Become a Primary Prevention Specialist with the Wisconsin National Guard

Are you a social science professional passionate about building healthier, more resilient organizations? The Wisconsin National Guard is seeking a motivated Primary Prevention Specialist to support the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison. This role is a cornerstone of the agency's commitment to the well-being of service members, focusing on the proactive prevention of harm through data-driven policies and compassionate advocacy.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be at the forefront of the Resilience, Risk Reduction, and Suicide Prevention (R3SP) initiatives. Your core duties include:

Strategic Policy Development: Advancing policies that target self-directed and interpersonal harm prevention.
Data Analysis: Collecting qualitative and quantitative data to ensure program effectiveness and organizational fidelity.
Educational Outreach: Conducting briefings for unit leadership, family program directors, and chaplains.
Collaborative Action: Representing the program on state-level committees and working groups.
Operational Support: Providing ongoing support for unit training and activities, including select drill weekends.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate the following qualifications:

Education: A degree in behavioral or social sciences with at least 24 semester hours of related coursework, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Compliance: Adherence to federal laws, including the Lautenberg Amendment regarding domestic violence convictions.
Documentation: Submission of official transcripts and professional resume showing progressive experience.

Comparison: General vs. Specialized Requirements

Requirement	General Qualifications	Specialized Qualifications
Education	Behavioral/Social Science Degree	Advanced knowledge equivalent to a major
Experience	Four years of relevant work	One year at the next lower grade level
Technical Skills	Basic organizational familiarity	Data analysis & policy design expertise

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with experience and organizational grade requirements (GS-12).

Benefits

Federal employment with the National Guard provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success and work-life balance:

Retirement: Federal pension after 5 years and a Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K).
Time Off: Generous annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Flexibility: Flexible work schedules and dedicated fitness time (up to 3 hours per week).
Professional Growth: Paid training and mentorship opportunities.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly link your past job duties to the competencies requested in the announcement.
Be Precise: Use the Month/Year format for all employment dates.
Submit Early: Do not wait until the final hours on the closing date; use the online application portal to verify that all documents are uploaded correctly.
Check Your Status: Log into your USAJOBS account regularly to monitor for updates.

The Primary Prevention Specialist role is more than just a job; it is a mission to protect those who protect us. If you have the analytical skills and the heart for public service required to excel in this role, apply today to join the Wisconsin National Guard team.

Why This Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5 Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on service members' well-being and join the Wisconsin National Guard as a Primary Prevention Specialist.

Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5 Job Overview

The Wisconsin National Guard is seeking a dedicated Primary Prevention Specialist to join the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, Wisconsin. This vital position focuses on mitigating risks of self-directed and interpersonal harm through proactive policies, educational outreach, and data-driven initiatives. As a Title 5 Excepted Service professional, you will influence organizational culture and provide essential support to our service members.

Requirements for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5

U.S. Citizenship.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
Completion of a National Agency Check (NAC) prior to appointment.
Degree in behavioral/social science (or related discipline) with at least 24 semester hours of relevant coursework, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Four years of appropriate experience demonstrating knowledge of behavioral or social sciences.
Must be registered with Selective Service (if male born after 12/31/1959).
Must not have any disqualifying domestic violence convictions (Lautenberg Amendment).
Valid driver's license if required to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5

Direct experience with the Wisconsin National Guard or similar military organizational structures.
Specific subject matter expertise in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention response.
Background in SAPR (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response), EO (Equal Opportunity), or UDL (Unit Deployment Liaison) programs.
Experience serving on mental health boards or similar health-focused committees.
Proven track record in analyzing social science data to improve organizational program operations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave).
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive federal pension plan after 5 years of service.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with retirement investment options.
✓Paid training and professional development.
✓Flexible work scheduling and 3 hours of fitness time per week.
✓Work-life balance initiatives.
✓Travel opportunities via military or commercial aircraft.

💡 How to Apply Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5 Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Primary Prevention Specialist (Prev Wf)-Title 5 Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a comprehensive resume detailing employment history, grades/series, and specific duties.
Gather official transcripts and any necessary military documentation (DD-214, SF-50, etc.).
Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire via the link provided in the announcement.
Upload all required supporting documentation and submit your application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights Month and Year of employment for every role.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly demonstrate the required 24 semester hours in social science fields.
Review your application status frequently through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Submit your materials early to account for potential technical issues or file upload processing times.
If claiming veteran preference, ensure your DD-214 and related forms (like SF-15) are attached and correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Title 5 Excepted Service position?

This refers to a specific hiring authority under the National Guard that allows for appointment into federal service under guidelines adapted for the unique needs of the National Guard components.

Do I need to be a military member to apply?

This position is open to the public as well as current National Guard members, provided the minimum qualifications are met.

Is travel required for this role?

Yes, this position may require travel via military or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments, and some drill weekend support may be necessary.

Is this a remote position?

*A: This position is based in Madison, WI, and requires onsite presence for operational duties.

What is the security clearance level required?

*A: You must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Can I apply without a military background?

*A: Yes, the position is open to the public; however, military experience or familiarity with National Guard procedures is considered an asset.

Job from Air National Guard Units

The National Guard is the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a rich tradition of serving both the nation and local communities. As a member of this team, you will be part of an organization dedicated to readiness, support, and the welfare of its personnel. Working for the Wisconsin National Guard means contributing to a mission that directly impacts the lives of soldiers, airmen, and their families.