Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist - Make a Difference with the Indiana National Guard

Are you driven to support our nation's service members and their families? The Indiana National Guard is seeking a dedicated and organized Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist to join their team in Indianapolis. This vital role is crucial in ensuring that military families receive comprehensive support throughout the deployment cycle, from preparation to reintegration. If you possess strong administrative skills and a passion for community service, this excepted service position offers a rewarding career path with a competitive salary and the chance to contribute to a critical mission.

About the Agency: The Army National Guard

The National Guard stands as the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a rich history dating back to the earliest American colonial days. Composed of citizen-soldiers and airmen, the Guard has consistently answered the call to serve, both domestically and abroad. From defending the nation to aiding communities during natural disasters, National Guard members embody a spirit of service and resilience. Joining the National Guard team means serving your nation, your state, and your community, upholding a proud tradition of collective defense and support.

Job Responsibilities: Key Duties of a Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist

As a Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist, you will be at the forefront of administering and coordinating essential support services for service members and their families. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of critical tasks, ensuring the successful operation of the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP):

• Program Administration: You will assist in the planning, development, coordination, and day-to-day administration of the YRRP. This includes managing contracts for conference facilities, lodging, meals, and professional on-site childcare services.
• Advisory Role: Serve as a key advisor on YRRP and broader family program issues, focusing on maximizing service member and family readiness during all phases of the deployment cycle.
• Information and Referral: Help establish and maintain an ongoing system for providing information and referrals to the military community, connecting individuals with necessary resources and support.
• Deployment Support: Provide essential assistance to units and individuals to ensure all deployment cycle support tasks are accomplished effectively during relevant phases.
• Reporting and Compliance: Assist in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of state reporting requirements for the nationwide Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Report.
• Resource Management: Maintain an up-to-date library of Yellow Ribbon Program benefits, support services, directives, policies, regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and program materials.
• Representation: Act as a representative at conferences and meetings related to family programs and Yellow Ribbon Program matters.
• General Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission of the J1 department.

Requirements: Who Should Apply?

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

General Experience:

• Experience, education, or training that has provided a general knowledge of the principles of organization, management, and administration.
• Proven ability to compile reports, letters, and memoranda, and to engage in effective person-to-person communication.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical guidance and assistance relevant to the duties of the position.
• Experience using computer and automation systems.

Specialized Experience:

• A minimum of one year of specialized experience that is equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (e.g., GS-08). This experience must include providing technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or comparable work of this position. Applicants must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and practices of management, and have experience developing administrative procedures.

Education Requirement (for GS-09 level):

• You may substitute education for specialized experience. To qualify on education alone at the GS-09 level, you must have one of the following:
  • A Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
  • Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Master's degree.
  • An LL.B. or J.D. degree, if it is related to the position.
• It is important to note that only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (GS-08) can be used to qualify applicants for positions at the GS-09 level. This applies to qualifying solely on education or in combination with experience.

Security Clearance:

• Applicants must be able to obtain a 'Secret' security clearance.

Selective Service Registration:

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered or be exempt from registration under the Military Selective Service Act.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $62,297 to $80,991, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

While the specific details of the benefits package were not provided in the raw data, federal positions typically offer a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support employees and their families. These may include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plans.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a valuable retirement plan.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Other Potential Benefits: May include dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

A link to the Army Civilian Human Resources Agency benefits portal (portal.chra.army.mil/abc) is provided for further information.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Qualification Path	Requirements	Applicable Grade Level
Experience	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-08, demonstrating program administration, technical guidance, and understanding of management procedures.	GS-09
Education	Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; OR 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education; OR LL.B./J.D. if related.	GS-09
Combination	A combination of graduate-level education (beyond GS-08 requirements) and specialized experience, proportionally meeting the full qualification requirements.	GS-09

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success when applying for this Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist position:

1. Craft a Detailed Resume: Your resume is your primary tool. Ensure it's a federal-style resume, no more than two pages, and meticulously details your work experience, including duties performed, hours worked per week, and exact dates (Month and Year) of employment. Avoid simply copying and pasting descriptions from the vacancy announcement or other resumes.
2. Substantiate Your Qualifications: Clearly articulate in your own words how you meet 100% of the minimum requirements and specialized experience listed in the announcement. Vague descriptions can lead to disqualification.
3. Complete the Occupational Questionnaire Accurately: Answer all questions in the online questionnaire thoughtfully and honestly. Your responses will be compared against your resume and supporting documents. Overstating your qualifications can result in removal from consideration.
4. Gather All Required Documents: Before you begin, collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts (if qualifying by education), DD-214 (if applicable), and SF-50s (if required). Ensure they are legible and accurately reflect your qualifications.
5. Proofread Everything: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your entire application package for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What is the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP)? A: The YRRP is a Department of Defense initiative that provides comprehensive support and resources to service members and their families before, during, and after deployment to ensure readiness and well-being.

• Q: What is the grade level and salary for this position? A: This is a GS-09 position with an annual salary range of $62,297 to $80,991.

• Q: What type of service is this position? A: This is an Indiana National Guard Title 32 Excepted Service position.

• Q: Do I need to be in the military to apply? A: No, this is a civilian position within the National Guard structure. While it serves military members and families, the role itself is open to eligible civilian applicants.

• Q: What is the application deadline? A: The application closes on September 16, 2026.

The Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist position with the Indiana National Guard presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the lives of service members and their families. If you are a proactive individual with a strong administrative background and a passion for supporting military readiness, we encourage you to apply. This role offers a chance to be part of a proud tradition of service and make a tangible difference in your community and beyond.