IT Cybersecurity Specialist (InfoSec)

About the role

See QUALIFICATIONS for information about this position. Supports the day-to-day functionality and protection of Social Security Administration information technology systems by developing and implementing cybersecurity programs, policies, procedures and digital tools. See DUTIES for responsibilities.

What you will do

• Ensure the security and integrity of systems, networks and data.
• 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.
• Perform risk analysis, access management, security application development and testing, audit support, technology research and implementation.
• 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.

Education

This position does not have an educational requirement but specific education can be used in lieu of Specialized Experience.

DO NOT SUBMIT A DIPLOMA IN LIEU OF A FULL TRANSCRIPT THAT SHOWS THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

TRANSCRIPTS TO SUPPORT EDUCATION IN LIEU OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: 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-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.

FOR GS-11: If you claim a Ph.D. 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 3 academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. 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 3 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 you will be evaluated

(1) Eligible applicants will receive a score based on your responses to the experience questions in the online questionnaire. Preview questions here:*** (2) Using that score, you will be placed into one of three Category Rating groups.

Best Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills and abilities Well Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills and abilities Qualified: candidates who demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, skills and abilities. Veterans' Preference is considered during this part of the evaluation.

(3) If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on your score, your resume (and transcript, if applicable) will be reviewed by HR to determine if you demonstrate the Specialized Experience required for this position.

To qualify based on Specialized Experience, your resume must describe duties you perform that meet the specific requirements for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS), as well as duties that demonstrate the following as they relate those requirements. It must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level.

Duties not clearly described cannot be credited. -- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles -- Ability to apply information system security principles -- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders -- Ability to communicate security standards 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.

Affirmative responses to the eligibility questions and experience in the online questionnaire are subject to verification. To qualify based on Optional Education, your resume must provide information about your education and you must provide documentation to support that claim (e.g., transcript or certificate, as appropriate).

(See QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.) (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 Priority Selection below) Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is 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 ability.

PRIORITY SELECTION: Well-Qualified ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will receive the first consideration ONLY IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition AND Required Documents). Qualified Veterans' Preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which they are ranked.

Qualified preference-eligibles who demonstrate a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be placed in the Best Qualified category. See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on how to support these claims.

Documents you must provide

• Resume - all applicants (see below) Certification -- if applicable to support relevant education or training Transcript -- if applicable to support optional education SF-50 - recommended all current and former federal employees CTAP / ICTAP documents -- if claimed (read the information below) Veterans Documents -- if claimed Military Spouse Documents -- if claimed 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.
• CERTIFICATION: If you have certifications relevant to this position you may upload them as part of your application.
• TRANSCRIPT: if you claim education in lieu of Specialized Experience you must submit a transcript to support that claim (see QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION for information on optional education and transcript requirements) 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) VETERANS' DOCUMENTS -- See Vet Guide.
• Submit DD-214 / Member 4 copy showing Dates of Service and Character of Service.
• This information must be provided to establish veterans' preference.
• (*See below if still on active duty.) For 10-point preference, also submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
• For derived preference submit SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
• 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.
• Eligibility for Priority Selection will be granted based on the documents received.
• MILITARY SPOUSE - see USAJOBS Help Center | Military Spouses and submit appropriate documents.

What to expect next

Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.

No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.

If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.

You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted. After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the selecting official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).

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. For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account.

Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available. Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days. After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official.

Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy 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 *** .

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee. See QUALIFICATIONS and EDUCATION 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 is a career-ladder position leading to the GS-12 Full Performance Level (FPL). 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.

(See Salaries & Wages) 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