MILITARY & FAMILY READINESS SPECIALIST (Title 5) (Indefinite, may become permanent) Job in Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA

Vacancy No. IA-13031742-AR-26-214 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $62,223.00 to $80,895.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/11/2026 Close Date 8/20/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA


MILITARY & FAMILY READINESS SPECIALIST (Title 5) (Indefinite, may become permanent)

Department of the Army
Army National Guard Units
DJS, Johnston, IA

Summary

IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies.

THIS IS AN INDEFINITE POSITION, AND MAY BECOME PERMANENT.

Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

LOCATION: DJS, Johnston, IA

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is a Title 5 Excepted position open to the public. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies. THIS IS AN INDEFINITE POSITION, AND MAY BECOME PERMANENT.  Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)

Duties

As a MILITARY & FAMILY READINESS SPECIALIST (Title 5) (Indefinite, may become permanent), GS-0301-9, you will perform the following duties.

  1. Serve as fully independent advisor within geographical area of responsibility in accomplishing all objectives of the Soldier & Family Readiness Program (SFRP) for the Army National Guard to maximize retention and readiness. Provide input to develop, articulate, and implement the Family Readiness Program at the State level, inclusive of family readiness, family assistance, employment outreach, volunteer training and management and improvement of quality of life and well-being of Service members and families. Conduct needs assessments to determine requirements. Collect and organizes volunteer, family, and other related data, submit data and information through the State Family Program Director or Supervisory Family Support Services Specialist. Implement and maintain computer entry system to support reporting, for retrieval, and dissemination. Ensure accurate and timely input into the NGB-approved system of record for all applicable Service Members and Family case information, unit support, community outreach, training provision, volunteer management and other Family Program data. Coach, mentor, train junior staff. Conduct briefings at the local, unit and state levels to provide necessary information to leadership, commanders, Soldiers, Families, Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) and community partners and stimulate interest and support to build program and community capacity. (25%)
  2. Manages and operates family assistance center and provide assistance to commands within geographical area of responsibility in support of the SFRP. Provides information resource referral and non-medical administrative case management across all essential services; including but not limited to, Crisis, Legal, Financial, TRICARE, ID Cards/DEERS, Community Information and Outreach Services, Employment/Financial Literacy, Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Develop and maintain a directory of resources, agencies and organizations that are available to assist Service-members, Families and survivors. Shall coordinate assistance from military, government, and civilian organizations as needed to assist Service Members, Family Members, Retirees, and Civilian Government Employees needing military quality of life support, and ensure accurate and timely input into the NGB-approved system of record for all applicable Service Members and Family case information. (25%)
  3. Provide training and technical support to Commanders and Family Readiness Liaisons to support their Unit Family Readiness program and Soldier & Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs). Responsible to conduct informal and formal training and recruiting of volunteers. Support volunteers to work with the Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs), and to instruct and train units, soldiers, and their families. Provide training and technical assistance to unit commanders and Family Readiness liaisons to develop local unit SFRGs. Recruit and complete administrative actions for the appointment of statutory volunteers. Develop and conduct orientation and training programs for volunteers, including Army Family Team Building, Army Family Action Plan and Operation Ready/Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders. Maintain a system of documenting volunteer services and hours, and a library of resource materials concerning volunteerism, and provide materials to volunteers as needed. Plans volunteer recognition activities at the unit and State levels and makes recommendations to the State Family Program Director or Supervisory Family Support Services Specialist higher headquarters for state and national level volunteer awards. Initiate Invitational Travel Orders (ITOs) for volunteers. Plans and conducts workshops and seminars, coordinating volunteer assistance as needed. Identifies statutory volunteers to serve as State Family Program volunteer council members, coordinates activities, and council communications. Assist higher headquarters in planning and coordinating resources for family assistance at deployment cycle support and steady-state readiness activities. Implement and maintains a system of providing publications and information to units and SFRGs. (25%)
  4. Submit information to support development and budget forecasting to support the Soldier and Family Readiness Support Program to higher headquarters. Conducts staff assistance visits to units in the geographical area of responsibility to accomplish the objectives of the program. (25%)
  5. Perform other duties as assigned. T57014P1

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
  • Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
  • The incumbent of this position description must have at a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to position assignment.
  • The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments.
  • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Progressively responsible experience which demonstrates the ability to provide technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable?? work of the position to be filled. Experience using computer and automation systems.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:GS03019- Applicant must have the following experience:

  • 1 year specialized experience, education or training equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
  • Experience providing technical guidance and assistance in providing information about individual and family social problems and referral to social service programs and agencies
  • Experience and knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and practices of management.
  • Experience developing administrative procedures.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience

master's or equivalent graduate degree

or

2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree

or

LL.B. or J.D., if related


You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.

Additional information

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • Your performance and conduct.
  • The needs and interests of the agency.
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 08/20/2026. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed above. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the minimum/specialized experience provided in the announcement and the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) listed below:

  • Knowledge or experience of an administrative nature, which involves the exercise of analytical ability, judgment, discretion, and personal responsibility, and application of a substantial body of knowledge of principles, concepts, and practices applicable to one or more fields of administration or management
  • Skill and ability to administer on a daily basis the family readiness and information program of a state and to oversee its implementation and operation in units
  • Knowledge of a substantial body of administrative or program principles, concepts, policies, and objectives.
  • Knowledge of the principles, policies, program goals and methodology of the National Guard quality of life programs, including factors that affect work and leisure environments, to administer a program that provides information about individual and family social problems and referral to social service programs and agencies, information about National Guard assistance programs, to gather and analyze information on problems and difficulties of obtaining assistance using the current system, to provide programs that address such problems, and to recommend action to improve the system.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, SF-50, DD 214, VA disability letter/documentation, ect.
    1. (In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories below are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employees
  • Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference (MSP)

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-3)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement must submit the following documentation:
- Military Reserve and Technician Disability PPP Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-2)
- Termination SF-50 Separation stating that the applicant has Priority Placement Eligibility
- Notice of Separation confirming of eligibility.

Applicant claiming Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Employeesmust submit the following documentation:
-DoD Retained Grade Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-1)
- SF-50 effecting the placement in retained grade status
- Copy of the notification letter the employee received (RIF or classification downgrade)

Applicants claiming Priority Placement Program, Military Spouse Preference must submit the following documentation:
- DoD Military Spouse Preference Self Certification Checklist (DD 3145-4)
- Sponsor's PCS Orders
- Proof of Military member's current active duty status
- Marriage Certificate

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13031742

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Phone
515-252-4677 X4677
Email
christopher.l.powders.civ@army.mil
Address
IA CSAR
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Army National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States. Since the earliest American colonial days, citizens have joined together for collective defense. We have a proud tradition of coming to the aid of our friends and neighbors in times of serious emergencies. Join our National Guard team and serve your nation, your states and your community!

Agency contact information

Christopher Powders
Phone
515-252-4677 X4677
Email
christopher.l.powders.civ@army.mil
Address
IA CSAR
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US

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