Security Assistant

Summary The Legacy VISN 8 Network Office is recruiting to fill a Security Assistant vacancy in the West Palm Beach VAMC to perform security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program (hereinafter, "Personnel Security 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. Responsibilities This announcement will close at 11:59 pm (EST), October 1, 2026 OR at 11:59 pm (EST) on the day 75 applications are received, whichever comes first. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Works with applicants who may be experiencing difficulties with completion of electronic forms related to the background screening process. Supports the programming of PIV cards after manufacture. Requires basic knowledge and training on the application and use of VA-CABS. Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints for appointees or when the FBI returns fingerprints as unclassifiable for various reasons. Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources, E.G., fingerprint/badge log, notification(s) of investigation(s)scheduled by OPM, requests by DCSA for additional information, receipt/disposition of results of both Special Agreement Checks (SAC) and National Agency Check with Inquiry (T1) or higher, to include interim reports or pending completion reports, assignment for adjudication and final disposition of the investigation. Ensures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records. Performs work related to the collection, organization and/or tracking of information in support of the Personnel Security Program. Processes of initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases for release to the Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency (DCSA) 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. Assists 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. 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 logical access to computer systems and networks. 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. Requests information from various law enforcement agencies and courts and assures that the approving official is kept informed of these actions. 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. Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using e-QIP within the required time frame as per policy. Works with Recruitment and Placement to ensure required background documents are complete and accurate as per policy (OF-306, SF-85, SF-85P, etc.). Reviews applicant's data ensuring that the submitted information matches the demographic data and that all required information has been provided. Compiles data from diverse sources, assembles information and develops reports or presentations. 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, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework. Ad-hoc telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Position Description Tile/PD#: Security Assistant/PD99952S, PD99954S, and PD99953S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 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 ( 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 will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or 2 year, 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, 10/01/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-05 grade level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Extracting information from various sources that requires considering and applicability of information and the characteristics and quality of the source; issuing security ID cards; performing clerical assistance tasks in support of established programs (e.g., personnel, physical, information or industrial security) when such work requires; general administrative and/or clerical skills, practical knowledge of specific security administration; experience in initiating background information. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed education above the high school level in any field. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school. (Transcript required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education above the high school level. (Transcript required) GS-06 Grade Level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Using forms administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the personal identification card, a standardized identification badge designed to increase security related with physical access to Federal facilities and networks and logical access to computer systems; obtaining, inserting, and correcting missing and incorrect data in Personnel Security files and automated systems; assuring that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders; conducting onboarding tasks with HR functions. Education: There is no educational substitution at the GS-06 level. GS-07 Grade level Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Collecting appropriate background security information, tracking and reviewing data, completion of reports, maintaining databases and processing; enter, extract, and evaluate employee information via access to various computer databases; initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases related to the completion of suitability investigations; completion of reports; maintaining databases and processing, position risks sensitivity levels, pre-employment processes, log maintenance, electronic fingerprints, minor identification card troubleshooting; ad min tasks associated with authorization of personal identification cards, special projects, performing audits, credentialing rules and regulations. Education: There is no education substitution at the GS-07 grade level. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, small boxes, or books. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. There is no educational substitution at the GS-6 or GS-7 grade level. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. 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. 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. 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. 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