McManis & Monsalve Associates (MMA) is a small, economically, disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) professional services firm. MMA provides services and solutions in the areas of program management, personnel security, training, process improvement and security. Our firm provides cleared professionals for the Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, Special Operations Command, TRADOC, Defense Health Agency, National Institutes of Health, and Indian Health Services. MMA provides subject matter experts, program managers, project managers, analysts, intelligence analysts, security professionals, logistics specialists, trainers, adjudicators, budget analysts for a wide variety of mission critical requirements.This position will be stationed in Rosslyn, VA.Position SummaryIn support of the Department of State (DoS) contract, the Security Specialist (Security Specialist II) position is full-time, non-exempt and to start immediately upon selection and security clearance processing and receipt.Essential Functions & Responsibilities/DescriptionDuties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Provide extensive support to the Department of State's programs to protect classified National security information at all levels and sensitive but unclassified information within the Department and entrusted to private industryInterpret management directives and guidance as it relates to security programs/operations and makes appropriate implementation recommendationsAssisting in the development, preparation, and issuance of program guides for Department programsMonitor, analyze, and investigate security violations to determine causes, highlight program weaknesses, pinpoint responsibility/culpability, and recommend corrective action, as appropriateCoordinate with Senior Officers, Intelligence Community (IC), and other security agencies on office security programs, as requiredConduct inspections to ensure contractor compliance with security policies and proceduresProvide management services for a comprehensive security awareness program designed to educate employees via presentations and printed mediaAssist in developing and producing security awareness media to include posters, handbooks, and similar materialsProvide input/review of proposed briefing and training packagesWork independently, with oversight, to advise and assist office personnel on matters of security policy, procedures, and regulationsMaintain contact with security officials from other government agencies and contracting firms to facilitate contractor employees' assignment to Department of State contractsConduct training with contracting firms to ensure their requests for personnel security clearances, visitor authorization requests, and requests for assignment to moderate risk Public Trust positions are processed without undue delays in contract performanceMaintain continuous dialogue with contracting firms to ensure contractor employees are authorized to begin contract performance as expeditiously as possibleConducting needs surveys and providing a report of findings for each survey conductedReview outgoing office correspondence for appropriate office personnelPerform all aspects of Personnel SecurityData Analytics - sifting "raw" data through multiple security-related databasesCoordinate with other Government agencies and private sector personnelCommunicate in writing and verbally with all levels of personnelInvestigate and analyze unusual security problems, considerations, and issues associated with information and personnel security programsStudy issues and recommend approaches to correct deficiencies or enhance program operationsDevelop systems and procedures for establishing, operating, and assessing the effectiveness of administrative control systemsLift and carry equipment and documents weighing 10 pounds or moreMinimum QualificationsUndergraduate degree with three (3) to four (4) years of specialized security experience Degree not required with four (4) to five (5) years of specialized security experienceSpecialized security experience must be in one of the following areas:CounterintelligenceInvestigations Industrial securityDignitary/VIP policy and security standard developmentOPSECCOMSECINFOSECSecurity countermeasures programsAccess system operation and managementPersonnel protection and protecting classified information or region desk officeWorking knowledge of federal agencies' security policies and procedures, such as the NISPOM, IC directive, and national and international security requirementsAbility to work under close and continuing supervision and follows detailed guidelines covering all aspects of the work in assignments designed to expand capabilities and knowledgeMust maintain absolute discretion in the handling of the following:Classified informationCriminal investigative reportsPersonnel filesOther sensitive mattersMust have strong computer skills to include database experience and possess a proficiency in data entry Training will be provided on specialized databases utilizedLift and carry equipment and documents weighing 10 pounds or morePreferred QualificationPrior experience with Department of State (DoS) or Diplomatic Security (DS)One (1) year of direct Government contracting experience as task/project management levelMandatory RequirementsMay be subject to a Government Security Investigation and must meet eligibility for access to classified information at Secret clearance levelEntry onto duty will be assigned upon receipt of a final Secret clearanceNote: Although cleared candidates are ideal, a security clearance is NOT required to apply; DOS will conduct a background investigation for a Secret clearance upon accepted offer from uncleared candidate; Entry on Duty is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearanceMMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that treats all employees and applicants equally without discrimination because of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We comply with all applicable laws governing employment practices and do not discriminate. MMA complies with the laws and regulations set forth in the EEO is the LAW poster. You can view MMA's EEO Policy. MMA does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on inquiring about, disclosing, or discussing their compensation or the compensation of other applicants or employees. We comply with all laws and regulations set forth in the Pay Transparency poster.As a federal government contractor, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, MMA is required to develop annual Affirmative Action Plans (AAPs). Any employees or applicants who wish to review the Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities can contact us at (301) 540-8864. If you are a disabled individual or disabled Veteran and require a reasonable accommodation in applying for any posted position, please contact us at Recruitment@groupssi.com or call (301) 540-8864.