The Investigative Case Specialist will conduct and/or initiate initial pre-employment background investigations conducted for the purpose of determining suitability and security clearance eligibility, inclusive of Presidential Appointees and Foreign/Civil Service and Wage Grade applicants, contractors, and periodic updates and “for cause” reinvestigation of employees and/or post-employment special access program eligibility.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs the timely conduct of investigations and evaluates national record results and reports of investigations for compliance with prescribed Federal Investigative Standards and criteria. Work assigned includes some of the most sensitive case types.
• Enable the recommendation of interim and/or final security clearance and public trust certification determinations in accordance with established investigative and adjudicate standards. The specialist recommends certification of sufficiency of investigative coverage before referring cases for review.
• Responsible for processing timely routine updates, for cause, and special postemployment personnel security investigations.
• Analyzes cases to determine the scope of the investigation required, potential issues requiring investigative clarification.
• Prepares instructional remarks and/or clarifies investigative standards, criteria and procedural guidelines for applicants, employees, and other personnel involved in the background investigation process, such as investigation requesting officials, contract investigators, Special Agents in Charge of the DS Field Offices, and the Regional Security Officers at oversees posts that are responsible for the actual conduct of the investigation at the specific location.
• Recommends further investigation when warranted to resolve conflicting information or unanswered questions raised before certifying complete coverage. Guidance may also be utilized by other Personnel Security Specialists directing or conducting investigations.
• Ensures that the investigative security package includes caveats regarding any classified material, material from sources who request confidentiality, and material that includes reports/information from other agencies that are restricted from being released without permission from the originator.
• Assists in developing criteria for identifying and analyzing trends in investigative problem areas; and methodologies for ensuring investigative sufficiency.
• May assist in developing information required by the supervisor for program planning, and in developing policies, procedures, and criteria for implementation of national directives and Departmental requirements in the Departments’ Personnel Security Program.
• Assists in the conduct of training classes and seminars for investigative personnel located
• both domestically and overseas.
• Assists in the professional development of lower-level specialists and assistants.
• Maintains authoritative knowledge of all aspects of the assigned systems and plications.
• Maintains all required documentation.

Professional Qualifications/Skills:

• Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport and possess or maintain a minimum a SECRET clearance, with the ability to qualify for a TOP SECRET as program designates.
• Must have High School Diploma and at least and at least 5 – 7 years of professional jobrelated experience, preference in conducting or directing background investigations
• Knowledge of security requirements established in legislation, regulations and various policy statements pertaining to Personnel Security. These may include E.O. 12968, E.O. 13467, ICD 704, Personnel Security Standards and Procedures Governing Eligibility for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Other Controlled Access Program Information, the 2012 Federal Investigative Standards, and Security Executive Agent Directive(s) (SEAD) 1 through 8.
• Knowledge of factors which might affect the suitability of applicants for employment with the Federal Government, and the Department of State, ass codified in 5 CFR 731, 732, 736 and 3 FAM 622.
• Knowledge of security regulations and policies affecting employment of individuals in the Department of State.
• Specialist must be able to apply guidance to each case; this requires analyzing the individuals’ unique background against suitability requirements while also considering unique characteristics of the position being applied for. This process requires judgment and discretion in order to evaluate nation security implications while also precluding any injustice in determinations.
• Specialist utilizes knowledge of the organization and operation of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Department of State and of the mission, goals, and objectives of the personnel security program.
• Ability to prepare, analyze and/or evaluate investigative reports of a complex nature, and prepare oral and/or written summaries of the information contained therein.
• Ability to reach sound conclusions of make recommendations that are based strictly on factual information contained therein.
• Written products must be logically organized, clearly, and concisely written free of bias.
• Must possess excellent command of the English language and excellent writing skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft applications (MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Department of State experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed in a controlled office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

In accordance with Executive Order 14042, a candidate for this position may be required to provide proof of vaccination status for COVID-19 and will be subject to the provisions and/or exceptions of EO 14042 and applicable law.

The Tatitlek Corporation gives hiring, promotion, training and retention preference to Tatitlek shareholders, shareholder descendants and shareholder spouses who meet the minimum qualifications for the job.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people.  Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated.  We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment.  We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.

Required Skills Required Experience

• Interest in Transportation Engineering.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Availability to perform field work.