard operating procedures. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education See Education Information above. Additional Information Recent Graduate appointments are intended to last for 1 year. Recent Graduates who satisfactorily complete all the USDA Recent Graduates Program requirements may be non-competitively converted to a Term or Permanent appointment in the competitive service. Conversion is not guaranteed. Recent Graduates converted to Term appointments may later be non-competitively converted to a Permanent competitive service position. 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. (