Tierra Goffigan
Joppa,United States
Summary
Accomplished Personnel Security Specialist with eleven years of experience in personnel security with expertise in safeguarding national security by ensuring those who hold sensitive positions are of honorable character, trustworthy, loyal and reliable. Proven ability to make informed adjudication decisions to enhance program efficiency.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Baltimore, United States
06.2024 - Current
- Independently review background investigations and make decisions regarding suitability for federal employment, fitness for performance under contracts with the federal government, or eligibility for a security clearance.
- Interpret and apply suitability factors and security adjudicative guidelines when making adjudicative decisions or adverse action recommendations for suitability, fitness, and security clearance eligibility.
- Review background investigations/documents to ensure all required information is provided and request missing information when needed.
- Process continuous vetting/continuous evaluation for employee investigations regarding EEO complaints, and policy violations and misconduct.
- Screen and evaluates reports of investigations in cases conducted by FBI, OPM, NBIS, DISS, CIA, DSS/DCII, and other Federal agencies relating to security clearance eligibility, completeness of investigation coverage, identify derogatory and mitigating information for adjudicating eligibility for access authorization and/or badging credentials.
- Ensure all required information is present in background investigations for the appropriate adjudicative decision.
- Writes letters of interrogatories, case summaries, eligibility notifications, and notices of adverse actions. Contact or issue written correspondence with individuals, outside entities or other government agencies for additional information.
- Manages workflow to ensure timely processing of cases to ensure compliance with government performance and accountability requirements. Keeps team lead or management abreast of recurring problems or systemic deficiencies.
- Independently adjudicate complex personnel security clearances.
- Direct and coordinate complex investigations of applicants and employees to ensure they meet security standards.
- Recommend actions to improve program efficiency/effectiveness and achieve program objectives.
- Oversee and determine compliance with personnel security procedures and requirements.
- Assist management by analyzing data and recommending solutions to make appropriate adjudicative determinations.
- Recommend ways to resolve problems or improve work in staffing support areas within division.
- Implement and develop procedural changes necessitated in change in personnel security directives.
- Support the development, evaluation, communication of new and updated policies and directives.
- Research investigative findings, composes detailed analytical reports, and presents briefings to the Special Actions Section (SAS) to support protocol determination and decision-making. Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-US Secret Service (USSS)
Washington, United States
07.2018 - 06.2024
- Initiate, adjudicate, and process applicant and employee background investigations in accordance with U.S. Secret Service guidelines and the Office of Personnel Management Executive Orders.
- Maintain and create Personnel Security Folders (PSFs) in electronic format. Conduct data entry and electronic records activities as it relates to security clearance processing.
- Compare investigative information contained in PSF. Evaluate responses to interrogatories and provide recommendations.
- Evaluate reports of investigations involving requests for security clearances, prepare written reports of evaluation and correspondence to include letters of interrogatory and psychiatric evaluation requests, conduct personnel security interviews and conduct status checks in response to inquiries from internal USSS employees and field offices.
- Process and adjudicate background investigations and periodic reinvestigations for USSS applicants and employees.
- Screen and evaluates reports of investigations in cases conducted by FBI, OPM, NBIS, DISS, CIA, DSS/DCII, and other Federal agencies relating to security clearance eligibility, completeness of investigation coverage, identify derogatory and mitigating information for adjudicating eligibility for access authorization and/or badging credentials.
- Analyze and resolve personnel security problems for situations involving conflicting or insufficient data, evidence, or testimony.
- Review applicant and employee waivers of the pre-appointment background investigation; identify issues requiring resolution.
- Maintain liaison with appropriate law enforcement organizations and government agencies related to personnel security issues and programs.
- Prepare written reports of evaluation identifying security concerns, mitigating factors, and providing recommendations as to how to best resolve concerns.
- Experience using NBIS, eAPP System, USAccess and Central Verification System (CVS)/Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) systems.
- Provide guidance to address problems and concerns related to personnel security.
- Provides administrative support for the personnel security process by assisting in the maintenance, review, and update of associated case files and records.
- Initiates e-QIP invitations, security interviews; polygraph authorizations and background investigations.
- Determines which field office(s) will be involved and the time frame for completing the investigation.
- Assists with the review of cases to ensure that all necessary investigative information is provided and takes initiative to expedite completion.
- Coordinate personnel security activities with officials of other federal departments and agencies, e.g., the Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc.
- Provide guidance and assistance to managers and employees on personnel security topics.
- Interpret policy, laws and regulations for the specific needs of various security programs.
- Receive, review and track requests for security investigations.
- Review cases for necessary forms, derogatory, missing or inconsistent information.
- Analyze background investigative information and apply adjudicative criteria to provide recommendations for the adjudication of security clearances.
- Devise reports, memorandums or written documentation to communicate policies, procedures or regulations related to the administration of personnel security.
- Utilize systems such ALIS and ISMS to manage the processing of security clearances; enter personnel security data such as tracking, locating, and retrieving information; and modifying, updating and managing investigations or records.
- Experience conducting personnel security/suitability adjudicative assessments by evaluating background information from a variety of sources and reports.
- Prepare and send a variety of requests for information (vouchers) to educational institutions, credit bureaus, federal investigative and intelligence agencies, state and local police departments, medical practitioners and personal and other developed references to verify information provided by the subject of the investigation.
- Independently research various sources for information that pertains to background clearance, credit, and criminal information.
- Provide expert advice, guidance and instruction to others in resolving complex personnel security issues; and researching, analyzing and evaluating personnel security administrative and investigative matters.
- Review weekly ALIS reports and assign/distribute assignments among peers.
- Assist in making security clearance adjudications, suitability determinations and recommendations.
- Proficient in data analytics and ability to interpret/present data effectively and efficiently.
- Prepare memoranda and official messages; advising internal and external stakeholders on all procedural and administrative/personnel security functions.
Human Resources Specialist Student Trainee (Office and Administrative Support)
U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM)-G1 Human Resource Development Division (HRDD)
Aberdeen Proving Ground, United States
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Creates and maintains course catalogs, projected course schedules, office calendar; and updates relevant policies, procedures and other information as deemed appropriate by management for changing requirements.
- Independently perform a full range of administrative, technical, and analytical duties, a variety of liaison activities, and special assignments related to the mission and function of the CECOM G1 Human Resources Development Division office.
- Conduct research on complex assigned administrative projects to gather and analyze relevant data, develop options, make recommendations and provide comprehensive reports.
- Perform miscellaneous clerical work such as using office automation to type a variety of documents; compiles information from reports, establish and maintains files, folders and correspondence.
- Monitor administrative functions and transactions, and prepare reports utilizing databases and automated systems.
- Utilize various Microsoft database to include Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), SharePoint and the ability to work with a variety of human resources information systems.
- Assist senior specialists and supervisors in conducting program training functions.
- Provides assistance with various HR procedures (training and recruitment).
- Assist in planning and organizing actions necessary to accomplish short and long program goals.
- Utilize automated HR systems to enter, retrieve, report, and manage data.
- Prepare a variety of materials for briefings, presentations, work groups, and related activities.
- Experience performing various administrative duties which include reviewing correspondence, memorandums for spelling and typographical errors and taking meeting notes; providing information or referring telephone calls, updating and maintaining automated systems; assisting with the preparation of policy and procedures.
- Arrange and schedule meetings and appointments.
- Ensures all training classes are entered into the technology based training system; records prerequisites; monitors enrollment; prepares official documents; and maintains reports, spreadsheets and databases.
- Utilized standard office equipment and software.
- Manage and maintain supervisors' calendars and scheduling meetings and events.
- Typed, proofread, and edited a variety of technical, scientific, and other government documents and official correspondence in accordance with standards, guidelines, and agency procedures.
- Assist HR and other specialists by performing detailed reviews of documentation for further analysis and processing.
- Receive and respond to inquiries and referring them to the appropriate staff members; and independently handling inquiries concerning established policies and providing guidance to headquarters and field offices.
- Conduct research to gather clear-cut information and apply standardized analytical methods and techniques to accurately assess gathered information.
- Prepares reports for senior leadership using various automated systems.
- Provided technical guidance to supervisors and managers.
Background Administrator/Personnel Security Specialist
Personnel Security Investigation Center of Excellence-PSI-CoE
Aberdeen Proving Ground, United States
05.2014 - 08.2017
- Determined the sufficiency of personnel security investigations.
- Consulting with managers and employee regarding processes, procedures, and policies.
- Knowledge of security systems/agencies such as JPAS, PSIP, PIPS, eQIP, OPM, CVS, DODCAF.
- Possessed the knowledge to review clearance request forms and reports of background investigations in order to detect obvious errors in the information that is submitted to OPM.
- Maintained security records in personnel security automated databases and manual security records/files.
- Documented all personnel security determinations or recommendations in automated information systems Followed policies and procedures for processing child services background investigations.
- Reviewed eQIP form and supplemental documentation for accuracy and completeness prior to submission to OPM.
- Reviewed contractor processing of initial child services background investigations.
- Ensured all personnel security forms are collected and processed within mandated time frames.
- Provided information and assistance to staff personnel on personnel security policies and related matters. Developed recommendations to resolve issues.
- Received and responded to inquiries and referring them to the appropriate staff members; and independently handling inquiries concerning established policies and providing guidance to headquarters and field offices.
- Reviewed the documentation submitted by the applicant for quality and accuracy in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements.
- Reviewed completed eQIP questionnaires and ensured correct attachments are available upon submission to ensure timely scheduling.
- Prepared and verified applicant documents of authenticity and veracity. Prepared reports for senior level leadership using automated systems.
- Properly stored suitability files and all associated sensitive/confidential information.
- Provided information and guidance to employees on completing the required forms via eQIP via telephone and email.
- Made assessments of appropriate investigation level and documents required using the OPM Central Verification System (CVS) or the Joint personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).
- Compiled, analyzed and evaluated investigative data on employees and prospective hires such as reviewing personnel suitability files from various agencies, financial sources, documents, and forms for accuracy and completeness; and following up with the appropriate source to acquire additional information as needed.
- Acted as the liaison with other divisions and field offices to obtain files; and compiling and organizing all data connected to a particular request.
- Drafted official and routine correspondence to applicants, employees, other federal agencies and external stakeholders as appropriate to request additional information or clarification of data.
- Proficient in taking and fielding calls through the Personnel Security Investigation Center of Excellence Help Line related to eQIP questionnaire and investigation processes.
- Knowledge and experience of security rules, procedures, protection and handling of classified information.
- Reviewed documents for accuracy and completeness and reconciled errors. Knowledge of the process by which security clearance applications are submitted through Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS) and Office of Personnel Management Investigation Services of e-QIP agency (e-QIP).
- Processed reviews for the submission of SF85 and SF86 Forms following submission requirements for security clearance applicants.
- Established, updated and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), created RFC's to enhance PSI-COE Call Center processes which were implemented to PSI-CoE SOPs.
- Verified appropriate investigation types, identified documentation required including but not limited to resume, OF306 Declaration for Federal Employment, and fingerprints.
- Safeguarded sensitive personal information to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of record content while information is being collected, processed, stored or destroyed.
- Released and uploaded the completed documentation package to OPM via e-QIP system to initiate the background investigation.
- Drafted correspondence and other documents containing sensitive information.
- Created and maintained classified files and filing systems.
- Gathered information and analyzed a set of facts.
- Reviewed and evaluated applications or background information. Prepared and reviewed a variety of correspondence, forms, charts, and reports in final format from rough draft, ensuring the accuracy of spelling punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and format.
- Reviewed and evaluated completed background investigations for complete scoping requirements.
- Processed initial and periodic updates for Background Investigations for civilians and military personnel.
- Analyzed and reported data and communicated report findings to key stakeholders.
Lead Child & Youth Program Assistant
Aberdeen Area Child Development Center-AACDC
Aberdeen Proving Ground, United States
11.2013 - 05.2014
- Serve as a team leader for the program and staff, with responsibility for the assigned operation of a Child Development Center, in accordance with applicable CYS regulations.
Child & Youth Program Assistant
Aberdeen Area Child Development Center-AACDC
Aberdeen Proving Ground, United States
08.2009 - 11.2013
- Serve as a caregiver for the program and staff, with responsibility for the assigned operation of a Child Development Center, in accordance with applicable CYS regulations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMUC)
Hyattsville, MD05-2018
Skills
- Policy interpretation
- Compliance management
- Case, task management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, etc), SharePoint and various software databases
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient in performing various office administration and clerical duties, providing administrative support
- Ability to analyze and evaluate data and relevant information to make appropriate determinations
- Extensive knowledge and experience in personnel security, national security, background investigations, security clearance processing, adjudicative decision-making, investigative interviewing, and security investigations
Accomplishments
- DHS 2020 Security Team of Excellence Award Recipient (USSS)
- Received Excellent rating on annual/mid-year performance evaluations: 2019 - 2023 (USSS)
- Received Excellent rating on annual/mid-year performance evaluations: 2024- 2025 (USCIS)
Certification
- Fundamentals of Suitability for Suitability and Fitness Adjudicators (OPM) - November 2019, May 2023
- Introduction of Personnel Security Course (PS113.16) - July 2019 Defense Security Service (DSS)
- Introduction to Suitability Adjudications for the DoD (PS010.16) - July 2019 Defense Security Service (DSS)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS)
06.2024 - Current
Personnel Security Specialist
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)-US Secret Service (USSS)
07.2018 - 06.2024
Human Resources Specialist Student Trainee (Office and Administrative Support)
U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM)-G1 Human Resource Development Division (HRDD)
08.2017 - 07.2018
Background Administrator/Personnel Security Specialist
Personnel Security Investigation Center of Excellence-PSI-CoE
05.2014 - 08.2017
Lead Child & Youth Program Assistant
Aberdeen Area Child Development Center-AACDC
11.2013 - 05.2014
Child & Youth Program Assistant
Aberdeen Area Child Development Center-AACDC
08.2009 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMUC)
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