What does a personnel security specialist do?

A personnel security specialist is responsible for conducting background checks and collecting requirements for security clearance. Personnel security specialists write background check reports, coordinate with other institutions for further investigations, and determining the eligibility of candidates for clearance. They must have excellent communication and researching skills to identify and gather data suitable for employment purposes. A personnel security specialist verifies and processes information according to security procedures and protocols, providing accurate information and managing data disputes.
Personnel security specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real personnel security specialist resumes:
- Implement group policies to manage domain / PC / user security.
- Manage servers to include Cisco ACS (access control server), and external DNS server.
- Manage multiple security programs and systems in accordance with NISPOM, DCID, M1 and JAFAN guidance.
- Support all the applications deploy through the F5 LTM along with the configuration and the managing role.
- Develop and manage covert CCTV program to support corporate investigations.
- Develop expert working knowledge of personnel security administration activities using JPAS and E-QIP.
- Monitor the performance of all servers, switches, routers and printers.
- Adjudicate public trust requests and make final determination of suitability base on 5 CFR part 731. .
- Verify personnel security clearances for indoctrination and authorize visits using JPAS.
- Net, VB.Net, SQL, PLSQL, SAS, JCL, ColdFusion.
- Install and configure DNS on servers.
- Assist peers to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
- Analyze and integrate the Linux reporting process into the SRR toolkit.
- Create a template to map all DHS and NIST security controls.
- Initiate the risk and sensitivity suitability on boarding process of DHS contracting personnel.
Personnel security specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Personnel Security Specialists are proficient in SCI, JPAS, and E-QIP. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Personnel Security Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- SCI, 7%
Review, evaluate, adjudicates, and makes personnel security determinations for security clearance and SCI access eligibility.
- JPAS, 7%
Monitored investigation requests and utilized the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) to verify adjudication status.
- E-QIP, 5%
Scheduled security investigations and screened background investigations for derogatory information using the e-QIP application and the SF-86.
- DOD, 5%
Displayed the highest standards of professionalism and integrity when collaborating in meetings with external and internal DOD customers/ security staff.
- Personnel Security, 5%
Assessed applicant appeals to investigative and adjudication recommendations regarding personnel security investigations.
- Government Agencies, 4%
Prepared and maintained initial security packages to be submitted to various government agencies.
Most personnel security specialists use their skills in "sci," "jpas," and "e-qip" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential personnel security specialist responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a personnel security specialist to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "information security analysts must carefully study computer systems and networks and assess risks to determine how security policies and protocols can be improved." Personnel security specialists often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "used electronic management database tools such as dcii, and cvs to determine type of psi needed. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform personnel security specialist duties is detail oriented. Personnel security specialists responsibilities require that "because cyberattacks can be difficult to detect, information security analysts must pay careful attention to computer systems and watch for minor changes in performance." Personnel security specialists also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "prepare detailed interrogatories to applicants with security issues developed with the investigation report. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of personnel security specialists is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday personnel security specialist duties, as "information security analysts must respond to security alerts and uncover and fix flaws in computer systems and networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "resolved derogatory of conflicting information on security forms through inquiries, investigations, and interviews. "
The three companies that hire the most personnel security specialists are:
- Global Resource Solutions Inc12 personnel security specialists jobs
- Pacific Architects and Engineers
11 personnel security specialists jobs
- ManTech10 personnel security specialists jobs
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Personnel security specialist vs. Information assurance engineer
Information assurance engineers are responsible for protecting an organization's data. They act as a team of security specialists that use their skill in securely operating and keeping data to protect the organization's most essential asset. Their main role is to guarantee the quality, security, and retrievability of the organization's information. Also, they outline security systems that make certain the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of data. Additionally, they secure IT infrastructure, maintain hardware and software updated, establish security standards, and monitor threats like breaches.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a personnel security specialist are more likely to require skills like "sci," "jpas," "e-qip," and "personnel security." On the other hand, a job as an information assurance engineer requires skills like "rmf," "iam," "windows," and "acas." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Information assurance engineers tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,153. In contrast, personnel security specialists make the biggest average salary, $77,737, in the technology industry.On average, information assurance engineers reach similar levels of education than personnel security specialists. Information assurance engineers are 3.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Personnel security specialist vs. Securities consultant
A securities consultant is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the company's premises, including enforcing protection for all the employees and company assets. Securities consultants also handle the confidentiality and stability of data network systems to prevent potential breaches and unauthorized access to information. They coordinate with the system analysts to design programs and databases as part of technical solutions to maximize productivity and increase efficiency. A securities consultant writes incident reports, recommend strategic techniques, and research threat risks that may put the company in jeopardy.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that personnel security specialist responsibilities requires skills like "sci," "jpas," "e-qip," and "personnel security." But a securities consultant might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cloud security," "java," "application security," and "iso."
Securities consultants may earn a higher salary than personnel security specialists, but securities consultants earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $99,249. On the other hand, personnel security specialists receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $77,737.securities consultants earn similar levels of education than personnel security specialists in general. They're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Personnel security specialist vs. Security engineer
Security engineers are responsible for developing and overseeing data and security software to help prevent data breaches, leaks, and taps related to cybercrime. Other duties and responsibilities include developing new systems to help protect computer networks and assets, configuring firewalls, and conducting penetration testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities. Additionally, security engineers are responsible for investigating attacks and help prevent cybersecurity threat. They are also responsible for creating new processes for authorization, encryption algorithms, and authentication, and analyzing current security policies.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from personnel security specialist resumes include skills like "sci," "jpas," "e-qip," and "personnel security," whereas a security engineer is more likely to list skills in "java," "cloud security," "infrastructure," and "application security. "
Security engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $126,572. On the other hand, personnel security specialists are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $77,737.security engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to personnel security specialists. Specifically, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Personnel security specialist vs. Information systems security officer
An information systems security officer's role is to perform preventive measures to protect a company's data and systems from hackers or cyber-attacks. Their responsibilities revolve around assessing the existing security measures to identify any vulnerabilities or inconsistencies, recommending and implementing changes to improve security systems, and developing new strategies and programs for data protection. There are also instances when an information systems security officer must manage and maintain information in databases, train new employees, and create new security policies, all while adhering to the company's vision and mission.
Types of personnel security specialist
Updated January 8, 2025











