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Federal Adjudicator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Adjudication Specialist will collect information from individuals, and various local, state, and federal databases. Manage and prepare requests for additional information (Letters of ...

The Adjudication Specialist will collect information from individuals, and various local, state, and federal databases. Manage and prepare requests for additional information (Letters of ...

UI Adjudicator

Lincoln, NE ยท On-site

$21.33/hr

... Federal government Wide variety and availability of career advancement Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service Learn more about NDOL's Unemployment ...

The Sr. Program Analyst, Federal Health will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in VA disability benefits adjudication and federal program analysis. This role will translate deep regulatory ...

Requirements The Sr. Program Analyst, Federal Health will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in VA disability benefits adjudication and federal program analysis. This role will translate deep ...

Special Security Officer

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

OPM Essentials of Suitability Adjudication * Desired: Personnel Security Adjudication ... Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal Company Information: Cherokee Nation ...

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Federal Adjudicator information

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$32K

$61.9K

$93K

How much do federal adjudicator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal adjudicator in the United States is $61,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal adjudicator?

Federal Adjudicators are officials who review and make decisions on legal disputes or claims involving federal laws and regulations. They often preside over hearings, examine evidence, and issue rulings in administrative cases for agencies such as the Social Security Administration, immigration courts, or labor boards. Their role is similar to that of a judge but is limited to specific regulatory or administrative matters. Federal Adjudicators ensure that cases are resolved fairly and in accordance with federal guidelines and statutes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal adjudicator?

To thrive as a Federal Adjudicator, you need strong analytical skills, comprehensive knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, and typically a law degree or equivalent legal experience. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research tools, and government documentation processes is essential. Attention to detail, impartiality, and excellent written and verbal communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure fair, accurate, and efficient resolution of cases, upholding the integrity of the adjudication process.

What are some common challenges faced by federal adjudicators, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Federal Adjudicators often encounter complex cases that require thorough analysis of laws, regulations, and evidence. One common challenge is managing a heavy caseload while ensuring each decision is fair, consistent, and well-documented. Applicants can prepare by strengthening their legal research and writing skills, becoming familiar with administrative procedures, and developing strong time-management strategies. Collaboration with legal teams and staying updated on policy changes are also important for success in this role.

What is the difference between Federal Adjudicator vs Immigration Officer?

AspectFederal AdjudicatorImmigration Officer
Required CredentialsLegal or administrative background, often with certifications in law or public administrationBackground in law enforcement, immigration law, or related fields; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentJudicial or administrative hearings, tribunals, or review boardsFieldwork at ports, border crossings, or immigration offices
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies overseeing legal adjudications, such as DHS or DOJU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Customs and Border Protection

Federal Adjudicators primarily review legal cases and make decisions in administrative hearings, often requiring legal expertise. Immigration Officers handle immigration enforcement and processing, working in field and office settings. While both roles serve immigration-related functions, their responsibilities, work environments, and required credentials differ significantly.

Do you need a degree to be a federal adjudicator?

A federal adjudicator typically does not require a specific degree, but relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in law, public administration, or related fields can be beneficial. Many positions also value experience in legal, administrative, or regulatory environments. Certification or specialized training may be required depending on the agency and role.

How much does a federal adjudicator make?

Federal adjudicators typically earn a salary within the federal government's pay scale, with a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. They often require security clearances and may receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
More about Federal Adjudicator jobs

What cities are hiring for Federal Adjudicator jobs?

Cities with the most Federal Adjudicator job openings:

What states have the most Federal Adjudicator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Adjudicator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Federal Adjudicator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,924 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Adjudication Specialist

Armada

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Adjudication Specialist

Location: Rockville, MD (National Capital Region)

Overtime Exempt: Yes

Reports to: ARMADA HQ

Security Clearance Required: Tier 5 Public Trust

Actual place of performance is to be determined by the Government; however, work is anticipated within the National Capital Region (NCR).

****************CONTINGENT UPON AWARD***************

ARMADA is seeking an experienced Adjudication Specialist to support the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Program Support Center (PSC), Real Estate, Logistics, and Operations (RLO), Intake, Suitability, and Badging Services (ISBS). This position is responsible for conducting suitability and national security adjudicative support, reviewing background investigations, evaluating investigative information, preparing adjudicative documentation, and supporting personnel security operations in accordance with applicable federal regulations, executive orders, and agency policies.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • The Adjudication Specialist will collect information from individuals, and various local, state, and federal databases. Manage and prepare requests for additional information (Letters of Interrogatory and Letters of Advisement) and Suitability Determinations with Rationale for Government signature.
  • Interact with complex commercial databases that supplement Government provided databases in support of the overall investigative effort.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will prepare detailed investigative reports, case files, written reports, etc.
  • Document all information obtained from database searches and decision process.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will perform effective multi-tasking to discreetly process numerous investigative efforts simultaneously and follow up based on Government timelines.
  • Identify and analyze derogatory and mitigation information for suitability 5 CFR 731 through 737, Part 1400, and E.O 10450 and for national security E.O 12968, within the precepts of the Core Vetting Doctrine.
  • Work with tight and often conflicting deadlines and competing priorities.
  • Apply knowledge of suitability and national security adjudication.
  • Apply prior experience of adjudicating background investigation and/or prescreening reviews with little assistance.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will demonstrate familiarity with position sensitivity levels for job duties to determine the degree of potential damage.
  • Report weekly updates on workload to federal leads.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will screen, review, and evaluate completed "issue" and "non-issue" DCSA conducted background investigations.
  • Review childcare checks and evaluate issues of concern for those working with or around children.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will review and evaluate prescreening cases including fingerprint Special Agreement Checks (SACs), eApp, and OF306 issues. Request mitigating support documentation from applicants related to financial, criminal, or other matters, as required.
  • Prepare detailed adjudicative analytical summaries recommending further courses of action for processing with supporting rationale.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will manage and prepare requests for additional information for Government signature.
  • Manage caseload with appropriate follow-up based on Government timelines.
  • Review appeals and reconsideration requests and prepare a summary of recommended findings.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will use various security databases including but not limited to:
    • Security Manager, i.e., the Integrated Security Management System (ISMS)
    • Personnel Investigations Processing System (PIPS)
    • Central Verification System (CVS)
    • National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) eApp (or similar system)
    • Position Designation Automated Tool (PDT)
    • Locator (or similar system)
  • Support adjudications for all SACs and tiered investigations received from the DCSA by conducting an in-depth review of the fingerprint and background investigation results.
  • Draft and issue Proposed Action Letters (PALs) and Final Action Letters (FALs) to applicants and appointees whose background investigation results contain actionable suitability information.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will support Special Project - National Security Processing and Adjudication Support.
  • Adjudicate national security cases while analyzing and mitigating issues, communicating with customers, monitoring and responding to the Resource inbox, maintaining tracking databases, and protecting sensitive information.
  • The Adjudication Specialist will complete seventy (70) or more cases per day (not including draft letters or issue cases).
  • Complete three hundred and fifty (350) or more cases per week.
  • Complete fourteen hundred (1,400) or more adjudication cases per month.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Ability to work effectively with Government leadership, technical personnel, and contractor staff.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Minimum Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree preferred, not required.
  • Five (5) years of relevant experience managing programs and/or projects
Preferred Experience:
  • Experience conducting federal suitability adjudications.
  • Experience conducting national security adjudications.
  • Experience reviewing DCSA background investigations.
  • Experience applying 5 CFR Parts 731 through 737.
  • Experience applying Executive Order 10450 and Executive Order 12968.
  • Experience with the Core Vetting Doctrine.
  • Experience preparing Letters of Interrogatory (LOIs), Letters of Advisement, Proposed Action Letters (PALs), and Final Action Letters (FALs).
  • Experience using Security Manager (ISMS), PIPS, CVS, NBIS/eApp, Position Designation Tool (PDT), and Locator or similar systems.
  • Experience reviewing OF306 issues, fingerprint Special Agreement Checks (SACs), and childcare checks.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, critical thinking, and written communication skills.

Applying: If you feel you have the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position visit our careers page at www.armadausa.com.

Disclaimer:

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the contractor assigned to this position.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. ARMADA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Must be able to successfully pass a background check, and pre-employment drug testing. Job offers are contingent upon results of background check and drug testing.