Personnel Security Specialist

About the role

Shields Point, LLC, a subsidiary of Alutiiq, LLC, is seeking a Personnel Security Specialist – Mid Level in Vienna, VA. The specialist serves in the USAccess (HSPD‑12) Adjudicator or Sponsor role, reviewing investigation reports, security files, and other material to recommend grant, deny, revoke, or suspend clearance eligibility for national security and public‑trust positions. The role also involves drafting adjudicative memoranda, initiating and submitting electronic background investigations to DCSA, supporting SCI nominations, clearance certifications/revalidations, and Continuous Evaluation, and providing subject‑matter expertise on personnel security policy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Personnel Security subject‑matter expert, interpreting security policy guidance.
• Act as Adjudicator or Sponsor in the USAccess (HSPD‑12) system to adjudicate or sponsor PIV card requests.
• Review and evaluate reports of investigation, security files, and other material; recommend grant, deny, revoke, or suspend clearance eligibility.
• Identify and mitigate potential security and suitability concerns.
• Assist in preparing adjudicative memoranda, including Statements of Reasons, Letters of Intent to Deny/Revoke, Warning and Final Determination letters.
• Collect and submit documentation required for SCI nomination/adjudication.
• Initiate, review, and submit electronic background investigations to DCSA.
• Support clearance certifications, revalidations, and Continuous Evaluation program requirements.
• Support special projects as required.
• Develop, update, and implement SOPs, training aids, guidance, policies, and directives based on current EOs, ICDs, SEADs, Treasury, and internal FinCEN policy; generate administrative correspondence (reports, memoranda, letters, spreadsheets, forms); maintain files; escort security vendors as necessary.
• Update internal databases (SIMS, shared drives/folders, SharePoint, Clearance Tracker, Lenel, TRAKA, USAccess (HSPD‑12)).
• Provide training and briefings in the assigned area of expertise.
• Support safety and emergency preparedness (evacuations, fire drills, shelter‑in‑place, COOP) and provide a bi‑weekly office metrics report to the COR.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Hands‑on experience in the Personnel Security discipline.
• Experience initiating and reviewing background investigations and related documents.
• Experience using personnel security databases and clearance repositories (e.g., JPAS/JCAVS, CVS, PIPS, DISS, JVS, CATS, NBIS, Scattered Castles).
• Working knowledge of implementing government security programs and policies.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• 3‑5 years of specialized experience in Personnel Security with increasing responsibility and complexity.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English; basic computer skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Current final Top Secret personnel security clearance with eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI); interim clearances not accepted.

Preferred Certifications & Education

• Experience with National Security, Suitability, or Due Process adjudications.
• OPM Essentials of Suitability Adjudication, Personnel Security Adjudication, or Due Process Adjudication certifications.
• DNI Personnel Security Adjudications Course.
• Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC).
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Pay

Salary range: $123,000 to $136,500 annually.