Rhonda B. Jordan

In my current position as a Personnel Security Specialist, I apply security policies, concepts and practices on a daily basis under careful guidelines of Executive Orders 10450 and 12968 as amended to adjudicate Background Investigations for Tier 1 and Tier 2 and Tier 4 type investigations for Low Risk, Moderate Risk and High Risk Positions to determine the suitability for a Subject for hire under 5 CFR Part 731. My duties include but are not limited to preparing security emails for potential FAA Contractors, verifying the applicant's investigation history, initiating DCSA background investigations through NBIS (National Background Investigations System) eApplication (e-APP) and reviewing security paperwork for any derogatory issues. I have the ability to make sound recommendations in approving or denying Interim appointments. While reviewing the Report of Investigation, I researched, identified and gathered any potential disqualifying information of an applicant and determine if the issue could be mitigated. Issues that couldn't be mitigated were addressed to the applicant or employee in the form of a LOI (Letter of Inquiry) in giving him or her Due Process (the opportunity to mitigate the issue). Each adjudication is handled under careful consideration of DCSA guidelines (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency ) along with my professional knowledge. If a case is found unfavorable, an unsuitable determination is made and the Line of Business and COR is notified. I also have working knowledge in reviewing an applicant’s SF85, SF85P and SF86 applications, obtaining information from Subject's National Agency Check, FBI Name Check, and CBR (Credit Bureau Reports). I am knowledgeable in automated systems such as NBIS (National Background Investigations Burea) CIS, NCIC, and WALES. I am responsible for HSPD12 in assuring that contractor's badges do not expire, distributing a daily VAP report to ensure specialist received their assigned cases on a daily basis, and conducting roundtable meeting with colleagues as a group to discuss cases. I provided quality customer service to all applicants ensuring their needs are met as the applicant as well as communication with my colleagues, manager and directors in working together as a team to ensure the mission of the agency is never compromised.

Key Accomplishments: Recognized by management for exemplary customer service and team leadership skills in training new employees. Received monetary and time off awards for outstanding performance.

• Streamlined security clearance procedures for increased efficiency and faster processing times.
• Provided expert guidance on personnel security matters to senior leadership, improving decision-making processes.
• Handled challenging or complex cases involving multiple issues related to personnel security clearances, ultimately resolving concerns while minimizing risk to the organization.
• Ensured compliance with federal regulations by meticulously reviewing and updating security policies and protocols.
• Collaborated with other security specialists to develop and execute comprehensive risk assessments, reducing potential threats to personnel safety.
• Managed sensitive case files, maintaining confidentiality and strict adherence to privacy laws.
• Developed strong rapport with various government agencies, fostering seamless inter-agency communication related to personnel security matters.
• Evaluated employee foreign travel requests for compliance with regulatory guidelines, minimizing risks associated with compromised information or personal safety concerns.
• Continuously monitored and analyzed industry trends, incorporating best practices into organizational personnel security strategies as appropriate.
• Conducted background investigations and security checks for employees and contractors.
• Assembled and maintained applicant files.
• Determined suitability of clearance levels based on results of background checks.
• Prepared and submitted reports outlining findings.

As a Personnel Security Specialist with DHS Office of Inspector General, I applied security policies, concepts and practices on a daily basis under careful guidelines of Executive Orders 10450 and 12968 as amended to adjudicate Background Investigations for SSBI and BI type investigations for National Security Positions to determine the suitability for a Subject for hire under 5 CFR Part 731. My duties included but were not limited to preparing security packets for potential OIG employees, verifying if the potential employee had a security clearance, initiating OPM background investigations and reviewing security paperwork for any derogatory issues. I ran monthly reports to plan and initiate Periodic Reinvestigations to ensure investigative standards, agency policy and time lines were met. I had the ability to plan, schedule and assign work to my subordinates, provide advice and instruction to staff members, make recommendation in approving or denying EOD appointments and to trained less seasoned employees on these matters. I have created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that identifies the functions and duties of my position to cross train within the division and train new employees. I have also created Security News Letters to inform and enlighten OIG employees on security related matters, i.e., Suitability vs Security. I effectively planned and organized my workload to maximize productivity. I was responsible for scheduling SSBI, ANACI and SSBI-PR investigations and tracking the cost while doing so to provide a quarterly efficiency report to track the cost and spending for each investigation. I reviewed a monthly invoice report for all scheduled investigations under the DHS/OIG IPAC to insure there are no discrepancies before providing the invoice to the OIG Budget office for payment and maintain all investigative receipts. I conducted Security Orientation training for in house and field office employees and well as brief new employees and debrief departing employees under guidelines of Executive Order 13526 as it pertains to classified information. I also prepare Credentials for new employees as well as signed off as the signatory authority for PIV cards once the badge appointment was made. I was proficient in several automated management systems to help accomplish these tasks and support the OIG/DHS Personnel Security Program. These systems included: DHS Integrated Security Management System (ISMS), Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS), National Crime Information System (NCIC), Civil Applicant System (CAS) to process fingerprints, OPM's Clearance Verification System (CVS), Opm's Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing and CBC Innovis (to run credit reports). I was responsible for VAR (Visit Authorization Request, passing employee’s clearances to other agencies, New employee orientation, Preparing and taking photos to process employee credentials, and debriefing employees upon leaving the agency. I was also the Signatory Authority of those in need of a new badge due to a damaged, lost or compromised badge.

Key Accomplishments: Frequently recognized by management , employees and external customers for exemplary customer service. Frequently recognized for team leadership skills in training new employees receiving monetary awards to include on the spot awards for outstanding performance. I was the primary contact to conduct security orientations and provide employment credentials for Headquarters and Field Office employees as well as the primary contact to debrief employees that were leaving the agency.

• Provided expert guidance on personnel security matters to senior leadership, improving decision-making processes.
• Evaluated employee foreign travel requests for compliance with regulatory guidelines, minimizing risks associated with compromised information or personal safety concerns.
• Assisted in the development of contingency plans for emergency situations involving personnel security matters, bolstering organizational preparedness levels.
• Coordinated closely with human resources teams on hiring decisions involving candidates requiring access to sensitive information or restricted areas.
• Issued access cards to authorized personnel to monitor access points.

As a Personnel Security Specialist with U.S. Customs, I applied security policies, concepts and practices on a daily basis under careful guidelines of Executive Orders 10450 and 12968 as amended to adjudicate Background Investigations for SSBI and BI type investigations to determine the suitability for a Subject for hire. While reviewing the Report of Investigation, I researched, identified and gathered any potential disqualifying information of an applicant and determine if the issue could be mitigated. Issues that couldn't be mitigated were addressed to the applicant or employee in the form of a NOPAL (Notice of Proposed Action Letter) or a LOI (Letter of Intent) in giving him or her Due Process (the opportunity to mitigate the issue). Each adjudication was handled under careful consideration of OPM guidelines (Office of Personnel Management )along with my professional knowledge. I also have working knowledge in reviewing an applicant’s SF 86 application, obtaining information from Subject's National Agency Check, FBI Name Check, TECHS hits and CBR (Credit Bureau Reports). I was knowledgeable in automated systems such as e-QIP (Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation), CIS, NCIC, and WALES. With the personality and skill in speaking with colleagues and applicants, I provided quality customer service to all applicants ensuring that their needs were met as the applicant as well as communication with my colleagues, Team Lead, Branch Chief and Directors in working together as a team to ensure the mission of U.S. CBP was never compromised.

• Enhanced personnel security processes by conducting comprehensive background investigations and evaluating clearance eligibility.
• Streamlined security clearance procedures for increased efficiency and faster processing times.
• Collaborated with other security specialists to develop and execute comprehensive risk assessments, reducing potential threats to personnel safety.
• Managed sensitive case files, maintaining confidentiality and strict adherence to privacy laws.
• Provided expert guidance on personnel security matters to senior leadership, improving decision-making processes.
• Implemented innovative solutions for personnel security challenges, resulting in improved efficiency and effectiveness of clearance adjudication processes.
• Continuously monitored and analyzed industry trends, incorporating best practices into organizational personnel security strategies as appropriate.
• Handled challenging or complex cases involving multiple issues related to personnel security clearances, ultimately resolving concerns while minimizing risk to the organization.
• Conducted background investigations and security checks for employees and contractors.

As a Lead Access Control Coordinator, I served as a lead point of contact for the office as it pertained to access control issues within, which includes a myriad of routine and non-routine issues involving security clearance and access to assigned building locations. I performed a wide variety of analytical duties investigating, evaluating and coordinating security access and clearances using and monitoring various electronic access control systems for access to facilities, materials and information by agency personnel, contractors, and vendors to include scanning digital fingerprints for vendors and contractors for submission to FBI to query for any derogatory information. I received, reviewed and processed clearance requests for appointments, contractors, and couriers to the White House complex using the NCIC and WALES automated systems. I reviewed employee's NCIC criminal hits containing derogatory information on persons with minor charges, felony charges and confirmed warrants to determine whether to issue, deny or withdraw access. I monitored and reviewed the work of my subordinates for accuracy and timeliness. I oversaw and maintained the Worker and Visitor Entrance System for my assigned shift. The work entailed applying varied and complex rules, regulations, procedures and laws in processing access requests. I provided expert advice to my subordinates, supervisors, the division, Treasury and White House personnel with timely and accurate interpretations and/or explanations of access policies and procedures and other related issues. I established and maintained contacts with Uniformed Division, the Access Control Branch, the Office of Protective Operations, Treasury and the White House Complex to research and resolve complex issues and clarify security requirements and instructions; researched and advised employees on procedures policies, directives, etc. I also performed INS checks through ICE Law Enforcement Support Center.

Also as a lead, I resolved minor informal complaints, and reported to supervisors on employee performances. I also ensured that inquiries to the division were responded to promptly. I maintained liaison with other operational sections, headquarters, law enforcement agencies, and White House Staff. I also spoke at security briefings informing all new staff members of access policy, procedure and guidelines. I monitored the workload to make sure work was being distributed evenly, I ran reports to review employee's work productivity, I monitored the call system to ensure each employee was rotating in receiving calls, approved short term leave and acted in the capacity of my supervisor in her absence.

• Provided exceptional customer service while upholding strict security standards when interacting with clients, visitors, and staff members.

• Streamlined visitor processing procedures, reducing wait times without compromising security measures.
• Mentored new Access Control Officers on best practices within the field, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Enforced security policies and removed violators and unauthorized individuals from premises to maintain safe environment.
• Updated shift logs and produced daily reports to document security activities and specific incidents.

As an Access Control Coordinator, I proactively performed a variety of duties to control access to the White House Complex, to include Main Treasury and the Treasury Annex, Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB), New Executive Office Building (NEOB). In this capacity, I integrated, utilized and maintained the WAVES (Worker Appointment and Visitor's System) to clear individuals into the complex; checking requests for clearances against Secret Service records contained in the database by searching for the requested name and Intelligence Data Codes and notified Intelligence Division and Technical Security Division of confirmed hits in order for a determination to be made on an individual’s suitability for entry to the complex. I cleared request for access to see the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, First Lady and other staffing officials, notifying appropriate protective detail, TSD (Technical Security Division) or Uniformed Division for instructions concerning entry for those of record. My duties included but were not limited to keeping supervisors knowledgeable of issues and problems that may cause an adverse affect in the office, providing information and guidance that is timely and concise, develop solutions to problems which demonstrate improvements in work methods, take positive action to promote teamwork and responsibility in a leadership and support role, complete special projects independently, taking the initiative to seek additional work assignments, established and maintained a rapport with internal and external customers, traveled to foreign countries to assist and support as administrative personnel and perform all other duties assigned.

As a Secretary, I typed a variety or correspondence and other documents in final form in accordance with applicable Secret Service policies, rules and regulations. My duties included but were not limited to knowledge of the Absence and Leave system. I helped to advise employees on the various parts of the Federal Leave Program to include familiarity with the types of leave (annual and sick), leave without pay, absence without leave etc. Proofread all finished correspondence and/or documents to ensure accuracy and correct grammatical structure. I received, logged and tracked all incoming Secret Service notices such as vacancy announcements, personnel procedures and changes as well as leave recipient memos.

• I maintained abreast of basic administrative procedures to provide guidance to the administrative support staff
• I maintained sensitive files that were kept secure in the office safe
• I maintained monthly incident reports that occurred at the White House, surrounding areas of the White House and of the White House grounds
• I kept track of all property invoices
• I maintained and updated the administrative manual
• I Disseminated incoming and outgoing mail, compiled and typed all minutes for office meetings
• I answered phones, arranged White House tours and maintained a calendar for the Branch Chief’s meetings and appointments