Become a Primary Prevention Specialist with the Iowa Army National Guard

Are you a social science professional looking to pivot your skills toward a mission-critical role? The Iowa Army National Guard is currently hiring a Primary Prevention Specialist (GS-11) to lead vital community programs that prioritize the health, safety, and resilience of our service members. This is a unique opportunity to apply evidence-based prevention strategies to real-world challenges in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Primary Prevention Specialist, your role is multifaceted. You will serve as a subject matter expert and the central point of contact for suicide, domestic violence, and workplace abuse prevention. Key responsibilities include:

Program Integration: Managing complex primary prevention programs across the region.
Data Analysis: Interpreting demographic and population data to recommend data-driven allocations of time and resources.
Policy Development: Translating high-level policies into actionable unit-level plans.
Leadership Advisement: Briefing senior commanders on integrated prevention strategies and healthy cultural norms.
Community Collaboration: Establishing resource links and fostering partnerships with local agencies.

Requirements

Candidates must meet specific educational and professional benchmarks to be considered for this GS-11 role:

Education: Completion of a bachelor's degree in behavioral or social science (with at least 24 semester hours of related coursework) or a combination of education and experience that equates to a major.
Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating skill in analyzing problems, identifying risk factors, and developing professional reports or policy recommendations.

Qualifications Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement Details
Minimum Education	Bachelor's in Behavioral/Social Science (24+ credits)
Experience Level	1 Year of Specialized GS-09 equivalent experience
Security Clearance	Secret (Must be able to attain/maintain)
Citizenship	United States citizen
Trial Period	1-2 Year mandatory trial period

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $75,284 to $97,875 per year. Compensation is structured within the GS-11 grade scale.

Benefits

Employees of the Iowa Army National Guard enjoy a robust package of federal benefits, including:

Health and life insurance options.
Retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Opportunities for professional training and career advancement.
Paid holidays and leave accrual.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success, ensure your resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the job responsibilities mentioned above. Use months and years to define your work history, and provide specific examples of your accomplishments in the social science field. Remember, the HR team cannot make assumptions about your skills; your resume must explicitly address how you meet each requirement.

Serving as a Primary Prevention Specialist is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and welfare of those who protect our nation. If you possess the experience, education, and drive to create meaningful change, we encourage you to apply by November 10, 2026.

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

Make a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of the Iowa Army National Guard community by leading critical, data-driven primary prevention initiatives.

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

The Iowa Army National Guard is seeking a dedicated Primary Prevention Specialist to join our team in Johnston, Iowa. This Title 5 Excepted Service role serves as a key subject matter expert responsible for coordinating integrated primary prevention programs designed to mitigate harm and abuse before they occur. You will analyze population data, develop evidence-based strategies, and collaborate with leadership and community agencies to foster a safe, resilient military culture.

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

U.S. Citizenship.
A bachelor's degree in behavioral or social sciences with at least 24 semester hours of related coursework.
Alternatively, a combination of education and professional experience equivalent to a major in the field.
At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-09 equivalent).
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Successful completion of a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

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

Experience in identifying and analyzing risk factors to develop effective preventative solutions.
Background in interpreting population-level data to shape organizational policies.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate and coordinate community-wide training and workshops.
Strong proficiency in oral and written communication, including technical report writing.
Experience working with military leadership to influence organizational climate and resiliency.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary range.
✓Opportunity to serve in a mission-critical role within the National Guard.
✓Participation in federal employee benefits programs.
✓Clearance support and professional development.
✓Access to a comprehensive range of federal retirement and health benefits.

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

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

Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS platform.
Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Prepare your federal-style resume including specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
Complete the required online Occupational Questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents, such as transcripts, SF-50 forms, or military records.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on November 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Avoid copying the job description verbatim into your resume; provide specific examples of your own achievements.
Ensure your resume explicitly details how your experience meets the 'Specialized Experience' requirements.
Submit documents early to account for potential system virus scan delays.
Double-check that all required supporting documentation (DD214, transcripts, etc.) is attached to avoid disqualification.
Contact the provided Human Resources representative early if you require reasonable accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military membership required for this position?

No, this is a Title 5 Excepted Service position open to the public; military membership is not required.

What happens if I don't have the required security clearance yet?

You are not required to hold the clearance upon application, but you must apply for it within 30 days of your start date and maintain it throughout your employment.

How is the salary range determined?

The salary range of $75,284 to $97,875 is based on federal pay scales and applies to this specific GS-11 grade level.

What is the selection process like?

After the application window closes, HR will verify your qualifications. Qualified candidates are then forwarded to the selecting official for potential interviews.

Can I work remotely?

No, this position is onsite at the Camp Dodge Military Reservation in Johnston, Iowa.

What is the 'Trial Period'?

Most federal employees serve a probationary or trial period where performance is closely monitored to ensure it meets the agency's needs.

Job from Army National Guard Units

The National Guard remains the oldest component of the U.S. Armed Forces, with a long history of supporting local communities during times of need. By joining the Iowa Army National Guard, you become part of a tradition of service that extends beyond the battlefield into the heart of our state, ensuring that the environments in which our service members live and work remain safe and healthy.