Personnel Security Specialist

CELESTINE THOMAS

Mobile:202-***-****

**********@*****.***

EXPERIENCE

Protection Security Strategies – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Personnel Security Specialist

Washington, DC

December 2019 - Present

Investigate and Adjudicate National Security and Top Secret/Secret Investigations for clearances and or suitability determinations. Knowledge of Insider Threat and various vulnerabilities related to theft, violence, manipulation and various impacts that can result from these threats such as Espionage, Fraud and Terrorist activity. Maintain JPAS security database to determine requirements and preparing notifications to individuals to determine eligibility. Track pertinent information and identify eligible and disqualifying information to ensure that everyone follows FBI Guidelines. Establish risk factors base on provided information utilizing risk management strategies and making risk recommendations. Experience managing JPAS system to determine eligibility for access by entering individual’s information into VARS to determine facility access. Experience with handling classified material and Knowledge on personnel security policies and procedures. Makes initial determination as to scope of investigation required, considering such factors as sensitivity level of position, background information on individual, criteria for governing various classes of security clearances, etc. Determine the suitability and security eligibility of individuals for entry and retention in sensitive and non-sensitive positions. Review cases at initiation and determinations if the is designed at the appropriate Top-Secret level. Evaluate and review reports of Investigations personnel files and other records to determine whether to grant, deny, revoke, suspend or restrict security clearances consistent with suitability issues. Inputs, edits, and processes personnel security and suitability data and compiles, tracks and modifies the status of PSS files. Prepares summaries, collates and generates reports as required. Prepares or distributes reports and correspondence regarding completed investigations and provides documentation for employee Official Personnel Folders, including certificates for positions. Assist in the adjudication of personal background investigations for suitability for employment with the government and/or granting of a security clearance, including the drafting of summary sheets on the results of investigations for all assigned cases.

GEM Technology – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Personnel Security Specialist (Adjudication)

Washington, DC

October 2016 – December 2019

Responsible for assessing, evaluating and reviewing background documentation for investigation and access eligibility for employees and contractors, as well as, contract linguists, task force officers and private sector partners to determine. Actively demonstrate knowledge of policies pertaining to personnel security including Executive Orders, Intelligence Community Directives/Security Executive Agent Directives, and the Federal Investigative Standards.

Make determinations in accordance with regulations as to whether applicant meets the requirements for employment in a sensitive or non-sensitive position and is consistent with all appropriate adjudicative guidelines. Decide on the relevance of information obtained through investigation by reading reports and analyzing pieces of information for connections. Request additional information from the field to close gaps or discrepancies, which is necessary to make appropriate decisions. Create electronic communications with findings and recommendations for security clearance and access approvals or denials. Explain adjudicative decisions to management, using case facts and appropriate policy. Issue adjudicative determinations to field offices, along with the directive to provide security briefings to candidates. Mitigate issues using mitigating conditions and considerations consistent with national security and FBI suitability adjudicative guidelines. Professionally process cases with all sorts of issues including foreign nexus, criminal activity, matters involving alcohol, drugs, and finances.

Scope cases for investigative requirements and initiate investigations by setting leads to the field for completion. Conduct record and database searches using multiple government databases, including NCIC, CJIS, CIS, FINCEN and other FBI databases. Review and analyze complex cases to ensure eligibility Collect and compile factual information, including financial data, for analysis to resolve issues and to determine security clearance and access eligibility. Assure investigations meet investigative requirements and applicable laws are followed prior to submission to adjudication. Interpret and apply rules, regulations and policies to support investigative and adjudicative decisions. Reviewed Reports for accuracy and make final decision for hiring. Track overall case load and case progress using spreadsheets and database trackers.

Organized required training and scheduling for SecD employees interested in becoming a mentor. Plan/host meetings develop agendas/lesson plans for mentors. Manage and oversee scheduling for SecD Mentors. I attend quarterly meetings with Amidon Bowden Elementary School to evaluate and discuss the need/progress of the mentorship program. Discuss Budget with Asst Dir.

Visionary Integration Personnel– Federal Bureau of Investigation

Personnel Security Specialist

Washington, DC

June 2009 – October 2016

Processed FBI background investigations to include initiation, investigation and adjudication. Functioned as point of contact for E-QIP users completing their security questionnaire. Examined and analyzed background information to make security assessments and referrals to other units or divisions. Researched and analyzed information from various databases and determined whether the information was relevant to pursue in the background investigation. Databases used included: FBI Indices, Clearwater, IDW, DIVS, Accurint, OPM/JPAS, DPRIS and NCIC. Created electronic communications explaining security and/or suitability determinations. Appropriately mitigated risk using information and the adjudicative guidelines. Exercised time management skills by completing cases in a timely manner within ODNI requirements. Effectively communicated with field office and division personnel including the Chief Security Officer. Operated safe for filing cases within Security Division. Proficiently used Sentinel for case processing.

Kelly Fed Secure – U.S. Customs and Border Patrol

Case Reviewer (Temporary Position)

Washington, DC

April 2009 – June 2009

Reviewed Reports of investigation of background investigations for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Identified errors, gaps and discrepancies in case information. Communicated with field investigators and/or subjects of investigation to obtain additional required information. Facilitated follow-up meetings with investigators to verify the accuracy and integrity of a completed background investigation. Executed pre-employment suitability checks to ensure that applicants could at least meet minimum requirements for security processing.

Keane Secure – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Personnel Security Specialist/Assistant

Washington, DC

September 2005 – April 2009

Provided personnel security and administrative support for the FBI’s Police Unit, including time and attendance reports, management briefings and monthly statistic reports. Managed incoming and outgoing phone calls and coordinated meetings for management. Conducted activity follow up with employees to ascertain tasks were completed as agreed with management. Performed data entry for foreign travel reporting forms, prepared correspondence for Unit Chief, including letters approving FBI police officers to carry firearms on aircraft. Created and maintained information organization systems for physical and electronic documents.

EDUCATION

University of Maryland Global Campus

Business Management

MBA – January 2020 – Present

University of Phoenix

Business Management/Communications

Bachelor’s degree - 2013

University of Phoenix

Mass Media Communications

Associate Degree - 2010

TRAINING

PERSONNEL SECURITY TRAINING

Security and Suitability Adjudicative Guidelines (SSAG) Course – 2008, 2014 & 2019

Security Division Background Investigation and Adjudication Process Review Results Seminar

Advanced Personnel Security and Suitability Adjudication

Personnel Security and Suitability Adjudication

Security Clearance Appeal Procedures Training

Mitigating for Adjudication Training

CI/CT Risk Assessment

Security Intelligence and Threat Analysis Unit Training

Introduction to the Intelligence Program

Insider Threat

Initial Clearance Section CD Series

SYSTEMS & OTHER TRAINING

DCII, OPM, JPAS, DPRIS, Phoenix, CWR and Clearwater Training

Case Activity and Tracking System

Case Assignment and Retrieval Subsystem (CARS) Training

Security Division Writing Essentials

RMD Training

NCIC Practitioner Training

Information Security Awareness

TECS

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