Become a Primary Prevention Specialist with the South Dakota Army National Guard
Are you passionate about social science, public health, and organizational wellbeing? The South Dakota Army National Guard is currently hiring for a Primary Prevention Specialist. This critical role is designed to foster a healthy, secure environment for military personnel by tackling complex issues such as harassment and violence through evidence-based prevention strategies.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Implement integrated public health-informed prevention programs.
- Utilize socio-ecological theoretical lenses to address interpersonal and self-directed violence.
- Collaborate with local agencies and military wings to deliver services.
- Evaluate prevention efficacy through data collection and statistical reporting.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must:
- Maintain current membership in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
- Meet educational requirements (minimum 24 hours of behavioral/social science coursework).
- Possess one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Successfully pass a Secret security clearance background check.
Salary Overview
| Grade Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-09/11 | $61,722 - $97,087 |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, Life, and Long-Term Care Insurance.
- Retirement and Thrift Savings Plan opportunities.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care.
- Generous annual and sick leave policies.
Application Tips
- Focus on the Resume: Federal resumes require more detail than private sector ones. Be sure to include your hours per week and specific dates (month/year).
- Verify KSAs: Ensure your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities are explicitly backed by your work history.
- Transcripts: Do not forget to attach your official or unofficial transcripts to verify your educational background.
Serving as a Primary Prevention Specialist is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of those who serve. If you have the required social science background and a commitment to the mission of the National Guard, apply before July 10, 2026.
Why This Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32) Job Matters
Launch a career in public health and organizational culture within the South Dakota National Guard—a vital role shaping the safety and resilience of our service members.
Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32) Job Overview
The South Dakota Army National Guard is seeking a dedicated Primary Prevention Specialist to join the Joint Force Headquarters team. This Title 32 Excepted Service role is integral to implementing the Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) Program, focused on cultivating a healthy organizational climate. You will utilize a socio-ecological framework to develop and assess evidence-based policies and practices aimed at eliminating harassment, sexual violence, family violence, and self-directed harm.
Requirements for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32)
- Must be a current Title 5 or Title 32 technician of the South Dakota Army National Guard.
- Maintain membership in the National Guard and wear the military uniform.
- Hold a degree in behavioral or social science (or related discipline) with at least 24 semester hours of coursework.
- Possess specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09 or GS-11).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must meet military grade inversion requirements (supervisor grade must meet or exceed subordinate grade).
Preferred Qualifications for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32)
- Expertise in socio-ecological systems theory and public health prevention models.
- Experience in coordinating with diverse community agencies and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to perform needs assessments and design effective training programs.
- Proficiency in analyzing statistical data and drafting comprehensive narrative reports for leadership.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Health Insurance programs
- ✓Comprehensive Retirement Planning
- ✓Life Insurance options
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Long-Term Care Insurance
- ✓Annual and Sick Leave accrual
💡 How to Apply Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf) (Title 32) Job
- Review your eligibility regarding current National Guard status.
- Prepare a detailed federal resume (max two pages) documenting specific duties, hours per week, and dates of employment.
- Gather academic transcripts and applicable SF-50 forms.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload all supporting documentation and submit before the midnight EST deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly defines military assignments in the same format as civilian experience.
- Be specific about metrics—use terms like 'daily,' 'weekly,' or 'monthly' to quantify your experience.
- Double-check that all KSAs listed in your application are clearly verifiable through your work history.
- Submit early to account for potential delays in the mandatory virus scan process for uploaded documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this position is not listed as remote. It is based in South Dakota, with work locations negotiable between Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
What is the promotion potential?
This position offers a promotion potential to the GS-11 level. If hired at the GS-09 level, a training agreement is initiated, allowing for advancement once training requirements are satisfied.
Job from Army National Guard Units
The South Dakota National Guard fulfills a dual mission: supporting state civil authorities in times of crisis and maintaining combat-ready forces for federal deployment. As part of the Joint Force Headquarters, you will play a key role in the Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) Program, ensuring the Guard remains a safe and professional institution.