U.S. Department of State

Security Protective Specialist

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer
How to Apply

Announcement No: SPS-2012-0001
Opening Date: 02/01/2012
CLOSED: 02/20/2012

Position Title: FOREIGN SERVICE SECURITY PROTECTIVE SPECIALIST

Grade and Starting Salary Range: FP-06: $44,737 per annum*

Additional Benefits: Tax-Free Housing Overseas; Danger Pay; Post Differential; Overtime Compensation; Holiday Pay and Holiday Premium Pay; Night Shift Differential; Accrual of Annual and Sick Leave; Life Insurance; Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHB); Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS); Separate Maintenance and Education Allowances; Compensation for Disability or Death (Details available online under Benefits.)

Number of Vacancies: The Department of State is developing a rank-order register to fill a limited number of Foreign Service Diplomatic Security Protective Specialist (SPS) vacancies. The specific number to be hired will depend on the needs of the Foreign Service and availability of funds. Applications are accepted ONLY during the period specified above.

Area of Consideration: All Sources.

Location: All assignments will be directed by the Department according to the needs of the Service. Assignments may be to any Foreign Service post abroad which, in most cases, will be classified at the high or critical threat level. Initial training and orientation will be held in the Washington, DC area.

* Includes the 16.52% Overseas Comparability Payment.

Special Notices

• Please go to usajobs.gov for application instructions.
• Successful applicants are appointed to the Foreign Service as Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) employees with a federal benefits package.
• Appointments will be made for an initial 13-month period and may be renewed annually up to a maximum of five years.
• Overseas tours are unaccompanied.
• There is no conversion mechanism to a career Foreign Service position. SPSs are encouraged to apply to become a Foreign Service specialist, but must meet the applicable qualifications and complete the standard application and assessment process.
• The appointment may be terminated by the US Government at any time upon at least 30 days notice unless the termination is for cause. In this case, the 30 days notice is not required.
• The SPS may terminate the appointment by written notification at least 30 days in advance.
• Promotion potential is to the FP-04 level. SPS will be administratively promoted from the FP-06 to the FP-05 level after 12 months of satisfactory performance of duty. Promotion to the FP-04 level will occur after 18 months of satisfactory performance in grade as a FP-05.

Benefits Package

The following are some of the more significant benefits of employment in the Foreign Service:

1. Danger Pay – based upon post of assignment: Currently 35% of base pay for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Peshawar, Pakistan.



2. Post Differential – based upon post of assignment: Currently 35% of base pay for Afghanistan, Iraq, and Peshawar, Pakistan.



3. Overtime – OT may be expected and is paid at the rate of 1.5 times the hourly rate.



4. Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA) – while assigned to unaccompanied posts, SPS employees are eligible for SMA. The SMA is an annual grant determined by the number of dependents and ranges from $6,800 for one child only t$23,000 for an adult dependent and 4 or more additional family members. The SMA is currently non-taxable.



5. R&R – Kabul, Peshawar and Baghdad are all under a generous leave/R&R allowance program (usually taken at 50-60 day intervals). Kabul and Baghdad allow 2 R&Rs and 3 Regional Rest Breaks (RRBs) or 3 R&Rs and no RRBs. Peshawar allows 2 R&Rs and 1 RRB. R&Rs provide round-trip transportation to any point in the United States. Time usually allowed is approximately two weeks. In addition to the Annual Leave allowance (addressed below), at post discretion, a limited amount of administrative leave may also be authorized to be used while on R&R.



6. Paid Annual Leave – federal employees earn Annual Leave (AL) based upon the following formula.
   • If less than 3 years federal service – 4 hours per 2-week pay period;
   • If between 3 and 15 years federal service – 6 hours a pay period;
   • If more than 15 years federal service – 8 hours a pay period. Former military service – time spent in the US military is credited towards the annual leave allowance unless the employee is retired from the military. If retired and receiving retired pay, then form SF-813 (Verification of a Military Retiree’s Service) must be submitted before a determination can be made as to creditable service.
     
     
7. Home Leave – all Foreign Service employees who complete 12 months of continuous service in Afghanistan/Iraq/Pakistan are required to take Home Leave following the assignment. The current allowance is 15 days and is in addition to the AL allowance.



8. Sick Leave – all employees receive the same allowance – 4 hours per pay period.



9. Life Insurance – employees automatically receive basic life insurance unless they waive it. They may also select from a variety of options to include up to a maximum of 5 times base annual salary.



10. Health Insurance – employees may choose from a variety of options. Employees have 60 days to elect coverage. Coverage begins the pay period after the application forms are received in DS' HR Office.



11. Retirement Plan – all SPS employees are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).



12. Thrift Savings Plan – employees may contribute up to the IRS limit ($16,500). USG matches up to 5% of employee's contribution.



13. Tax-free housing – while SPSs may be assigned to any Foreign Service post abroad current requirements exist in Afghanistan; Peshawar, Pakistan, Yemen and Iraq. At all posts overseas, housing is provided at no cost to the employee.

NOTE: additional information is available in the following pages:

• http://careers.state.gov/ap-jobs/benefits
• http://careers.state.gov/iraq-jobs/benefits

General Description of Duties

FP-06 Level: Security Protective Specialists of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) at the FP-06 level provide a variety of personal protective services at overseas locations in accordance with Department of State and Bureau of Diplomatic Security established protective security policies, standards, and procedures.

Major Duties:

• in the absence of supervisory level Security Protective Specialists or Special Agents, may serve as Detail Leader for contractor staffed protective security details;



• provides physical protection for Department officials and employees at overseas locations, primarily at high threat posts;



• drives the lead vehicle, a principal’s vehicle or follow-vehicle as required in motorcade or similar operations;



• provides body protection as part of protective formations during principal’s walking movements;



• provides static coverage at principal’s residence, in a Command Post or other location as required;



• reviews and assesses information relevant to the assigned protective operation to anticipate problems or incidents;



• responds to emergency situations in accordance with established Bureau of Diplomatic Security protective security policies, standards and procedures; serves as a member of advance teams that plan and coordinate protective operations;



• conducts site surveys to assess factors affecting the protective environment of sites to be visited;



• carries and operates weapons and other specialized equipment required in the conduct of protective operations;



• maintains requisite level of skills in firearms and other protective equipment and trains other SPS personnel in these skills.

The Security Protective Specialist (SPS) Position

The Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is seeking highly qualified and motivated men and women with extensive experience in protective security operations to serve in the Foreign Service at certain U.S. embassies, consulates and regional offices abroad.

This workforce will be deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other high threat posts to supplement DS Special Agents in the supervision of contractor personnel. As members of a diplomatic team, Security Protective Specialists not only help to accomplish the mission of the Department of State, but also represent the United States to the people of other nations.

SPSs will work in tandem with DS Special Agents to ensure that a DS SPS or SA is always present and involved with every protective motorcade element. The SPS or SA may act as the Detail Leader and may supervise other DS or contractor personnel.

Security Protective Specialists will receive Limited Non-Career Appointments. Appointments may be renewed annually up to a total of 5 years of service. Extensions beyond five years are not permitted. Federal retirement benefits accrue during time spent as a DS Security Protective Specialist. SPS will receive annual in-grade salary increases (step increases). Promotion will be in accordance with the following schedule:

1. After successful, satisfactory completion of 12 months of service, FP-06 SPS will be administratively promoted to the FP-05 level.
2. After successful, satisfactory completion of 18 months of service at the FP-05 level, SPS will be administratively promoted to the FP-04 level.

All assignments will be at the needs of the service. After the initial tour, SPSs may be transferred to other high threat posts overseas for two consecutive 2-year tours of duty.

A limited, non-career appointment to the Foreign Service involves uncommon commitments and occasional hardships along with unique rewards and opportunities.

A decision to accept such an appointment must involve unusual motivation and a firm dedication to public service. The overseas posts to which SPSs will be assigned may expose the employee to harsh climates, health hazards, and other discomforts and where American-style amenities may be unavailable. Assignments tO iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, are particularly challenging and may result in bodily injury and/or death. However, a limited appointment to the Foreign Service offers special rewards, including the pride and satisfaction of representing the United States and protecting U.S. interests at home and abroad.

Initial Training Assignments

All Security Protective Specialists must complete approximately 19 weeks of initial training/orientation at the Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC), the Foreign Service Institute and/or some other facility in the Washington, DC area. The training program develops and tests proficiency in job-related subjects that include use of firearms, physical fitness, personal defensive tactics, driving skills, emergency medical procedures, and protective security techniques. Proficiency is measured through a series of scored practical exercises as well as subject matter-specific and comprehensive written examinations. Failure to successfully complete any aspect of the training program is grounds for separation.

Salary and Allowances

Initial salary will generally be at the FP-06, Step 1, ($44,737) level — which includes a 16.52% Overseas Comparability Payment. Entry-level salaries are non-negotiable. In addition to base salary, SPSs will receive all applicable Department overseas allowances. While assigned tO iraq, Afghanistan, or Peshawar, Pakistan, SPSs will receive both danger pay and post differential. Currently those allowances total 70% of base salary for a grand total of $76,053. Post allowances in other high threat posts are computed at different levels.

SPSs are entitled tall allowances received by other Department employees to include cost-of-living allowance, post differential, danger pay, and/or other allowances specific to post of assignment. SPSs receive government-provided housing at all overseas locations.

Federal employees without a break in service may be appointed at a salary level above Step 1.

Appointments will be made at a step which most closely matches the highest previous federal salary (rounded upwards) up to the FP-6, Step 14 level. Security Protective Specialists are eligible for Federal Employees life insurance, health insurance and participation in US Government Thrift savings programs.

Basic Qualifications and Requirements

• At least three years of experience in domestic or overseas security operations within the last seven years in the areas identified in the note* below. Experience must have been progressive and culminated in at least one year in a position with increased levels of responsibility. Experience in protective operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is particularly desirable.



• U.S. citizenship



• High School diploma or GED



• At least 20 years of age to apply Candidates must be at least 21 but must not have reached their 37th birthday at time of appointment (The age restriction does not apply to preference-eligible veterans)



• Be in compliance with the Selective Service Act



• Successfully complete all written and oral selection examinations



• Successfully undergo background investigation and qualify for a TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) security clearance and pass a suitability review



• Pass a stringent medical examination



• Be available for worldwide assignment



• Pass physical fitness tests (a timed 1 ½ mile run and gender and age-specific repetitions of push-ups and sit-ups) and be fit for strenuous physical exertion



• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license



• Be willing to carry and, if necessary, use firearms. Qualify with firearms throughout the period of appointment



• Foreign language ability is desirable but not mandatory



• Successfully complete all required training

*NOTE: Qualifying experience would include at least three years within the last seven in one of the following fields or combination. Experience must have been progressive and culminated in at least one year in a position with increased levels of responsibility.

• Employment as a protective security specialist in a domestic or overseas venue
• Employment as a sworn law enforcement officer at the federal, state or local level in a tactical operations unit (SWAT, Special Ops, Executive Protection, etc.)
• Military service –
  • With a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Special Operations/Special Forces, infantry, military police or military investigative organization (CID/OSI/NCIS, etc.).
  • All other MOS – if MOS is in a field other than those listed above, other MOSs may qualify if a minimum of one tour of duty was spent in a combat arms assignment in a combat theater of operations.
  • Marine Security Guards – if MOS is in a field other than those listed above, MSGs may qualify if a minimum of one tour of duty was spent in a combat arms assignment in a combat theater of operations.

Other security/law enforcement experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis but if not in the areas identified above, qualifying for the position is unlikely.

For consideration of an application, the on-line resume and supporting documentation must clearly demonstrate at least three years of qualifying experience within the last seven years. Experience must have been progressive and culminated in at least one year in a position with increased levels of responsibility.

Applications will be strictly evaluated and those with higher scores attained in the on-line assessment (See – “Procedures for Applying” below) will receive primary consideration to proceed in the selection/assessment process.

Applicants must successfully complete all aspects of the approximately 19-week initial training program for their candidacy and their employment as SPSs to be continued; failure to pass any aspect of the initial training, including physical fitness tests, is grounds for separation.

Applicants for the Security Protective Specialist position must not have been convicted of any felony charge. In accordance with the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act, a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not possess a firearm. Applicants must be able to certify that they have not been convicted of any such violation and that they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.

Applicants for the SPS position must possess strong oral and written communications skills in order to successfully compete in the Foreign Service’s thorough and competitive assessment process. Candidates must consistently meet a high standard in both written and spoken English. Written skills include proper sentence structure, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Oral communications skills include proper sentence structure, delivery, clarity and succinctness. Those whose skills are not at these high standards will be particularly challenged in achieving a competitive score in the assessment process.

Physical Demands

Security Protective Specialists must perform duties in the field that are physically demanding. SPSs must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, life and death situations. The SPS’s life and the lives of others may depend upon his/her physical capabilities and conditioning. Candidates must pass a thorough medical examination to include Supplemental Physical Qualification Standards. A qualified candidate may not have a medical condition which, particularly in light of the fact that medical treatment facilities may be lacking or nonexistent in certain overseas environments, would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others, or would prevent the individual from performing the duties of the job.

Security Protective Specialists are required to perform protective security assignments with physical demands that may include, but are not limited to, intermittent and prolonged periods of running, walking, standing, sitting, squatting, kneeling, climbing stairs, quickly entering and exiting various vehicles, enduring inclement weather which may include excessive heat, as well as carrying and using firearms.

Security Protective Specialists perform other functions that may require jumping, dodging, lying prone, as well as wrestling, restraining and subduing attackers, or detainees. SPSs must be able, if necessary, to conduct security inspections that may require crawling under vehicles and other low clearances or in tight spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.

Sometimes it may be necessary for a SPS to assist with installing or maintaining security countermeasures, which might involve lifting heavy objects and working on ladders or rooftops. SPSs must be skilled at driving and maneuvering a motor vehicle defensively or evasively in a variety of situations and at various speeds.

Security Protective Specialist candidates are expected to already possess many of the skills discussed in previous paragraphs but all will receive identical training to insure consistency. This training will include firearms training, defensive tactics, restraining an attacker and specialized driving techniques. SPS candidates must be able to participate in and complete all aspects of their training.

Candidates must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout the world. Traveling and assignments abroad may involve working in remote areas where traditional comforts and medical facilities are limited. SPSs may be required to travel to locations of civil unrest where conditions are potentially hostile and where performance of duties is conducted under hazardous circumstances.

Educational Requirements

While college level studies are desirable, the minimum educational requirement for a SPS candidate is a high school diploma or GED.

Work Experience Requirements

FP-06 level - At least three years of experience in domestic or overseas security operations within the last seven years in the areas identified in previous pages of this announcement. Experience must have been progressive and culminated in at least one year in a position with increased levels of responsibility. Protective security experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Pakistan is particularly desirable.

The Foreign Service Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) Selection Process

The Foreign Service selection process may be lengthy, multi-staged, and due to the limited number of appointments available, highly competitive. It commences upon receipt of the candidate’s application materials and will continue until a candidate is appointed from a list of eligible candidates (a process which can sometimes take as long as a year or more), or the candidacy is terminated.

Current plans call for the entire selection process (qualifications evaluation and oral examination) to be conducted in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Travel to the assessment location is at the expense of the applicant.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training and self-development as it relates to the position. Part-time work experience will be prorated. Candidates will be initially evaluated through an on-line self-assessment/subject matter test administered through www.USAjobs.gov. Subsequently, some candidates will be further evaluated through a file review, a writing exercise and an oral assessment/examination. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be required to obtain the following:

• Medical clearance for world-wide service (Class 1 clearance) and supplementary medical requirement pertaining to hearing and vision requirements and passing a stress test.



• Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access



• Suitability clearance as determined by review of a Final Review Panel (FRP).

Once all clearances are received, candidates’ names are placed on a rank-ordered Register. Candidates may improve their standing on the Register by obtaining additional points for qualifying military service (5 or 10 Point Veteran Preference Points) and/or proven language ability as determined through testing by the Foreign Service Institute. Additional information on the clearance process is available on the Department’s website at careers.state.gov.

With respect to preference eligible veterans, Veteran Preference Points are added to the overall score once the selection examination process is satisfactorily completed. Candidates’ names are then placed on the rank-ordered Register and, with the addition of veterans preference points, standing on the Register can be significantly improved. Candidates must document creditable military service by submitting a copy of form DD-214. If seeking a 10-point preference, a copy of the award letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs must be submitted. In all cases, veterans’ preference points are added only after successful completion of the oral examination.

Application materials become property of the U.S. Department of State and will not be returned. Failure to adequately substantiate work experience by virtue of documentation and verification will result in termination of your application for the position of Security Protective Specialist.

Selection for the SPS position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications.

Procedures for Applying

We are not currently accepting applications for this position. Please subscribe to receive email updates regarding this vacancy.

• Step #1 - REGISTER – Applicants must first register on USAJOBS at www.usajobs.gov and create an online federal resume. Your online resume must be typed; you may cut and paste an existing resume into the space provided. Once you have completed the registration process, print the document that you just created and then select the "Apply Online" button.



• Step #2 - APPLY – Follow the "Apply Online" instructions in the “Gateway to State” where you will answer self-assessment questions for the SPS position. When completed, the registration information/resume you provided at USAJOBS and the answers to the "Gateway to State" questions will become your application. Your registration, resume, and responses to the questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the SPS position. You will also be asked to fax or upload two or three documents (described below) to complete your application package.
  
  Technical assistance with your online application can be obtained Monday-Friday by contacting the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com OR by calling (866) 656-6830 or (703) 269-4944 between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, Eastern Time.



• Step #3 – FAX – Print the FAX coversheet generated at the end of the online application process. Then fax the supporting documentation to the number listed on the fax coversheet prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. The following two or three documents are required for a complete application package:
  
  
  1. The Minimum Qualifications Check Sheet (pdf).
  2. A two page typed (double-spaced) narrative autobiography that discusses your background, personal interests and hobbies, your motivation for joining the Foreign Service and your motivation for becoming a Security Protective Specialist.
  3. If 37 years of age or over and claiming 5 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214. If claiming 10 pt. veteran’s preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15. (Required if requesting preference.)

NOTE: The fax coversheet contains an important ID number; keep a copy for your files. Be certain to follow instructions, otherwise you WILL lose consideration for this job.

All applications and required documents MUST be received by 11:59 EST of the closing date of the Announcement. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All application materials become property of the Department of State and will not be returned to the applicant.

Application packages that are complete by the closing date of the announcement will be assessed to determine if initial qualifications were met. The candidate will be notified if he/she is to be further considered or if the application is not competitive.

Competitive Applicants – The limited number of applicants who are identified for further consideration will be notified of the next phase of the selection/assessment process. That process will include an oral and written assessment conducted by the Foreign Service Board of Examiners (BEX) and subject matter experts from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

THE BEX ASSESSMENT is a two-part, structured process which includes the following components. Candidates must be successful in the first phase to proceed to the second.

1. A timed Written Essay to examine whether the candidate demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. SPS compile surveys and write other reports so strong writing skills are essential for success in the SPS position. 45 minutes are allowed. Only those candidates who pass the Written Essay will proceed to the next step, the BEX Oral Examination.



2. BEX Oral - an examination conducted by a BEX Examiner and a DS subject matter expert. This examination evaluates the candidate in at least the following criteria: motivation; cross-cultural experiences; interpersonal skills; objectivity and integrity; knowledge of issues broadly described as “Americana” and understanding of national and international current events and their impact on US foreign and domestic policy. The candidate’s functional expertise and practical skills necessary for the position will also be closely examined as part of this process. Additionally, the candidate is placed in at least two hypothetical scenarios in which the issue/problem is outlined and the candidate must present a solution. The candidate’s planning/organizational skills are assessed along with his/her judgment; resourcefulness; initiative/leadership; oral communications skills and composure. The BEX Oral lasts up to 60 minutes.

REMINDER: Expenses, including travel for testing, are the candidate’s responsibility.

For additional information, please refer to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s web site at www.state.gov/m/ds or the Department of State’s Human Resources web site at careers.state.gov/specialist.

TEST SITE INFORMATION

The assessment process is described in preceding pages and may take 2-3 hours. It is comprised of two phases and candidates must be successful in the first phase to proceed to the next. Teams from the Foreign Service Board of Examiners and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security will conduct the examination at DS Headquarters in Arlington, VA or other locations to be determined. Expenses, including travel for testing, are the candidate’s responsibility.

The approximately 2-3 hour assessment consists of written examinations and oral assessments. Various phases of this assessment process are scored using the following dimensions: composure, cultural adaptability, experience and motivation, information integration and analysis, initiative and leadership, judgment, objectivity and integrity, oral communication, planning and organizing, resourcefulness, working with others, and written communications.

Questions posed to applicants may also address current events as well as American history, social life and culture. Candidates will also be asked questions relating to hypothetical scenarios that are typical of the kinds of situation that Security Protective Specialists might experience.

Reminder: Expenses, including travel for testing, are the candidate’s responsibility.

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees may not be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether that discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department. All decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.