Supervisory Security Specialist (Intake Branch Chief)

DHS Headquarters; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

DHS Headquarters in Springfield, Virginia is seeking a Supervisory Security Specialist (Intake Branch Chief) to supervise personnel security intake operations, review background investigations, and provide technical oversight to ensure compliance with security requirements.

You will lead policy development, manage budgets and staff, coordinate with interagency partners, and direct preparation of case summaries and guidance to support timely adjudication.

Responsibilities

• Supervise personnel security intake operations and direct staff to ensure timely processing of background investigations.
• Provide technical oversight, policy guidance, and program management to ensure compliance with federal security requirements.
• Direct reviews of complex personnel security cases to identify discrepancies and determine investigative needs for adjudication.
• Develop and implement personnel security intake policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage branch budgets, staffing resources, and contractor support to improve operational efficiency and mission readiness.

Job description

Supervisory Security Specialist (Intake Branch Chief)

• Department: Department of Homeland Security

This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS), Springfield, Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise and direct personnel security intake operations, including the review, validation, and processing of background investigations and related personnel security actions. The position provides technical oversight, policy guidance, and program management to ensure compliance with applicable security requirements.

These responsibilities support the Federal Protective Service's mission by promoting workforce integrity, safeguarding sensitive information, and ensuring appropriate personnel security screening. Duties performed: Plans, directs, and supervises Personnel Security Intake Branch operations, establishes priorities, assigns work, evaluates performance, and ensures personnel security requirements and mission objectives are met.

Oversees the receipt, review, validation, and processing of background investigations, reinvestigations, continuous vetting referrals, and personnel security actions for applicants, employees, and contractors. Directs reviews of complex personnel security cases to identify discrepancies, evaluate risk indicators, determine investigative requirements, and ensure cases are complete and ready for adjudication.

Develops and implements personnel security intake policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal regulations, DHS directives, and FPS security requirements. Advises senior leadership and represents FPS in interagency meetings and working groups to resolve complex personnel security issues, recommend policy improvements, and coordinate security program activities.

Directs the preparation and review of security correspondence, case summaries, technical guidance, and operating procedures to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and accountability. Manages branch budgets, staffing resources, and contractor support; evaluates workload trends and processing performance to improve operational efficiency and meet mission requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with DHS Headquarters, Department of Homeland Security.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $143913 – $187093/yr.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.