IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Recent Graduates)

Summary

A USAHIRE ASSESSMENT is required as part of your application (see How To Apply). The SSA Recent Graduates Program provides Recent Graduates with entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the federal government. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.

Duties

As a participant in the Recent Graduates Program, you will receive both formal and on-the-job training to develop the required knowledge and skill to successfully perform the duties of the position. At the full performance level, supports the day-to-day functionality and protection of SSA information technology (IT) systems by developing and implementing cybersecurity programs, policies, procedures and digital tools. Ensures the security and integrity of systems, networks and data through various methods. Performs cybersecurity duties in support of cybersecurity operations, incident response, system administration and security, compliance and policy implementation, user support and training, documentation and reporting and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and evaluation

You must complete a USAHire Assessment as part of your application (see HOW TO APPLY for more information). (1) You will receive a score based on your responses to the USAHire Assessment, which will evaluate your knowledge, skills and abilities as they pertain to: Accountability Arithmetic Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Mathematical Reasoning Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork The USAHire Assessment includes a cut-off score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in the critical competencies. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut-off score or fail to complete the assessments. (2) HR will review transcripts for applicants who meet or exceed the USAHire cut-off score to determine eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program. (3) Resumes and transcripts for applicants who meet or exceed the USAHire cut-off score and demonstrate eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program will be forwarded to the hiring office for further consideration. The hiring office will review those documents and determine which applicants they want to interview. Remember that your application documents will form the hiring office's first impression of your qualifications. Not all applicants will be interviewed so it's important to be clear and specific about your education, IT Competencies and experience. APPLICANTS WITHOUT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: It's expected that some applicants may qualify on education alone and may not have relevant work experience, but you must still submit a resume that details your qualifications. For entry level positions, any tasks you performed, for example, during a capstone project, internship or heavy coursework can be considered experience and should be included in your resume.

Education

TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED TO DEMONSTRATE ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM. DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. TRANSCRIPTS TO SUPPORT RECENT GRADUATES PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY: submit a copy of your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and the date your degree was conferred. The confer date must be within the previous 2 years. Transcripts without a confer date cannot be considered to have resulted in a degree and cannot be used to demonstrate your eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program. TRANSCRIPTS TO SUPPORT EDUCATION IN LIEU OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: this may be the same transcript that supports your Recent Graduates Program eligibility or may be in addition to that transcript. To support education in lieu of Specialized Experience, your transcript must show your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and the date your degree was conferred. Transcripts without a confer date cannot be considered to have resulted in a degree and may not be usable to demonstrate your "in lieu of Specialized Experience qualifications." FOR GS-07: If you claim a bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement, in lieu of Specialized Experience, you must submit: (1) a full transcript showing the confer date and final GPA OR (2) a full transcript showing the confer date and official documentation showing your class-ranking OR (3) a full transcript showing the confer date and official documentation showing your National Honor Society Membership. If you claim a bachelor's degree followed by at least 1 academic year of graduate-level education (generally at least 18 graduate-level credits) in a relevant technology field (such as cybersecurity, computer science, information systems management, engineering, mathematics or operations research) you must submit a full transcript for your qualifying bachelor's degree in addition to a transcript for your graduate education. FOR GS-09: If you claim a master's degree in lieu of Specialized Experience submit your full transcript showing your name, the name of the school, the program in which you were enrolled and the date your degree was conferred. Transcripts without a confer date cannot be considered to have resulted in a degree and may not be usable to demonstrate your "in lieu of Specialized Experience qualifications." Your degree must be from an accredited institution in a relevant technology field (such as cybersecurity, computer science, information systems management, engineering, mathematics or operations research) or include at least 24 semester hours of coursework in those areas. If you claim a bachelor's degree followed by 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree in a relevant technology field (such as cybersecurity, computer science, information systems management, engineering, mathematics or operations research) submit the full transcript for your bachelor's degree as well as the transcript that supports your 2 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree. 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 upload your transcripts as part of your application. 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. NOTE: It is your responsibility to acquire and provide Certification of US equivalency as part of your application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services see: Credential Evaluation Services. If selected, you will be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

How to apply

To successfully apply for this position, you must complete:(1) the Initial Application AND (2) the USAHire Assessment You may email HR Staffing - Team Seven@ssa.gov with inquiries about the initial application process PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement. Questions pertaining to the USAHire Assessment must be submitted to the USAHire Help Desk (see below). (1) INITIAL APPLICATIONS must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) November 6, 2026, and must include: A. responses to questionnaire B. uploaded resume, transcript(s) and, if applicable DD-214 See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED before you submit your application, To submit the initial application: (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) Recommended: "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended (6) Optional: Print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (7) REQUIRED: Look for an email with information about completing the USAHire Assessment The questionnaire takes about 5 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your eligibility will be based on your responses compared to your supporting documents. Be sure to answer all questions. 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. (2) USAHIRE ASSESSMENT After you successfully submit your Initial Application, you will be sent a notification (on-screen and by email) advising if you are required to take the USAHire Assessment. Check Spam and Junk folders! If you completed an assessment for the same grade and series within the previous year, you may not have to complete another assessment at this time. Some applicants may have taken a portion of the assessment during a previous application for a different grade and/or series and will only be required to take the remaining portions. If you are required to take the Assessment, you will receive a unique URL to access USAHire using your USAJOBS login. Review the USAHire instructions prior to beginning the assessment. Set aside 2-3 hours to take the assessment; however, it usually takes less time. The deadline for completion of the USAHire Assessment will be stated in the email, but you'll have at least 48 hours to complete it. You can stop an assessment and continue later by re-using the URL but note that some parts are timed and it's not advised to stop during those parts. Continuing at a later time does not extend the deadline! (The URL can also be found on the Additional Application Information page located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.) If you need USAHire assistance (e.g., inability to access the assessment link, technical difficulty after accessing the link or other questions) contact Submit a USA Hire Help Desk ticket. Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire Assessment: If you have a physical or mental disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 that would interfere with completing the USAHire Assessment you may request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. The request and supporting documents must be received prior to starting the USAHire Assessment. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and you will receive notice of the decision prior to receiving an email to complete the USAHire Assessment. You must complete the assessment within 48 hours of receiving the URL. See USAHire Reasonable Accommodation Request for more information.

Required documents

Resume -- all applicants Transcript - all applicants (to support Recent Graduates eligibility and optional education, if claimed)) Certification -- if applicable DD-214 - veterans applying beyond the initial 2-year eligibility period SF-50 -- recommended for all current and former federal employees DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION. RESUME (2-page maximum) must include: -- your name and contact information -- employer name (if applicable), 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 (if your position is or was federal) and -- a clear description of your education and/or duties you perform as they relate to the experience and/or IT Competencies required 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. 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. It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume. See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on what your resume must demonstrate. TRANSCRIPT: must show your degree was conferred within the past 2 years to demonstrate eligibility for Recent Graduates Program (see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for more transcript requirements to support optional education). CERTIFICATION: if you have a certification relevant to this position, you may upload it under the Document Type "Other" DD-214: required for veterans applying beyond the initial 2-year eligibility period (the active duty start date must be within 2 years of the confer date on your transcript; the discharge date must be within 6 years of the confer date on your transcript). SF-50: recommended for all current or former federal employees

Additional information

Additional selections for this position may be made for up to 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 and EDUCATION for important information pertaining to this position. See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position. This is a developmental /career-ladder position offering the opportunity for noncompetitive promotion up to GS-12 based on performance. Selectees will participate in a 1-year developmental program. Upon successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment. This is an Excepted Service, non-bargaining unit position on a full-time, flex-time schedule. This position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing. One or more positions may be filled at any of the listed locations / Official Duty Stations (ODS). To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to your assigned/chosen ODS. Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. DENVER: GS-07 $56,262 - $73,142 GS-09 $68,819 - $89,470 DURHAM: GS-07 $52,693 - $68,502 GS-09 $64,453 - $83,794 WOODLAWN: GS-07 $58,193 - $75,653 GS-09 $70,623 - $91,815 Work is performed in an office environment but may involve occasional travel or after-hours work during security incidents or system upgrades. No special physical effort is required. Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year trial period served by new appointees under the Recent Graduates Program. 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. Program participants serving on appointments for 1 year or less are generally not eligible for the Federal Employees Retirement System or the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program and the Thrift Savings Program. Participants serving on appointments for more than 90 days may be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Position is assigned to: Security and Resiliency Cybersecurity