Personnel Security Specialist Grade 3

Protection Strategies, Inc. (PSI)

FBI – Personnel Security Specialist III

Location: Huntsville, AL

About PSI

Protection Strategies, Inc. (PSI) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business providing security solutions and personnel security expertise to the U.S. Government. We are mission-driven, people-focused, and committed to protecting critical national interests with integrity and innovation.

Why Join PSI

At PSI, People First, Mission Always isn’t just a motto—it’s how we operate. We put people first by supporting our team members with leadership, training, mentorship, and development opportunities. Our culture of integrity, professionalism, and excellence attracts top talent and drives mission success across the federal landscape.

PSI is willing to sponsor candidates for a Top-Secret Clearance for select positions that require it.

Benefits Include

Medical, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Basic and Voluntary Life and AD&D, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Tuition Assistance, Financial Advisor, Wellness Programs, Employee Assistance Programs, GoodRx, Commuter Benefits, Disability Products, and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/HRA).

Position Overview

PSI is seeking a Personnel Security Specialist III to support FBI personnel security operations by reviewing investigation request documentation for accuracy and completeness and processing e-QIP packets for federal and contractor employees. This role supports background investigation initiation, applicant communication, case file development, investigative review, and preparation of documentation required for processing and adjudication actions.

This position requires candidates to be capable of obtaining and maintaining a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access, including the ability to successfully complete a Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph examination, as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform duties associated with lower grade levels, as required



• Provide supporting research and analysis for complex security-related problems and processes with minimal direction



• Serve as an experienced contributor on project teams and working groups



• Apply critical thinking and analysis to support written documentation and oral presentations



• Review and analyze requests for investigations related to security clearances, reciprocity, requirements, violations, assessments, and access eligibility



• Review FBI investigative files and related materials to extract identifying information and identify record matches, inconsistencies, and investigative concerns



• Examine materials for potential misrepresentation, criminal or unethical conduct, and other indicators that may impact trustworthiness, reliability, or suitability



• Conduct Personnel Security Interviews (PSIs) based on investigative findings or FBI HQ request



• Prepare detailed written analysis and recommendations to support additional investigative steps and address security concerns



• Conduct security briefings including Security Awareness and Hostile Threat topics; update briefings as needed to align with requirements



• Assist in preliminary and final review of statements of personal history and related documentation prior to background investigation initiation



• Conduct background investigations (BIs) for positions requiring suitability determinations or access to classified information



• Prepare investigative reports resulting from interviews conducted during BIs



• Draft summary sheets for assigned cases, including detailed evaluation of derogatory information when applicable



• Develop recommended lines of inquiry when information is insufficient to support case disposition recommendations



• Assist with recommendations for adjudication actions related to FBI employment and/or security clearance eligibility



• Review Personnel Security Questionnaires (SF-86 and SF-85P)



• Verify applicant-submitted information and contact subjects using approved methods to resolve missing or incomplete data



• Input and retrieve data from applicable systems and sources, including credit bureaus, local agency checks, and other record checks



• Prioritize assignments, manage schedules, and meet case processing deadlines



• Use advanced interview skills to gather in-depth background details from subjects



• Conduct peer reviews as required

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience developing and writing Reports of Investigation supporting investigative and/or adjudication records



• Experience conducting and interpreting database checks and credit reports



• Experience performing routine office administrative support functions



• Demonstrated analytical ability to review and interpret investigative reports and incoming materials to identify potential security vulnerabilities and investigative leads

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of experience in the personnel security investigative or investigative analyst field, or Federal Law Enforcement, OR



• Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of experience in the personnel security investigative or investigative analyst field, or Federal Law Enforcement



• Experience interpreting governmental and commercial database checks to identify areas of concern during investigations



• Experience analyzing investigative reports and applying adjudicative standards to support recommendations regarding approval, denial, or revocation of eligibility for access to national security information



• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance with SCI access, including successful completion of a CI polygraph exam

Desired Attributes

• Knowledge of DOJ and FBI regulations related to personnel security processes



• Experience conducting interviews and security briefings and presenting analysis clearly, logically, and objectively



• Strong knowledge of indices systems, record check systems, and file review processes used to develop complete and accurate investigative case documentation



• Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively under deadlines



• Professional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Employment offers will be contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screen.

Practical AI Application

• Applies AI tools to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and improve outcomes



• Understands the strengths and limitations of AI systems and exercises sound judgment in their use



• Continuously explores new AI capabilities and integrates them into day-to-day work where appropriate



• Uses AI in alignment with company and customer-specific policies, data privacy standards, and ethical guidelines



• Exercises discretion when using AI with sensitive or proprietary information



• Demonstrates awareness of bias, accuracy, and risk considerations when leveraging AI tools