SECURITY SPECIALIST Job in Fort McNair, DC

Vacancy No. D-NDU-25-12653024-EB Department National Defense University
Salary $99,200.00 to $128,956.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/24/2024 Close Date 1/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Fort McNair, DC


Summary

The incumbent of this position will serve as the Information Security Specialist within the Security Directorate under the Chief Operating Officer. The Security Office is responsible for providing a full range of security management support functions and services to the university and its five associated colleges, institutes, centers, and special programs.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All US citizens.

Duties

  • Provides technical oversight for one or more of the major security program functional areas and serves as a primary source of information and guidance in those specialty security areas.
  • Manages operations security (OPSEC) program; reviews and analyzes results of investigations and assessments; and coordinates security requirements for individuals that include military, civilian employee, consultant, or contractor personnel.
  • Implements plans and procedures for the internal safeguarding of classified material/national security information (NSI) and access and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
  • Organizes and conducts security training sessions for NDU personnel, briefs newly assigned personnel on security requirements, and debriefs personnel upon departure from NDU.
  • Provides policy, guidance and oversight to COMSEC (Communications Security) programs.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship or National
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Registered for Selective Service
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance to occupy Special-Sensitive/High Risk position. The incumbent must undergo periodic special background investigations and drug testing for continued eligibility as required.
  • The incumbent of this position is required to obtain and maintain the Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) certification: Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) within their first 2 years of employment.

Qualifications

One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

Specialized Experience is defined as experience defined as 1) Managing an information security program; 2) Interpreting security concepts to include governing regulations, policies, and directives; 3) Managing an operation security program; and 4) Arranging classified meetings and materials.

Volunteer Experience: 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, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level.

Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.

    • Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
    • An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
  • FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
    • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education

Additional information

  • Our complete benefits package is one of the most comprehensive found in either government or private sector. These extraordinary benefits encompass health, pay, work/life balance, growth & learning.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • A one year probationary period may be required.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service. See http://www.ssa.gov/
  • This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
  • This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Priority Consideration: If you are a displaced Federal Civil Service employee and attain a rating of at least 90, you may be entitled to receive special priority selection under the ICTAP. For more information on ICTAP, click here ICTAP Guidance. NOTE: If you have never worked for the Federal Government, you are NOT ICTAP eligible?
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
  • All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
  • Required Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC): In accordance with Department of Defense (DoD) Manual 3305.13-M, "DoD Security Accreditation and Certification", this position has been identified as a Defense Security Position (DSP). Individuals occupying positions designated as DSPs are required to meet certification requirements of the Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) program. The incumbent of this position is required to obtain and maintain Tier 1, Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) as a Condition of Employment.
Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level.

PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only.

For grades below the full performance level, only MSP/PPP eligible candidates who currently occupy a formal training program position will be entitled to exercise their priority preference.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection Procedures. We will review your resume and supporting documentation and compare this information to your responses on the occupational questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Eligible candidates will then be placed for selection consideration into 3 categories as described below:

  1. Best Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates experience as an expert in the field or recognized as a senior specialist, team lead, etc.The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:
  2. Highly Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualification requirements and demonstrates full-performance level experience based on responses to occupational questionnaire.
  3. Qualified Category: Meets the minimum qualifications and demonstrates minimum experience and/or training only based on responses to occupational questionnaire.
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Risk Management
  • Security Concepts, Principles and Practices
  • Security Programs
  • Technical Competence


You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12653024

Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil.

Required Documents

1. Resume: HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the most recent. For assistance in preparing your resume, visit DFAS Resume Tools.
2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the scope of work with regard to your responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire, as they generate your numerical rating.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status.

1. Transcripts/Certifications: All applicants to include current employees/contractors, must submit proof of education if the position requires education to meet the basic qualification requirements, or if substituting education to meet specialized experience requirements. For additional information on acceptable documents, visit Transcripts and Certifications. Applicants must also document education and/or certifications in their resume.
2. Cover Letter: You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official if referred. Cover letters will not be used to verify qualifications or determine eligibility.
3. Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so will result in the loss of veteran's preference, and may impact your eligibility for referral.. For more veterans' information please click here.

  • You must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date of application. The certification must include your rank, dates of active duty service and the expected condition of discharge.
  • If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability
  • If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.

4. ICTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal.
5. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
8. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

  1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
  2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
  3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
National Defense University
300 5th Avenue Bldg 62
Washington, DC 20319
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible's who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Qualified) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

All information included in the resume and Occupational Questionnaire is subject to review and verification. HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be further evaluated by information provided in the Occupational Questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have misrepresented your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position and, if you're already an employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal service.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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