Kylie McDermott
Holt,ACT
Summary
Security Clearance - Negative Vetting 1
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Vetting Analyst
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
05.2023 - Current
- Process security clearances in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and DFAT standard operating procedures, using DFAT’s electronic case management system, for Baseline, Negative Vetting Level 1, and Negative Vetting Level 2 clearances.
- Provide high quality sound advice regarding clearance outcomes and be responsive to feedback.
- Assess and manage complex vetting clearances, including the ability to prepare denial documentation to a high standard.
- Provide Quality Assurance on files, assessing for activity and outcomes which align to standard operating procedures and the PSPF.
- Relationship Managing and supporting security clearance processes with outsourced vetting provider (OSP).
- Manage a security clearance caseload in partnership with an outsourced service provider (OSP) to ensure benchmarks are met.
- Work to tight deadlines and appropriately manage heavy workloads.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, proficient written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with a range of clearance subjects from diverse backgrounds.
- Undertake other support or vetting functions as directed by Assistant Director Vetting or Director SCV.
- Built and maintained relationships with new and existing employees while providing high level of expertise.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
- Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
Vetting Administration Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Managing electronic security inboxes by responding to queries within appropriate timeframes.
- Providing client services assistance at DFAT Security counter.
- Processing criminal records checks; Receiving and checking clearance applications.
- Liaising internally and externally to commence, monitor, progress and finalise security clearance processes
- Updating relevant internal systems with this information; Managing and supporting security clearance processes with outsourced vetting providers (OSPs) and other government agencies.
- Providing policy and related procedural advice regarding security clearance requirements as outlined in the Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework and the Departmental Security Framework.
- Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures for the administration of security clearances.
- Assist with the progression of internal security processes as required.
- Assisting Team Leaders with projects related to policy or operational processes.
- Work to tight deadlines and effectively manage competing priorities.
- Developed strong working relationships with colleagues, contributing to a positive work environment.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries professionally and in a timely manner.
Vetting Analyst
SIRRAS Consultants
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Review vetting applications to ensure are complete and comply with Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) policy and procedures.
- Carry out the full range of checks specified AGSVA vetting policy to ensure all relevant information is obtained.
- Identify potential vulnerabilities and any matters relating to the clearance subject's suitability which may be a potential threat to security and highlight areas which may require further research and investigation prior to vetting clearance decision.
- Conduct in person and phone interviews with clearance subjects from Baseline to Negative Vetting 2 ensuring vetting decisions are based on an appropriate understanding of information gathered.
- Carry out risk assessments of information gathered in the context of a vetting application to identify risk mitigation measures and ensure production of auditable rationale for vetting decisions.
- Prepare vetting reports to recommend clearance, or set out reasons for refusal, together with the relevant evidence in line with AGSVA guidance.
- Maintain full records of vetting activities and decisions made to ensure decisions are transparent and open to audit and review.
- Act as first point of contact for vetting matters to provide advice and guidance to clearance subjects.
- Support colleagues in the gathering and interpretation of information, including application of local and national guidelines.
- Complete quality assurance on vetting applications to a high standard.
- Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
Customer Value Specialist
BUPA
03.2012 - 08.2021
- January to August 2021 - provided customer support to international students coming to Australia - Overseas Student Call Center team;
- Meeting personal budgets as set by the Store Leader; Selling Private Health Insurance products;
- Selling Travel Insurance products;
- Cross selling other Bupa products and services (Car, House, Contents, Landlords Insurance (CGU) and Pet Insurance);
- Assisting members with their enquiries; Corporate Onsite visits to promote Bupa;
- Daily opening & closing of the office;
- Ensuring tellers monetary transactions are accounted for each day;
- Sending out daily financial & entered reports;
- Ordering stationery & brochures.
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
Education
Essential Writing Skills
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
03.2024
Internet Searching & Research Planning
Office of National Intelligence
02.2024
Digital Footprint & Operational Security (OPSEC)
Office of National Intelligence
01.2024
Foreign Intelligence Services Awareness (FISAC)
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
08.2023
Security Awareness Course (SAC)
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
07.2023
Integrity in The APS
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
04.2023
Certificate IV in Government Security (Personal Vetting) -
Australian Forensic Services
08.2021
Critical Thinking
Courses For Success
02.2015
Body Language Basics
Courses For Success
10.2014
Certificate II in Business -
TAFE NSW
07.2004
Skills
References
- Iain Puzey, Assistant Director - Security Clearances and Maintenance, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, 0413 770422, iain.puzey@dfat.gov.au
- Melinda Goodsell, ex Team leader, Security Clearance & Maintenance, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, 0435 792077, melindagoodsell@yahoo.com.au
- Stuart Ardley, Quality Assurance Manager, SIRRAS Consultants, 0404 822473, stuart.ardley@sirras.com.au
- Justin Rankine, Bupa Store Leader - Belconnen, BUPA, 0478 578 753, Justin.rankine@bupa.com.au
Timeline
Vetting Analyst
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
05.2023 - Current
Vetting Administration Officer
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
01.2023 - 05.2023
Vetting Analyst
SIRRAS Consultants
09.2021 - 01.2023
Customer Value Specialist
BUPA
03.2012 - 08.2021
Essential Writing Skills
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Internet Searching & Research Planning
Office of National Intelligence
Digital Footprint & Operational Security (OPSEC)
Office of National Intelligence
Foreign Intelligence Services Awareness (FISAC)
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Security Awareness Course (SAC)
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Integrity in The APS
Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Certificate IV in Government Security (Personal Vetting) -
Australian Forensic Services
Critical Thinking
Courses For Success
Body Language Basics
Courses For Success
Certificate II in Business -
TAFE NSW
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