Personnel Security Specialist

Position Details

Full Time, On‑Site – Chesapeake, VA. Overtime exempt: No. Reports to: ARMADA HQ. Security clearance required: Secret. Position contingent upon award.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide pre‑screening background investigative support services for Tier 1 through Tier 5 investigations (or equivalent).
• Review and analyze SF‑85, SF‑85P, SF‑86, OF‑306, fingerprint results, FBI criminal history check results, applicant correspondence, court dispositions, and applicable credit reports.
• Identify, analyze, and communicate issues or concerns related to applicant suitability determinations in accordance with 5 CFR 731 suitability criteria.
• Conduct detailed analysis and evaluation of personnel suitability/security investigations, security files, and related source documentation.
• Evaluate information to determine authenticity, relevance, and applicability to adjudicative decisions.
• Review suitability documentation for adverse information reflecting on an individual’s conduct and character.
• Prepare and package adjudicative cases requiring management review and final suitability eligibility determinations.
• Prepare comprehensive written adjudication reports recommending approval, denial, or revocation of suitability eligibility with supporting rationale.
• Utilize Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eApp), Central Verification System (CVS), Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS), and other applicable personnel security systems to validate investigation requirements and reciprocity eligibility.
• Use Department of Homeland Security Integrated Security Management System (ISMS) or similar agency systems when applicable.
• Develop personnel security (PERSEC) materials including briefing slides, reports, process guides, manuals, and other supporting documentation.
• Review and edit documentation for grammar, technical accuracy, completeness, content quality, and audience understanding.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers regarding sensitive personnel security matters.
• Provide positive customer service support while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Support supervisory reviews of adjudication reports and related correspondence activities as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal personnel security and suitability adjudication processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of 5 CFR 731 suitability criteria and background investigation processes.
• Ability to analyze complex personnel security and suitability information and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written adjudication reports.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Effective oral and written communication of sensitive information.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with eApp, CVS, PIPS, and related personnel security systems.
• Intermediate or higher proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to develop reports, briefing materials, guides, and manuals.
• Ability to review and edit technical and administrative documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Minimum Education / General Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a security‑related discipline or a minimum of five (5) years of documented qualifying experience in personnel security, suitability adjudication, or related security functions.
• Recent (within the last two years) experience providing pre‑screening background investigative support services for Tier 1‑through‑Tier 5 investigations or equivalent.
• Experience reviewing SF‑85, SF‑85P, SF‑86, OF‑306, fingerprint results, FBI criminal history check results, court dispositions, and credit reports.
• Experience preparing adjudicative recommendations regarding personnel suitability determinations.
• Desirable: Experience conducting supervisory reviews of completed adjudication reports and correspondence activities.

Required Certifications

• Completion of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Essentials of Suitability Adjudication Program, Basic Adjudication courses, or similar applicable adjudication/suitability training.

Additional Information

Relocation is not available for this position. Candidates must successfully pass a background check and pre‑employment drug testing; job offers are contingent upon those results.

The above information is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed and is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.