IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Recent Graduates)

About the Role

The SSA Recent Graduates Program offers entry-level developmental experience designed to lead to a career in the federal government. Upon successful completion, participants may be non-competitively converted to a term (1-4 years) or permanent appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports the day-to-day functionality and protection of SSA information technology (IT) systems.
• Develops and implements cybersecurity programs, policies, procedures, and digital tools.
• Ensures the security and integrity of systems, networks, and data.
• Performs cybersecurity duties in support of:
• Cybersecurity operations
• Incident response
• System administration and security
• Compliance and policy implementation
• User support and training
• Documentation and reporting
• Continuous improvement

Requirements & Tech Stack

• USAHIRE ASSESSMENT is required.
• Eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program.
• Demonstrated required IT Competencies:
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reasoning
• Teamwork
• Specialized Experience or qualifying education.

Eligibility for Recent Graduates Program

• Successful completion of a degree or qualifying certificate program from an accredited educational institution.
• Degree/certification must have been conferred within the 2-year period preceding the announcement (i.e., not prior to November 2024).
• Veterans may have an extended eligibility period due to military obligations.

Specialized Experience

• GS-07: Performance of basic IT cyber duties or education/training pertaining to incident monitoring and detection; compliance and audit support; documentation and reporting; system testing coordination; and/or user support and access management.
• Can be demonstrated by assisting with diagnosing user needs and resolving entry-level IT incidents.
• Can be demonstrated by basic literacy in IT security methods, system protocols, and protective requirements.
• Can be demonstrated by gathering facts, analyzing system behavior, and handling unscheduled halts or routine system errors.
• GS-09: Performance of basic vulnerability scanning and analyzing network traffic alerts; implementing basic security controls on systems or networks; managing user permissions and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA); assisting with minor system modification and security component analysis; and participating in IT security assessments and drafting routine incident and status reports.

Education

• Transcripts are required to demonstrate eligibility and qualifications.
• For GS-07, in lieu of Specialized Experience, a bachelor's degree showing Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or followed by at least 1 full academic year of graduate-level education.
• For GS-09, in lieu of Specialized Experience, a master's degree or at least 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate-level education.
• Relevant technology fields include cybersecurity, computer science, information systems management, engineering, mathematics, or operations research.
• Foreign education requires evaluation and certification of US equivalency.

Additional Information

• This is a developmental / career-ladder position leading to GS-12.
• Participants will undergo a 1-year developmental program.
• This is an Excepted Service, non-bargaining unit position.
• This position is not authorized for virtual work.
• Work is performed in an office environment, potentially involving occasional travel or after-hours work.
• This is a special sensitive position.
• Program participants may have limited eligibility for FERS, FEGLI, and TSP during the initial appointment period.