Adjudicator
Resume:
ALEISHA
STEPHENSO
N
MissAleishaAnnStephenson@gm
ail.com
Landover, United States 20785
Experienced Personnel Security Specialist with over 20 years in adjudicating and evaluating federal employee and contractor background investigations. Skilled in Tier 1–4 public trust and national security clearances, making informed adjudication determinations in compliance with E.O. 12968 and 5 CFR 731. Proficient in federal systems including e-QIP, JPAS, PIPS, and SIMS, as well as physical and personnel security management. Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and training to junior adjudicators, ensuring accurate and consistent determinations. Recognized for attention to detail, integrity, and critical decision-making in complex investigative environments.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Adjudication & Investigations
Federal Systems & Technical Tools
Guidance & Leadership
Soft Skills / Competencies
SKILLS
Tier 1–4 Personnel Security
Investigations
•
Public Trust & National Security
Clearances
•
Adjudicative Recommendations &
Final Determinations
•
Compliance with E.O. 12968 and
5 CFR 731
•
Review of OPM, FBI, and DSS
investigative reports
•
Mitigation of adverse/derogatory
information
•
e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaires
for Investigations Processing)
•
• JPAS / PIPS / SIMS
USAccess & C•CURE 9000 Access
Control Systems
•
• Lenel Physical Security Systems
Document Control Databases &
Security Files
•
Training & mentoring junior
adjudicators
•
• Policy & procedure development
• Security awareness briefings
Deloitte & Augmentation, Inc., State Department - Personnel Security Specialist / Adjudicator
10/2019 - Current
Labor Category: Adjudication/Investigations Security: Public Trust/Eligible for Top Secret
Seneca Nation LLC., Drug Enforcement Administration - Personnel Security Specialist
07/2019 - 10/2019
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Adjudicated Tier 1–4 background investigations for federal employees and contractors, determining suitability for public trust and national security positions in compliance with E.O. 12968 and 5 CFR 731.
•
Reviewed, evaluated, and analyzed investigative reports from OPM, FBI, and DSS to assess completeness, accuracy, and relevance of information for adjudicative decisions.
•
Requested additional investigative actions and conducted follow- ups to clarify discrepancies and ensure thorough case resolution.
•
Provided final adjudication recommendations and guidance to senior management and junior adjudicators, ensuring consistent and compliant decisions.
•
Performed system administration and managed sensitive personnel security data in e-QIP, maintaining accurate and secure records in compliance with federal standards.
•
Prepared and delivered reports on security-related activities to inform leadership and support decision-making processes.
•
Demonstrated attention to detail, critical reasoning, and integrity while adjudicating complex and sensitive investigations.
•
Evaluated and adjudicated background investigations, law enforcement checks, and other documentation to determine employee and contractor suitability for public trust and national security positions.
•
Attention to Detail &
Accountability
•
Decision Making & Critical
Reasoning
•
• Integrity / Ethical Standards
• Stress Tolerance & Flexibility
Teamwork & Interpersonal
Communication
•
Tesst Technology Institute
Suitland, MD
High School Diploma: Computer
Application
EDUCATION
Cherokee Nation Department of Health and Human Services - Personnel Security Specialist Adjudicator
09/2016 - 07/2019
Reviewed authenticity, veracity, and relevance of investigative data from multiple sources to inform adjudication decisions.
•
Formulated informed adjudication recommendations for federal leadership, ensuring compliance with E.O. 12968 and 5 CFR 731.
•
Provided authoritative guidance and assistance to agency officials regarding personnel suitability and security clearance determinations.
•
Managed personnel security systems, including e-QIP and USAccess, maintaining sensitive records and ensuring accurate and secure access control.
•
Oversaw identity verification and credentialing operations, including HSPD-12 PIV cards, badges, and access approvals, coordinating with headquarters and field offices to maintain compliance and efficiency.
•
Maintained and updated document control databases, files, and control registers, ensuring security of sensitive information and records.
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Reviewed and prepared personnel security packages for federal employees and contractors, including SF86, SF86C, and Visit Authorization Requests (VAR), ensuring completeness and accuracy for SCI eligibility determinations.
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Utilized SIMS (Management Information Systems) and JPAS to track, maintain, and update personnel security information, including clearance status, training records, and personnel information files.
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Verified security clearance eligibility and system access, ensuring proper adjudication of public trust and national security positions.
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Reviewed security files and adverse information, making recommendations on potential impacts to national security positions in accordance with federal regulations.
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Supported personnel security operations by providing guidance, training, and briefings to employees and contractors on security policies and compliance requirements.
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Maintained document control and sensitive information in compliance with federal personnel security standards.
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Assisted in policy and procedure development, including SOPs and security guidelines (e.g., DD254 for classified contracts), supporting consistent adjudicative practices.
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Applied incident management, problem-solving, and investigative skills to personnel security issues, producing reports and recommendations for leadership decision-making.
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