We value candidates who can help us maintain the integrity of the federal Judiciary.
Position Sensitivity and Risk Basics
Each job or appointment within the Judiciary is assigned a sensitivity level based on the position’s duties and responsibilities. Sensitivity refers to a position’s impact on U.S. national security. Position sensitivity and risk – a position’s potential to cause damage to public trust in the Judiciary – determine what employment suitability checks or screenings a candidate must complete.
Low-Risk Positions
Low-risk positions can produce some harm or damage to the public trust. As a condition of employment, candidates must complete a background check and may be subject to periodic updates to their background check.
Moderate-Risk Positions
Moderate-risk positions can produce a fair amount of harm or serious damage to the public trust. As a condition of employment, candidates must complete a background check and a Tier 2 background investigation with periodic reinvestigation.
High-Risk Positions
High-risk positions can produce substantial or even inestimable harm or serious damage to the public trust. As a condition of employment, candidates must complete a background check and a Tier 4 background investigation with periodic reinvestigation.
Select High-Risk Positions
Select high-risk positions can produce the most harm or serious damage to the public trust. As a condition of employment, candidates must complete a background check and a Tier 5 background investigation with reinvestigation every five years. Candidates for select high-risk executive positions must also complete an IRS tax check.
Law Enforcement Officers
Law enforcement officers have their own risk level and employment suitability requirements. As a condition of employment, candidates must complete a background check, a pre-employment medical examination, a pre-employment drug test, and a Tier 5 background investigation with periodic reinvestigation.
Security Clearance Basics
Some Judiciary jobs require a security clearance. The clearance level depends on the type of access to classified information and secure facilities you’ll need to do your job. If your job requires a security clearance, you’ll need to provide at least 10 years of personal information or more and complete the Standard Form 86 (SF86) (PDF).