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Freelance Dcsa Background Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use the DCSA Position Designation Tool (PDT) to determine the proper level of background investigation. * Use NBIS to review questionnaires for completeness and reject questionnaires needing ...

Security Assistants

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

Use the DCSA Position Designation Tool (PDT) to determine the proper level of background investigation. * Use NBIS to review questionnaires for completeness and reject questionnaires needing ...

Security Assistants

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

Use the DCSA Position Designation Tool (PDT) to determine the proper level of background investigation. * Use NBIS to review questionnaires for completeness and reject questionnaires needing ...

Security Assistants

Atlantic City, NJ · On-site

$50K - $175K/yr

Use the DCSA Position Designation Tool (PDT) to determine the proper level of background investigation. * Use NBIS to review questionnaires for completeness and reject questionnaires needing ...

Use the DCSA Position Designation Tool (PDT) to determine the proper level of background investigation. * Use NBIS to review questionnaires for completeness and reject questionnaires needing ...

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 ...

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Freelance Dcsa Background Investigator information

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$26

$57

How much do freelance dcsa background investigator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance dcsa background investigator in the United States is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.39 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance DCSA background investigator?

Freelance DCSA Background Investigators are independent contractors who conduct background investigations for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Their main role is to gather and verify information about individuals applying for security clearances or federal employment. They interview sources, review records, and prepare detailed reports to help determine an individual's suitability and trustworthiness. Unlike full-time employees, freelance investigators work on a contract basis and often have flexible schedules.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a freelance DCSA background investigator?

To thrive as a Freelance DCSA Background Investigator, you need a strong understanding of investigative techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with federal security clearance requirements, usually supported by relevant experience or training in investigations. Proficiency in using case management systems, secure data transmission platforms, and knowledge of DCSA guidelines is critical. Excellent written and verbal communication, time management, and interpersonal skills help build trust and effectively gather information from diverse sources. These competencies ensure thorough, accurate, and timely background investigations that support national security and compliance with federal standards.

What challenges do freelance DCSA background investigators face, and how can they be managed?

Freelance DCSA Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating caseloads, meeting strict deadlines, and maintaining clear communication with both sources and agency contacts. Balancing multiple investigations at once requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Additionally, working independently means investigators must proactively seek support or clarification when needed. Building a routine, leveraging secure case management tools, and regularly connecting with other investigators or supervisors can help address these challenges and ensure thorough, timely case completion.

What is the difference between Freelance Dcsa Background Investigator vs Private Investigator?

AspectFreelance Dcsa Background Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires background check experience, security clearance knowledge, and sometimes certifications in investigations or security
Work EnvironmentRemote or on-site, working independently or with agencies, often flexible hours
Employer & IndustryHired by government agencies, contractors, or private clients for background checks

In summary, Freelance Dcsa Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks for government and private clients, often requiring security clearance knowledge. Private Investigators have a broader scope, including surveillance and personal investigations, and may not specialize in background checks. Both roles may require similar credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

How to become a freelance DCSA background investigator?

To become a freelance DCSA background investigator, you typically need relevant experience in background investigations, security clearance procedures, or related fields, along with a thorough understanding of federal investigation standards. Certification or training in security or investigative methods can be beneficial, and you must often pass a background check yourself. Freelance investigators usually work independently, so strong organizational skills and knowledge of investigative tools are important.
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Infographic showing various Freelance Dcsa Background Investigator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,726 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Investigative Case Specialist will conduct initial pre-employment background investigations conducted for the purpose of determining suitability and security clearance eligibility, inclusive of Presidential Appointees and Foreign/Civil Service and Wage Grade applicants, contractors, and periodic updates and “for cause” reinvestigation of employees and/or post-employment special access program eligibility.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Managing, distributing, storing, safeguarding, and determining final dispositions of personnel security files in accordance with regulations set forth in 5 FAM 400 - 490 and 5 FAH-4 H-100 Records Management.
  • Fulfilling internal and external requests received via email, phone, and in person for file digitization, delivery, and retention.
  • Liaising with Embassies, Consulates, Regional Security Officers, and third-party companies regarding electronic biometric transmissions and fingerprinting appointments worldwide.
  • Obtaining and processing biometric data (both digital and hardcopy), in compliance with federal and Department policies.
  • Maintaining knowledge of various fingerprinting technologies, including those supported across industry standards.
  • Conducting National Agency Checks to support the background investigation process, in accordance with the Federal Investigation Standards (FIS) and SEAD 4 Adjudicative Guidelines.
  • Experience with Records of Arrests and Prosecutions (RapBack), and their role in the federal Trusted Workforce 2.0 initiative.
  • Maintaining knowledge of the Next Generation Identification (NGI) system.
  • Receiving and interpreting records of criminal history as received by Local Agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other law enforcement entities.
  • Maintaining knowledge of federal reinvestigation requirements, to include but not limited to the Continuous Vetting initiative as set forth by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
  • Interpreting federal records of US citizenship, and conduct the appropriate investigations as required by 12 FAM 270.
  • Communicating with external offices regarding sensitive programs, to include eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • Withdrawing eligibilities when employees are no longer actively serving in a Department of State position.
  • Verifying the clearance eligibility of Department Full Time Employees (FTE), Personal Service Contractors (PSC), and Detailees.
  • Supporting Department investigations by requesting Reports of Investigation and other investigative documents required to make an adjudicative review or grant reciprocity.
  • Releasing investigative documents to accredited members of other federal agencies for use in granting eligibility.
  • Processing visits requests from external agencies, including reviewing information for accuracy, updating all appropriate databases, and notifying appropriate personnel.
  • Passing eligibilities to external agencies for temporary access.
  • Coordinating the submission of Q clearance requests to the Department of Energy.Maintains authoritative knowledge of all aspects of the assigned systems and applications.
  • Maintains all required documentation

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

  • Must be a US citizen with a valid US passport and possess or maintain a minimum a TOP SECRET clearance.
  • Must have High School Diploma and at least and at least 5 – 7 years of professional jobrelated experience, preference in conducting or directing background investigations
  • Knowledge of security requirements established in legislation, regulations and various policy statements pertaining to Personnel Security. These may include E.O. 12968, E.O. 13467, ICD 704, Personnel Security Standards and Procedures Governing Eligibility for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Other Controlled Access Program Information, the 2012 Federal Investigative Standards, and Security Executive Agent Directive(s) (SEAD) 1 through 8.
  • Knowledge of factors which might affect the suitability of applicants for employment with the Federal Government, and the Department of State, ass codified in 5 CFR 731, 732, 736 and 3 FAM 622.
  • Knowledge of security regulations and policies affecting employment of individuals in the Department of State.
  • Specialist must be able to apply guidance to each case; this requires analyzing the individuals’ unique background against suitability requirements while also considering unique characteristics of the position being applied for. This process requires judgment and discretion in order to evaluate nation security implications while also precluding any injustice in determinations.
  • Specialist utilizes knowledge of the organization and operation of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Department of State and of the mission, goals, and objectives of the personnel security program.
  • Ability to prepare, analyze and evaluate investigative reports of a complex nature, and prepare oral and/or written summaries of the information contained therein.
  • Ability to reach sound conclusions of make recommendations that are based strictly on factual information contained therein.
  • Written products must be logically organized, clearly, and concisely written free of bias.
  • Must possess excellent command of the English language and excellent writing skills
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft applications (MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
  • Department of State experience preferred.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:


None.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:


Work is typically performed in a controlled office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

A satisfactory background screening, negative drug test, positive references and proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States and for TTC are required.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment.


$49.09/hr