Doing Your Nails at Work? This Is How You Lose a Security Clearance

It really does amaze me how some people are completely unaware of acceptable personal conduct as an employee in a professional workplace. A recent Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearing and Appeals case highlighted what employees should NOT be doing while they are supposed to be working. Here are the highlights of the appeal.

The DOE contractor submitted her SF-86, indicating she had been terminated by an employer without knowing the specific reasons, but thought it might have been due to lack of work. She also listed that she was subsequently terminated by another employer for making too many mistakes due to lack of training. During the investigation, the employers were interviewed and provided a totally different story, stating that she constantly called in sick, was always late when she did show up, did her fingernails in the workplace, made frequent mistakes that resulted in delays and additional costs, and was seen by coworkers playing games and watching videos on personal and company electronic devices. One of the hiring managers also stated that she had misrepresented her experience and abilities in her job during the interview.

Additionally, the contractor had filed for bankruptcy in 2018, had a car repossessed in 2020, owed federal and state taxes, and had over $10,000 in delinquent debt. At her appeal hearing, she claimed to be making payments on the debts but could not provide any proof. She also downplayed the employment issues that got her fired from four jobs, although she did admit to some of the conduct alleged by the employers. An enormous amount of doubt remained about her honesty, trustworthiness and reliability. The personal conduct and financial concerns were not mitigated – eligibility for a security clearance was denied. You can read the entire summary here.