Security Assistant

RiVidium Inc, (dba TripleCyber), is seeking a Security Assistant who performs work related to the collection, organization and/or tracking of information in support of the Personnel Security Program. The Personnel Security Program includes the processes of initiating, reviewing, and approving background cases for release to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in compliance with policies relating to completion of suitability investigations for Federal employees and others requiring background investigations for non-sensitive and public trust positions. The work of this position centers on assisting the Personnel Security Specialist in collecting appropriate background information, tracking and reviewing data, completion of reports, maintaining databases and processing follow-up actions on various security related matters and assisting with suitability adjudications.

Responsibilites for this position shall include, but are not limited to:

• Review position risk sensitivity levels as full assistant to the Personnel Security Specialist. Assemble position descriptions and functional statements for the Personnel Security Specialist for review. Track electronically the level assigned, and the appropriate background investigation needed.
• For pre-employment processes, serves as the initial point of contact for new appointees including but not limited to paid or without compensation employees, volunteers, students, residents, and contractors. Reviews information submitted by the requesting office to validate the level of background required, enters appointee information into a local data base tracking system and refers appointee for fingerprinting.
• Initiates, reviews, and releases appointees background investigations in the Office of Personnel Managements Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP).
• Regularly monitors the status of specific pending items, compiles data to produce reports, follows up to determine status and records results. Reports are produced on a regular basis (weekly) to keep top level management apprised of the status of the Suitability/Security Program and for performance management/performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintains logs of current employees who are in public trust positions and ensures reinvestigations are initiated, reviewed, and released using e-QIP within the required timeframe as per policy. Works closely with the VA-AC to monitor the progress of investigations when applicable.
• As needed, works with applicants who may be experiencing difficulties with completion of electronic forms related to the background screening process. Also works with Recruitment and Staffing to assure required background documents are complete and accurate as per policy (OF-306, SF-85, SF-85P, etc.).
• Takes and transmits electronic fingerprints for appointees or when the FBI returns fingerprints unclassifiable for various reasons. Only in rare instances when there is machine malfunction, manually takes fingerprints for the purpose of background investigations from OPM.
• Enters appropriate data in required databases related to an appointee's suitability from a wide variety of sources, i.e., fingerprint/badge log, notification(s) of investigation(s) scheduled by OPM, requests by OPM for additional information, receipt/disposition of results of both Special Agreement Checks (SAC's) and National Agency Check with Inquiry (T1’s) or higher, to include interim reports or pending completion reports, assignment for adjudication and final disposition of the investigation. As appropriate, logs and tracks the status of suitability issues referred to by the Personnel Security Specialist for OPM adjudication. Enters data related to the receipt of post-employment arrest reports on current employees to include the employee’s name, date of receipt, assignment for review/adjudication, and final disposition date/results.
• Support the programming of PIV cards after being manufactured. Perform minor PIV troubleshooting of the PIV System during malfunctions and resolve system issues.
• Performs administrative tasks associated with the authorization and issuance of the PIV card, a standardized identification badge designed to increase security related with physical access to Federal facilities and networks and logical access to computer systems. PIV cards will be issued to current and new employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers who require access to VA-controlled facilities and/or information systems.
• Responsible for maintaining an in-depth working knowledge of PIV role holder responsibilities. Provides technical advice and guidance to employees, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers regarding matters pertaining to the PIV Program.
• Maintains proficiency in the PIV Portal to create and issue PIV cards, capture biometrics, troubleshoot card and pin issues, and perform all aspects of card lifecycle management.
• Assures that paperwork related to the suitability process is forwarded for inclusion in the appropriate system of records, i.e., official personnel folders, records related to fee basis employees, contract personnel, volunteers, or without compensation employees. Maintains required files related to the suitability process in accordance with OPM/agency guidelines.

Requirements for this position shall include:

• Must have knowledge of the regulations, policies, procedures, principles, and concepts that govern the Personal Identity Verification Program, to include HSPD-12. Must be skilled especially in oral communication to provide technical advice and guidance to customers. Must have the ability to enter, extract, and evaluate employee information via access to various computer databases. Must be skilled in dealing with highly charged emotional situations and can work calmly and effectively in sensitive, stress- producing situations. Must have knowledge of the organizational structure, mission, goals, and needs.

• Works under the supervision of the lead/supervisor of the Personnel Security Program. Works independently in determining what needs to be done and informs the lead/supervisor of problems which cannot be resolved by application of existing guidelines or standard practices.

• The work principally involves dealing with problems and relationships of a procedural nature in relation to VA's PIV Program/Process. The work consists of duties that involved related steps, processes, or methods for registering employee data into the PIV system and actual issuance of the PIV card.

• Efficient, courteous customer service is essential and to provide information to employees, contractors, affiliates, volunteers, supervisors, and managers that have questions relating to the PIV or background investigation process.

Work Schedule: 5 days a week onsite

Medical Requirements: The submission of current TB Test Results, Flu Vaccinaton, and COVID-19 Vaccination or exemption is required.