Security Specialist

Summary

See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position. Performs a wide range of duties related to insider threat and resiliency. Provides authoritative advice and guidance to senior management, leads complex projects and initiatives and independently resolves highly complex and sensitive security issues. See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.

Duties

Serves as a technical lead on projects and contributes to the development and implementation of agency-wide security programs and policies. Serves as a senior participant in the agency’s insider threat and resiliency program by monitoring, analyzing and reporting on potential insider threats; collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to assess risk and recommend mitigation strategies. Leads research and analysis of security incidents, threats and trends; prepares high-level reports, briefings and recommendations for senior management and agency leadership. Leads or participates in agency-wide workgroups, special projects and initiatives to improve security and resiliency programs. Develops and delivers advanced security awareness and training programs for employees and contractors, including topics such as physical security, personnel security and insider threat awareness.

Qualifications and evaluation

Only applicants who demonstrate eligibility will be evaluated. (1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire, your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal) and the documents submitted to support your claim. Be sure you claim the correct Eligibility and submit the appropriate supporting documents. Current federal employees must submit their most recent SF-50 and Performance Appraisal but also see other REQUIRED DOCUMENTS below. (2) Eligible applicants will receive a score based on responses to the online experience questions. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13047557 (3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Specialized Experience. Your resume must duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience required for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Duties not clearly described cannot be credited. -- Knowledge of risk management principles (possible 20 points) -- Skill in applying project management principles (possible 20 points) -- Knowledge of advanced management practices (possible 20 points) -- Skill in communicating both orally and in writing (possible 20 points) Total Possible Points = 80 **It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume** Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. (4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Specialized Experience will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review, (See PRIORIITY SELECTION below) Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience. PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents). Eligible veterans may apply under this Merit Promotion announcement, but preference points are not applied and veterans do not receive priority consideration. See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement. Education cannot be used in lieu of (or in addition to) Specialized Experience.

How to apply

(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account (2) Confirm accuracy of your USAJobs Biographic Information (3) Review your application documents to ensure they show all information required for this vacancy (4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents (5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process (6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND (7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional) READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) September 14, 2026 and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume that provides all required information and demonstrates qualifications (3) uploaded supporting documents to fully your eligibility (SF-50s, Performance Appraisal, DD-214, VA Letter, RIF Letter, marriage certificate, spouse's military orders, etc) See QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation. We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action. If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1304 7557" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.

Required documents

REVIEW YOUR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO ENSURE THEY PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION Resume - all applicants *See OPM's new resume guidance SF-50 - all current and former federal employees - read requirements below Federal Performance Appraisal - all current and former federal employees (see below) ICTAP documents -- if claimed Veterans documents - if claimed Military Spouse documents -- if claimed If your federal pay scale is not GS or FWS, provide a copy of your agency's pay scale for pay-setting upon a job offer. DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO USAJOBS MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION. RESUMES are limited to 2 pages and must include: -- your name and contact information -- employer name, full-time or part-time hours worked per week -- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position -- your grade and pay scale (for all federal positions) and -- a clear descriptions of the duties performed that relate to the experience required for this position. If you no longer hold a position it must show an ending date. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position. Information copied or restated from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria or KSAs will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible. See QUALIFICATIONS for information on what your resume must demonstrate. SF-50* -- required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). Current federal employees must submit a recent SF-50 showing current federal status but note that additional SF-50s may also be required. SF-50s are used to verify grade, time-in-grade, tenure and appointment type. More than one SF-50 may be required to demonstrate all of the eligibility requirements. Be sure your SF-50(s) reflect what you state on your resume. Former federal employees must submit their separation SF-50 but may have to submit additional SF-50s to document the four required items. *IMPORTANT: If your qualifying experience was gained in a prior position, submit an additional SF-50 to document the grade of the prior position. Follow instructions in questionnaire. FEDERAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL - required for current federal employees -- must be for a period that ended less than a year ago, must be completed and signed and must indicate a rating of satisfactory or better. Do not submit an un-rated mid-year review or other un-rated 'Performance Discussion.' DO NOT submit a WIGI or award SF-50 in lieu of a rated performance appraisal. If your federal agency does not provide formal performance appraisals, submit an equivalent document with an explanation for why you are not providing a standard federal performance appraisal. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes. Former federal employees must submit your final SF-50 showing separation was not for performance or conduct. ICTAP/CTAP -- Submit separation notice AND final SF-50 documenting official separation date. If your separation notice doesn't include performance appraisal information, submit a copy of your final performance appraisal. (See http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp) VETERANS: Do not use VEOA to circumvent federal status requirements. Submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing 3+ years of continuous active duty and honorable discharge. Veterans with federal status must also submit the required SF-50s and Performance Appraisal. For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse. Current active-duty military claiming preference under Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act -- submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date. type of discharge, character of service, rank, and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received. MILITARY SPOUSES -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses -- submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military or is 100% disabled and unemployable. If you have federal status you must also submit relevant SF-50(s) and performance appraisal. Do not use Military Spouse status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status.

Additional information

WHO MAY APPLY (documents must be submitted to support your eligibility): (1) ICTAP/CTAP :Career Transition Guide) (2) Current Competitive Service / permanent OR conditional tenure (3) Former Competitive Service -- resigned or retired with (a) permanent tenure (separation at any time) (b) conditional tenure (separation within previous 3 years) OR (c) conditional tenure AND vet preference (separation at any time) (4) Current Excepted Service: (a) agency with competitive service compatibility (Foreign Service, US Postal Service, etc) (b) agency with Interchange Agreement (c) Schedule A -- block 5 of APPOINTMENT action shows Reg 213.3102(u) -- must work in competitive service agency, agency with competitive service compatibility or agency with Interchange Agreement (d) not described above but can demonstrate prior Competitive Service OR vet status (5) Former Excepted Service - must have prior Competitive Service (permanent or conditional tenure) OR vet status (6) Military Spouse -- see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses (7) VEOA -- see USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans - veterans with non-qualifying federal status (i.e., certain Excepted Service or non-tenured positions) may apply under VEOA, but still must provide federal status documents (e.g., current SF-50 / performance appraisal or separation SF-50). VEOA / Military Spouse cannot be used to circumvent federal status requirements. Applicants will be considered on federal status first. Military status will be considered only if federal status cannot be used. Eligibilities must be fully documented to receive consideration. If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. OTHER NOTES: See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for this position and CONDITIONS that apply. See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position. This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in this office. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued. Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). This is a critical sensitive position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Position is assigned to: Security and Resiliency Insider Threat and Resiliency