Shields and Credentials Specialist

At Credence, we support our clients’ mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for war-fighters and secure our nation for a better future.

We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success.

Credence had an immediate need for a Shields and Credentials Specialist to be responsible for the standardized issuance, accountability, and lifecycle control of official badges (shields) and credentials used by CBP personnel. This role ensures that only authorized personnel gain access to physical locations and information technology networks by maintaining strict adherence to identity verification, federal regulatory compliance, and rigorous inventory procedures.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to ...

Credential Lifecycle Management

• Issuance & Activation: Securely hand over activated PIV cards or official badges to verified applicants after conducting a 1-to-1 biometric fingerprint match
• Enrollment: Capture high-resolution photographs, 10-print fingerprints, and digital signatures for credential production and FBI background checks
• Maintenance: Manage updates for name changes, renewals, and revocations
• Recovery: Retrieve all badges, PIV cards, building passes, and keys during employee separation, retirement, or transfer

Eligibility & Identity Verification

• Document Review: Validate identity documents according to FIPS 201-3 standards, verifying two forms of valid government-issued ID
• Sponsorship: Confirm applicants are properly sponsored in USAccess or relevant identity systems by authorized officials
• Training Validation: Ensure all required training and onboarding are completed prior to issuance

Inventory and Accountability

• Database Management: Maintain comprehensive tracking of all credentials within the Firearms, Armor, and Credentials Tracking System (FACTS) and internal Access databases
• Audits: Conduct monthly physical inventories of all stock and a full annual inventory to guarantee oversight of sensitive government assets
• Serial Control: Assign and log serial numbers and issuance dates to maintain a compliant audit trail.

Security and Compliance Control

• Incident Reporting: Document lost, stolen, or damaged credentials via formal incident reports or memos for record within 24 hours
• Sanitization: Ensure expired or damaged credentials are destroyed via approved cross-cut shredders and updated in the destruction database
• Secure Storage: Maintain all unissued "blank" stock and printed badges in a GSA-approved safe

Operational

• Database Proficiency: Navigate and update specialized systems including FACTS and Microsoft Access tables (e.g., Float Inventory, Pending Table, and Destruction Database)
• Technical Tasks: Utilize FACTS image editors for photo cropping and digital signature pads
• Administrative Coordination: Process specialty requests, such as Lucite preservation trophies for retirees, ensuring all documentation and BICS coding are accurate
• Status Management: Update system statuses to "Returned," "Transferred," "Retired," or "Deactivated" and immediately notify Physical Security for access revocation

Requirements:
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen to access DHS information technology systems
• Suitability: Must undergo and successfully maintain a favorably adjudicated Tier 4 (T4) or Tier 5 (T5) background investigation
• Pre-Screening: No felony convictions within the past 36 months or illegal drug use within the past 12 months
• Agreement: Must execute and submit a formal Non-Disclosure Agreement (DHS Form 11000-6)