IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (INFOSEC) (DIRECT HIRE)

Summary

This position is being offered under OPM Direct Hire Authority. See more about Direct Hire under Conditions below. Supports the day-to-day functionality and protection of Social Security Administration (SSA) information technology (IT) systems by developing and implementing cybersecurity programs, policies, procedures and digital tools. See QUALIFICATIONS for more information about this position.

Duties

Ensure the security and integrity of systems, networks and data. Perform risk analysis, access management, security application development and testing, audit support, technology research and implementation. Provide training delivery, security architecture design, policy coordination and response to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Test and deploy cybersecurity capabilities and software solutions, ensuring their effectiveness in threat detection, incident response, data protection and compliance. Apply the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to identify, assess and mitigate risks to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of SSA data and systems. Work with stakeholders to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in accordance with federal standards. Consult with customers and stakeholders to evaluate functional requirements, translate them into technical solutions and deliver actionable results to support the agency’s cybersecurity mission. Communicate the agency’s cybersecurity program, policies and initiatives to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring awareness and understanding of security requirements and best practices.

Qualifications and evaluation

Your resume will be evaluated by the hiring office based on the relevant duties you describe (i.e., IT-related work that primarily consists of supporting the planning, development, implementation and/or maintenance of information security programs or policies) and the following: -- Ability to conduct cybersecurity investigations on IT systems -- Ability to mitigate cybersecurity risks -- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders -- Ability to communicate security standards 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. SEE QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE. Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13100208 INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly. HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents below). Veterans' Preference is not considered under Direct Hire. See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement.

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) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload required documents (4) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process (5) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND (6) 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) October 30, 2026 and must include: (1) responses to online questionnaire (2) uploaded resume showing the required information (3) uploaded SF-50 and/or ICTAP documents, if applicable To meet Minimum Qualifications, your resume must explicitly demonstrate the required Specialized Experience. SEE QUALIFICATIONS section. The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. 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 USA Jobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USA Jobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: APPLICATION ISSUE 1310 0208 SR" 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 below) SF-50 - recommended all current and former federal employees CTAP / ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below) DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION. RESUME: A resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to your application. You can create your own resume or build one using the USAJobs Resume Builder. Your resume must show: -- your name and contact information -- employer name and position held -- full start and stop dates (month/day/year) for each position -- full-time or part-time hours worked per week -- your grade and pay scale (for federal positions) and - a clear description of the duties you perform that relate to the experience required for this position. If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date. Do not simply list projects on which you worked or list experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that pertain to the requirements for this position. 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. If your qualifying experience is part of a federal career-ladder, separate your grade-relevant experience from duties performed at lower grades. SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan): applies only to competitive service employees who have been displaced (RIF'd) from another federal agency. The duty station from which you were RIF'd must be in the local commuting area (i.e., 30-mile radius) of the duty station to which you are applying. To demonstrate eligibility, ICTAP-applicants must provide: -- a copy of the separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) AND -- a copy of the RIF Notice (If the RIF Notice doesn't provide verification of your most recent Performance Appraisal, you must also provide a copy of your final appraisal to demonstrate that your rating was at least 'fully successful.') For more information see Career Transition (opm.gov) Eligibility for Priority Selection will be granted based on the documents received.

Additional information

IT Cybersecurity Specialist position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority and are open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this Direct Hire Authority will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current federal employees will be given a new appointment to the civil service, if selected. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov . If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for position. See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on applying for this position. This is a non-bargaining unit position. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more vacancies may be filled at any of the listed Official Duty Stations (ODS). This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule. Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS by the time of your appointment. 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 that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series). You must have (or be able to obtain) and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance (TS-SCI). This is a special sensitive position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted. Location of position: Chief of Security and Resiliency (SR) Cybersecurity