Security Specialist

Summary

See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more information. At the GS-12 Full Performance Level, performs a wide range of physical security duties. Provides advice and guidance to management, employees and security staff, and independently resolves security issues within established policies and procedures. See DUTIES for additional responsibilities of this position.

Duties

At the full performance level conducts physical security assessments and inspections at agency facilities to ensure compliance with federal standards and agency policies; identifies vulnerabilities and recommends corrective actions. Develops, implements and monitors security policies, procedures and programs related to access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance and facility protection. Provides technical advice and guidance to management, staff and contractors on security requirements, best practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Supports the installation, maintenance and evaluation of security systems and equipment; coordinates with contractors and vendors to ensure proper operation and compliance with contract requirements. The GS-09 and GS-11 levels are developmental / career-ladder positions leading to GS-12. At these levels, assignments are not as broad and/or inclusive as assignments at the full performance level. The supervisor or higher-graded analysts provide general instructions on new assignments, furnish advice and guidance, answer questions and assist in solving problems that may arise. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy and compliance with policies, guidelines and procedures. The extent of guidance and review gradually decreases as the employee develops. Consideration for career-ladder promotion is at the manager’s discretion and is based on the existence of higher-level work, your ability to perform that work, administrative requirements and current agency and/or organizational restrictions.

Qualifications and evaluation

(1) Eligibility will be based on your claim under the ELIGIBILITY Section at the beginning of the online questionnaire, in addition to your responses to Assessment Question #1 (Federal Status) and Question #2 (Federal Performance Appraisal). Be sure you claim the correct Eligibility and submit the appropriate documents to support your claim. Only applicants who provide proper supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility will be evaluated. (2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13029659 (3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume (and transcript, if applicable) will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the required Minimum Qualifications. RESUME: Describe 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. -- Ability to conduct analyses of data (GS-09 - possible 20 points; GS-11 - possible 25 points; GS-12 - possible 30 points) -- Knowledge of physical security and crime prevention (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 15 points; GS-12 - possible 18 points) -- Ability to evaluate security practices (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 15 points; GS-12 - possible 18 points) --Skill in communicating both orally and in writing (GS-09 - possible 12 points; GS-11 - possible 15 points; GS-12 - possible 18 points) Total Possible Points (GS-09 - possible 56 points; GS-11 - possible 70 points; GS-12 - possible 84 points) **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 (and/or Optional Education) will be referred to the hiring manager following Priority Selection procedures and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review. (See Priority 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

Applicants without the full amount of Specialized Experience can meet Minimum Requirements for GS-09 and GS-11 with Optional Education. You must submit transcripts that fully support your claim or your education cannot be considered. Your transcript(s) must show your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and the degree you earned. If you attended more than one college or university, submit transcripts for all schools attended. TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE LEGIBLE DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered to satisfy 1 year of full-time study. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. CHECK YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO CONFIRM IT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the education requirement, but you must also provide documentation that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

How to apply

1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account. (2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct. (3) Confirm that your application documents 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) August 28, 2026 and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume (3) uploaded eligibility documents: 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 1302 9659" 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

RESUME - all applicants. See OPM's new resume guidance. Transcript - to support Optional Education, if claimed. 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. Vet 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. TRANSCRIPT(S): see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on submitting transcripts. SF-50: required for all current and former federal employees (even if you claim VEOA or Military Spouse eligibility). 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) reflects 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. 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. Do not submit an SF-50 that doesn't provide all the required information (i.e., award actions do not provide grade information). 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. Follow instructions in the questionnaire. HR will determine if your document is acceptable for application purposes. FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES -- Submit separation 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: 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. Do not use VEOA status to circumvent requirements for applicants with federal status. 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

Additional information

WHO MAY APPLY: (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) VRA - currently serving under a Veterans Recruitment Appointment in a competitive service agency or an 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 and EDUCATION for information on qualifying for this position. See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position. See CONDITIONS OF POSITION under QUALIFICATIONS for other information about 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. This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedule (AWS); telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to this ODS by the time of your appointment. 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 / high-risk position. You may be required to complete SF-86 (Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Position is assigned to: SSA Headquarters Woodlawn, MD Security Resiliency Physical Security