Security Assistant Job in Portland, OR

Vacancy No. CAZK-12593210-25-CRR Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $42,571.00 to $68,556.00 Grade 5 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/1/2024 Close Date 11/6/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Portland, OR


Summary

This position serves as a Security Assistant and performs security-related functions in support of a Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program (hereinafter, "Personnel Security Program") within the SBU. The Personnel Security Program assures that all appointees have the appropriate level of security/suitability clearance commensurate with their assignment. Work assigned is of a very confidential and highly sensitive nature.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following.

  • Collects, organizes and tracks information in support of the Personnel Security Program.
  • Reviews 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.
  • Tracks electronically the level assigned and the appropriate background investigation needed.
  • Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card.
  • 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 Application (e-APP) system or in conjunction with the VA- Adjudication Center (VA-AC).
  • Monitors the status of specific pending items, compiles data to produce reports, follows up to determine status and records results.
  • Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed and released using e-APP within the required timeframe as per policy. Works closely with the VA-AC to monitor the progress of investigations when applicable.
  • Assists in presenting 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
  • Maintains an in-depth working knowledge of PIV role holder responsibilities.
  • Provides technical advice and guidance regarding matters pertaining to PIV Program.
  • Assembles position descriptions and functional statements for the Personnel Security Specialist for review.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not available
Virtual/Remote: This is not a Virtual/Remote position
Position Description Title/PD#: Security Assistant
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.
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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Preferred Experience: Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Excel and Outlook.

GS-05 grade level: You must have at least one (1) full year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal Service. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: Extracts information from various sources that requires considering and applicability of information and the characteristics and quality of the source; Performs clerical assistance tasks in support of established programs; Communicates effectively with internal and external customers. OR
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years of education beyond high school. This education must have equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position at this grade level. OR
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

GS-06 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: Uses forms for administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the personal identification card; Obtains, inserts, and corrects missing and incorrect data in personnel security files and automated systems; Assures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders.
Education: There is NO education substitution for this grade level.

GS-07 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: Collects appropriate background security information, tracking and reviewing data; Enters, extracts, and evaluates employee information via access to various computer databases; Initiates, reviews, and approves background cases related to the completion of suitability investigations; Completes reports and maintains databases; Processes position risks sensitivity levels, preemployment tasks, log maintenance, electronic fingerprints, minor identification card troubleshooting; Performs admin tasks associated with authorization of personal identification cards, special projects, performing audits, credentialing rules and regulations.
Education: There is NO education substitution for this grade level.

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.

Education

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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.If 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

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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 well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

VA uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.gov.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Other (3)
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Documents Required:
  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/06/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12593210.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Charis Romero
Address
VHA VISN 20 Human Resources
1601 E. 4TH PLAIN BLVD
VANCOUVER, WA 98661-3713
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


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


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