Adjudicator - Entry to Mid-Level (Maryland)

About the Role

Security and Counterintelligence is responsible for the protection of NSA/CSS information, people, and facilities worldwide. In support of this mission, Adjudicators ensure a trusted workforce by providing timely and efficient decisions to determine an individual's eligibility for initial or continued access to NSA classified information, including evaluating candidates sponsored by the military or external agencies for access to NSA operational areas.

Decisions are based on information developed through Reports of Polygraph Examination, Reports of Investigation, continuous evaluation programs, and various other investigative/analytical resources per the criteria established in Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4).

Responsibilities

• Conducting security adjudicative administrative processes
• Conducting the security adjudicative analytic and risk mitigation process
• Coordinating the security clearance process, including vetting, approval, denial, and access control
• Making security clearance determinations in accordance with DOD, IC, and NSA/CSS personnel security regulations, principles, and processes
• Evaluating reports of investigations, interpreting, and applying adjudicative guidelines to formulate a recommended course of action consistent with relevant Executive Orders, OPM, Department of Justice, DoD, ODNI, DCSA, IC elements, and NSA related to security/suitability determinations
• Corroborating or mitigating serious derogatory information
• Reviewing case files of all relevant materials pertaining to a case including all paperwork, any other source materials, and the opinions of other relevant/investigative personnel
• Reviewing investigative documents to identify discrepancies, inconsistencies, and areas potentially requiring clarification or additional investigation
• Reviewing relevant security databases and repositories/records to determine if there are any open internal cases which may be related to the affiliate's background investigation
• Determining if additional inquiries are necessary to resolve discrepant, negative, or contradictory information
• Retrieving data from credit bureaus, requesting Local Agency checks, reviewing reports to determine criminal records or traffic violations
• Reviewing adjudicative determinations or relevant databases of security personnel in relation to valid investigative requirements
• Reviewing and verifying information submitted on applications/Personnel Security Questionnaires
• Authoring written documentation that clearly cites findings and/or justifies recommendations for eligibility determinations for access to SCI classified information
• Drafting detailed evaluation of adverse information

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Degree in any field is acceptable. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: adjudication, personnel security, physical security, counterintelligence, anti-terrorism force protection, analysis, investigation, or auditing.

• Entry/Developmental: High school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
• Full Performance: High school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.

Pay

Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.

Salary Range: $57,736 - $133,142 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance). Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position. Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.

Benefits

NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with a basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible). Core hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Skills

The ideal candidate has a desire for continual learning with excellent problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is:

• A strong written and oral communicator
• Able to work as an individual and in a team environment
• Capable of making independent decisions or recommendations
• Well-organized, able to handle multiple assignments and prioritize work
• Focused on customer needs
• Able to use basic office tools and functions, such as Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Able to lift 20 lbs

Preference is given to applicants with a DoD Adjudicator Professional Certification (APC).