Military & Family Readiness Specialist (Indefinite, Will Not Become Permanent) (Title 5)

Army National Guard Units•Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Iowa Army National Guard is hiring a Title 5 excepted service Military & Family Readiness Specialist in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This is an indefinite position that will not exceed five years and is not eligible for conversion to permanent status. Military membership is not required, and Veteran’s Preference applies. The position serves as an independent advisor within an assigned geographical area, advancing the Soldier & Family Readiness Program (SFRP) to support readiness, retention, and the well-being of service members and their families. The specialist develops and implements state-level family readiness activities, assesses needs, collects and reports program data, maintains information systems and records, and briefs military and community stakeholders. The role manages family assistance services and referrals, provides administrative case management, and coordinates support from military, government, and civilian organizations. It also provides training and technical assistance to commanders, family readiness liaisons, units, and volunteers; recruits and supports volunteers; and assists with deployment-cycle and steady-state readiness activities. The specialist supports program planning and budget forecasting, conducts unit assistance visits, and performs other duties as assigned. The position may require irregular or overtime hours, travel in military or commercial vehicles for temporary duty, and duty during state emergencies or disasters. It is designated as Essential Personnel. Employment requires the applicable security clearance and a probationary or trial period. Applicants must submit materials by November 11, 2026.

Requirements

Minimum experience, education, or training providing general knowledge of organization, management, and administration principles.
Experience compiling reports, letters, memoranda, and similar materials, and making person-to-person contacts to convey information.
Progressively responsible experience demonstrating the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the position’s work or comparable work.
Experience using computers and automation systems.
One year of specialized experience, education, or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Experience providing technical guidance and assistance concerning individual and family social problems and referrals to social service programs and agencies.
Knowledge and understanding of management administrative procedures and practices.
Experience developing administrative procedures.
Provide transcripts or other documentation to support any education used to qualify.
Complete a National Agency Check at minimum before assignment and attain and maintain the applicable security clearance; if hired without the required clearance, apply for it within 30 days of the start date.
May be required to complete a probationary period and a two-year trial period, or a one-year trial period for Veterans’ Preference eligibles.
Participate in direct deposit.
Perform irregular or overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies.
Be available for temporary duty travel in military or commercial vehicles and for essential personnel duty in preparation for or response to a state emergency or disaster declaration.

Responsibilities

Advise on and support all objectives of the Soldier & Family Readiness Program within the assigned geographical area.
Contribute to the development, communication, and implementation of state-level family readiness, family assistance, employment outreach, volunteer training and management, and quality-of-life activities.
Conduct needs assessments; collect, organize, and report volunteer, family, and related program data.
Maintain computer entry and reporting systems and ensure timely, accurate entries in the NGB-approved system of record.
Coach, mentor, and train junior staff, and brief leaders, commanders, service members, families, readiness groups, and community partners.
Manage and operate a family assistance center and provide information, resource referrals, and non-medical administrative case management across essential services.
Develop and maintain a directory of resources, agencies, and organizations, and coordinate assistance from military, government, and civilian organizations.
Train and provide technical assistance to commanders and family readiness liaisons in support of unit programs and Soldier & Family Readiness Groups.
Recruit and support volunteers; complete administrative actions for statutory volunteer appointments; and develop and deliver volunteer orientation and training programs.
Document volunteer service and hours, maintain volunteer resource materials, plan recognition activities, recommend awards, and initiate Invitational Travel Orders for volunteers.
Plan and conduct workshops and seminars; coordinate State Family Program volunteer council activities and communications.
Assist higher headquarters with planning and coordinating family assistance resources for deployment-cycle support and steady-state readiness activities.
Provide publications and information to units and Soldier & Family Readiness Groups.
Provide information to support program development and budget forecasting, and conduct staff assistance visits to units.
Perform other duties as assigned.