Personnel Security Specialist I

ISI; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ISI is seeking a PERSEC Specialist I for Personnel Security Operations. The role supports onboarding, briefings, visit requests, and record management across DISS and related systems.

You will handle eApp support, eligibility checks, and security actions for client personnel in a fast-paced environment. Required are at least 1 year in administrative or security-related work, a Secret Clearance, and proven ticketing/tool proficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year in admin, help desk, or security-related roles.
• Must obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Experience using a ticketing/service management platform.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Complete CDSE/STEPP training within required timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Update and maintain personnel security data in DISS/NBIS and internal systems.
• Support onboarding, reinvestigations, and terminations.
• Assist with DISS reporting and personnel record accuracy.
• Provide eApp support, login help, and guidance during questionnaires.
• Assist applicants with eApp submissions per procedures.
• Conduct employee briefings, debriefings, and indoctrinations.
• In/process and out-process client personnel.
• Support annual and initial security briefings.
• Verify eligibility and clearance status using DISS/NBIS.
• Submit and manage visit requests in DISS and related systems.
• Escalate issues and maintain training records.

Skills

Organizational skills

Ticketing system experience

Microsoft Office Suite

Regulatory knowledge (government)

Clearance processing awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

HaloPSA

DISS/NBIS familiarity

Job description

PERSEC Specialist I – Personnel Security Operations

Location: Hybrid; Remote

Work Authorization: U.S. Citizenship required

Position Summary

The PERSEC Specialist I is responsible for executing high-volume personnel security actions in support of client employees. This role focuses on onboarding, briefings, visit requests, and personnel record management within DISS and related systems to ensure timely and accurate processing of personnel security requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Personnel Processing & DISS Management

• Update and maintain personnel security data and records within DISS, NBIS and internal systems (e.g., Security Control)
• Support clearance processing activities, including onboarding, reinvestigations, and terminations
• Assist with DISS reporting requirements and personnel record accuracy
• Provide eApp support, login assistance, password resets, and applicant guidance throughout the security questionnaire process.
• Assist client applicants with eApp submission requirements and provide guidance on completing security questionnaires in accordance with established procedures.

Employee Security Actions

• Conduct employee briefings, debriefings, and indoctrinations
• Perform in-processing and out-processing for client personnel
• Support annual and initial security briefings in accordance with requirements
• Provide eligibility and status updates based on DISS or NBIS notifications
• Verify personnel eligibility, access, and clearance status utilizing DISS, NBIS, and other authorized systems.
• Assist clients with DISS, NBIS, and related personnel security system account access issues and escalation procedures.

Visit Requests & Access Coordination

• Submit and manage visit requests using DISS, and other required systems to include paper VARs
• Coordinate access requirements for client personnel as directed

Client Support

• Follow established directives, regulations, and program requirements as directed by client FSOs or leads
• Assist Facilities and PMO/Compliance teams with documentation support as needed
• Maintain accurate personnel-related records across systems
• Receive, track, and resolve personnel security requests through the organization's ticketing and service management platform.

Internal Support

• Execute work in accordance with established workflows, SOPs, directives, and program requirements
• Escalate actions that require deeper review or specialist judgment to the PERSEC 2 coworkers or PERSEC 1 Lead as required
• Assist other pillars teams as needed
• Maintain accurate training records and briefing materials in internal systems

Performance Expectations

• Execute high-volume personnel transactions with speed and accuracy
• Maintain up-to-date and audit-ready personnel records in DISS
• Meet turnaround times for onboarding, visit requests, and briefings
• Support consistent, compliant personnel security operations

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum one (1) year of administrative, help desk, customer service, personnel security, industrial security, or related experience.
• One (1) year or more of personnel security, industrial security, facility security, or related security experience.
• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience using a ticketing and service management platform (e.g., HaloPSA or similar) to manage service requests, document activities, communicate with clients through the system, and ensure timely and accurate resolution of issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams.
• Ability to learn and apply government security regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Must complete required CDSE/STEPP training within designated timeframes, including:
  • FSO Program Management for Possessing Facilities curriculum (within 6 months of employment)
  • Establishing an Insider Threat Program training
  • Insider Threat Awareness training
  • Personally Identifiable Information (PII) training
  • Cyber Awareness training
  • CUI Training

Preferred

• Experience supporting Facility Security Officers (FSOs), Assistant Facility Security Officers (AFSOs), or industrial security programs.
• Familiarity with NISS, DISS, NBIS, eApp, and DCSA processes
• Current or previous eligibility for a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Criminal Justice, Security Management, or a related field.
• Background in analytics, business operations, compliance management, records management, or process improvement.
• Comfort utilizing AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude to improve reporting, workflow design, SOP creation, onboarding processes, and operational efficiency.

What Success Looks Like

• Personnel actions are processed accurately and within established turnaround times
• DISS and NBIS records and internal system data are current and audit-ready
• Briefings, visit requests, and onboarding activities are executed consistently per defined workflows
• Escalations are appropriate, routine work is handled independently, complex issues are surfaced promptly
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while meeting performance, compliance, and client service expectations.