FAMILY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Summary

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a Family Programs Specialist , Position Description Number T5300000 and is part of the Military Personnel Office of the Vermont Army National Guard.

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Duties

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The purpose of the position is to plan, coordinate, implement, execute, and manage the Family Program for National Guard members and their families and provide commanders with staff assistance in solving problems affecting the military community and in improving the quality of life and well being of members of the National Guard throughout the state.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Serves as the Joint Force Headquarters (State) staff advisor on family readiness, quality of life and other Family Program matters, which include identifying and recommending priorities. Manages and implements the family readiness and family assistance system to ensure that Family Program elements and support services are provided to military and family members. Provides staff assistance to local units in accomplishing the objectives of the program. Conducts staff assistance visits to ensure policies conforms to guidance and to assist and gather information for new initiatives and direction. Analyzes and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of program operations and develops new or modified programs and/or strategies to provide quality of life programs for the readiness and well being needs of National Guard and Reserve members and their families throughout the state. Provides technical interpretation, guidance, and assistance to commanders and/or units. Serves as the TAG's representative on family issues at all levels. Provides consultation and advice for commanders and Guard leadership to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory guidelines and to maximize program effectiveness.

2.Coordinates and facilitates communication between family members, mobilization elements, higher headquarters, inter-service agencies, other military services, local and national government and non government organizations. This may include, but is not limited to, family readiness, resource management, mobilization and deployment coordination, volunteer management, Guard Family Action Plan (GFAP) and Guard Family Team Building (GFTB), information, referral and follow-up, and youth programs. Prepares and disseminates information to military members and their families on family readiness to include, but not limited to, benefits, entitlements, pre-deployment, deployment and reunion issues, unit missions, and functions of the National Guard. Manages and implements family readiness training and information, referral, and follow-up service for all phases of mobilization and deployment mission in response to family needs. Maximizes utilization of local community, state, regional, and national resources and networks to provide a safety net for families. Serves as the subject matter expert and advisor to the Family Assistance Center operation during periods of activation and deployment.

3. Develops and implements marketing strategies to maintain program visibility and increase awareness at all levels. Ensures proper coordination and negotiation with civilian and federal agencies is accomplished. Plans and organizes all aspects of volunteer management to include recruiting, training, retaining and recognizing volunteers. Responsible for the organizing, marketing, implementing, and monitoring of the Guard Family Action Plan and Guard Family Team Building including the tracking of volunteer hours and other data for trend analysis and recognition purposes. Conducts briefings, training seminars, conferences, and orientation workshops as appropriate for military and family members.

4. Oversees all budget aspects for the Family Program. Forecasts, procures and executes Army appropriated/non-appropriated and Air Force appropriated funds for the Family Program, youth program, volunteer reimbursement, and contracting. Provides guidance on locally generated funds and corporate sponsorship. Ensures full utilization of funds and compliance with all regulatory guidelines.

5. May develop and coordinate an ongoing Guard family youth program that identifies and addresses issues and concerns of youth related to Guard life. The program may include life skills, citizenship, character and leadership development; the arts; sports, fitness, leisure, and recreation; health and safety awareness; education and career development; mentoring, intervention, and support services and other programs and activities that enhance Guard family youth readiness and well-being. Secures appropriate staffing and funding. Coordinates with youth related organizations and agencies throughout the local and national community.

**Performs other duties as assigned.**

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Work may require access to classified information. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• Irregular and overtime hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• 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 aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
• The work may require the employee to drive a motor vehicle and if so, an appropriate valid driver's license is required.
• 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. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year.

Qualifications

OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1

Area I : Current On-board Title 5 or Title 32 Dual Status Technicians (Tenure: 1-Career, 2-Conditional, 3-Indefinite or 4-Term ) - Only those current Vermont National Guard employees who are in permanent,

Minimum Qualification Requirements: 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: 36 months experience with at least 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Experience, education or training in program or managerial experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to the position to be filled or in comparable work or functions. Experience developing and recommending policy; organizing and carrying out specific programs, evaluating and recommending changes in methods of operations. Experience in supervisory, staff or technical work which included study, analysis or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of managerial or administrative policies, practices and procedures. Experience preparing written communications and oral presentations.

Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Knowledge of the family readiness program and its relationship to missions, functions, organization, major issues, work processes, goals objectives and programs in order to plan, develop, and implement programs designed to improve and maintain National Guard family readiness and quality of life.

Knowledge of analytical and evaluative techniques and methods (and the ability to adapt as appropriate) to analyze reports, gather data, review suggestions, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Guard Family Program sufficient to recognize and define social problems, to reach accurate conclusions, and to measure and improve human services program effectiveness and productivity, and make recommendations for program improvement.

Knowledge of regulations, policies, and guidance affecting the use of resources and related support resources (money equipment, and people) to plan, coordinate, implement, and manage the Family Program in compliance with established requirements, standards, and objectives.

Thorough knowledge of human services matters and programs benefiting families, and military and civilian employees, in addition to policies, practices, and procedures, including methods used to establish program objectives or performance goals and assess progress toward their achievements and the impact military and family members' quality of life.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to provide technical assistance, and guidance.

FEDERALTIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS : Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES :

-This position is subject to the Lautenberg amendment to the gun control act of 1968 which makes it a felony for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. Civilian personnel of the Department of the Defense are not exempt from this provision. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.

-Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.

-May be required to travel by car, in military and/or commercial aircraft, and by other means of transportation as appropriate to perform temporary duty assignments.

-Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.

-The work may require the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle; if so, and an appropriate valid driver's license is mandatory.

-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. Head of Agency requests to exceed 14 days in a calendar year must be approved in advance by the National Guard, Director of Manpower and Personnel.

Please be advised:

1. Specialized experience will be used to determine qualifications for the announced position.

2. An applicant's RESUME must provide, in detail, how they meet the specialized experience listed.

3. It must be documented with "from (mm/yy)" and "to (mm/yy)" dates and description of the specialized experience.

4. If education or a degree is required as part of the "Specialized Experience", you must include transcripts.

Do not copy the specialized experience qualifications word for word and place into your resume; you must describe your personal experience as it pertains to each statement.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience is allowed.

1) Qualifying based on education alone: Education may be substituted for specialized experience with a Ph.D., (or an equivalent doctoral degree), 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent one year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours will be considered as satisfying the one year of full-time study requirement. NOTE: In order to qualify for this position using education, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

2) Qualifying based on a combination of education and specialized experience: A combination of experience and education as described above. Only education in excess of that required for a master's or equivalent degree may be used when combining education and experience to meet the total qualification requirements. NOTE: In order to qualify for this position using a combination of experience and education, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

Additional information

Veterans Preference

• Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veteran's preference, you MUST submit the appropriate documentation. Failure to do so WILL result in the loss of veteran's preference, and will possibly impact your placement on the certificate. For more veterans' information please click
• - 10-Point Veterans' Preference: You must submit all supporting documentation as specified on the SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference". You can locate the SF 15 at
• - 5-Point Veterans' Preference: You MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 which includes Character of Service (usually Member-4 copy). If you are currently active duty, you may submit written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should also include when your terminal leave will begin, your rank and dates of active duty service.
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.

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 (

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.

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