Military & Family Readiness Specialist (Indefinite, May Become Permanent) (Title 5)

Army National Guard Units • Council Bluffs, IA

6d

About The Position

The Iowa Army National Guard is hiring a Title 5 excepted-service Military & Family Readiness Specialist, GS-0301-9, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This is an indefinite position that may become permanent. The position is open to the public; military membership is not required, and Veterans’ Preference applies.

The specialist independently advises within an assigned geographic area and advances the Soldier & Family Readiness Program (SFRP) to support retention and readiness. The role contributes to state-level family readiness planning and implementation, conducts needs assessments, maintains program data and reporting systems, and provides information and briefings to military leaders, families, volunteers, and community partners.

The specialist operates a family assistance center and coordinates referrals and non-medical administrative case management across areas such as crisis assistance, legal and financial resources, TRICARE, identification cards and DEERS, employment, financial literacy, emergency family assistance, and the Exceptional Family Member Program. The role also trains and supports commanders, Family Readiness Liaisons, units, and volunteers; coordinates volunteer appointments, recognition, and resources; and supports family assistance during deployments and steady-state readiness activities. The specialist submits information for program development and budget forecasting and conducts staff assistance visits to units.

The position may require irregular or overtime hours, travel in military or commercial vehicles for temporary duty, and duty in preparation for or response to a state emergency or disaster. It is designated as Essential Personnel. A completed National Agency Check is required at a minimum before assignment, and employment is subject to obtaining and maintaining the required security clearance. The selectee may also be required to complete a probationary period and a two-year trial period, or one year for eligible veterans with Veterans’ Preference.

Requirements

• General knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration, gained through experience, education, or training.
• Experience compiling reports, letters, memoranda, or 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 relevant or comparable work.
• Experience using computers and automation systems.
• At least one year of specialized experience, education, or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, including technical guidance and assistance in providing information about individual and family social problems and referrals to social service programs and agencies.
• Knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and management practices, and experience developing administrative procedures.
• At least a completed National Agency Check before position assignment and the ability to attain and maintain the security clearance required for the position.
• May be required to complete a probationary period and prescribed courses; participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Must meet applicable Military Selective Service registration requirements if required by law.
• Applicants claiming education substitution must provide transcripts or other documentation supporting the education claimed.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D. may substitute for specialized experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently advise within the assigned geographic area on objectives of the Soldier & Family Readiness Program to support Army National Guard retention and readiness.
• Contribute to developing, communicating, and implementing the state Family Readiness Program, including family readiness, family assistance, employment outreach, volunteer management and training, and quality-of-life and well-being initiatives.
• Conduct needs assessments; collect and organize volunteer, family, and related program data; and submit information through the State Family Program Director or Supervisory Family Support Services Specialist.
• Maintain computer entry and reporting systems, including accurate and timely updates to the NGB-approved system of record for applicable member and family cases, unit support, outreach, training, volunteer management, and other Family Program data.
• Coach, mentor, and train junior staff, and conduct briefings for leadership, commanders, Soldiers, families, SFRGs, and community partners.
• Manage and operate a family assistance center and assist commands in the assigned geographic area.
• Provide information, referrals, and non-medical administrative case management across essential service areas, including crisis, legal, financial, TRICARE, ID cards/DEERS, community information and outreach, employment and financial literacy, EFAC, and EFMP.
• Develop and maintain a directory of resources, agencies, and organizations, and coordinate military, government, and civilian assistance for service members, families, retirees, and civilian government employees.
• Train and provide technical support to commanders and Family Readiness Liaisons to develop and support unit SFRGs.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers; process administrative actions for statutory volunteer appointments; and maintain records of volunteer services and hours and volunteer resource materials.
• Develop and conduct volunteer orientation and training, including Army Family Team Building, Army Family Action Plan, and Operation Ready/Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders.
• Plan volunteer recognition activities, recommend award nominations, initiate Invitational Travel Orders for volunteers, and coordinate State Family Program volunteer council members and communications.
• Plan and conduct workshops and seminars, coordinating volunteer assistance as needed.
• Assist higher headquarters with planning and coordinating family assistance resources for deployment-cycle support and steady-state readiness activities.
• Implement and maintain a system for providing publications and information to units and SFRGs.
• Submit information to support program development and budget forecasting for the Soldier and Family Readiness Support Program.
• Conduct staff assistance visits to units in the assigned geographic area and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed