IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies.
LOCATION: DJS, Iowa City, IA
Summary
IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. This is a Title 5 Excepted Service position. Military membership is not required, and Veteran's Preference applies.
As a SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION RESPONSE VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAPR VA) (Title 5), GS-0101-11, you will perform the following duties.
Perform essential victim service, advocacy, and support duties; provide a non-clinical response that is trauma-informed, gender-responsive, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented, and without prejudice to adult victims of sexual assault. Demonstrate understanding of trauma related to sexual violence and related complexities. This work involves Privacy Act and Controlled Unclassified Information and is therefore highly sensitive in nature.
Apply basic strategies for skilled communication, including developing rapport and actively listening, to provide initial victim advocacy services and crisis intervention support for adult victims of sexual assault and comply with mandated timeframes for responding to requests and completing required documents within those timeframes. Conduct mandated initial risk screening; non-clinical safety assessment and planning; and coordinate medical, legal, and civilian and military law enforcement resources to address immediate risk, safety, and supportive service needs in accordance with applicable policy, prioritizing confidentiality and informed consent.
Accept official reports of sexual assault by assisting the victim in completing the Defense Department Form 2910 and other official Department of Defense forms as applicable, taking sensitive care of handling personally identifiable information when it is disclosed, as well as covered communications.
Demonstrate expertise in offering comprehensive guidance to victims on reporting options Restricted and Unrestricted, to include options for those not ready to report, explaining exceptions and limitations for each, and ensuring understanding of the eligibility criteria for Special Victims' Counsel . Uphold the rights and confidentiality preferences of victims consistently throughout the reporting process. Support victims when contacting appropriate offices and facilitate warm hand-offs as requested. Ensure victims of sexual assault receive information and support during administrative, medical, investigative, and legal procedures to support victim self-determination and informed decision making.
Collaborate closely with victims to develop and adapt safety plans and needs assessments to prioritize and address potential risks and vulnerabilities, applying trauma-informed best practices and understanding the importance of informed consent throughout the process.
Collaborate and partner, as a member, with the sexual assault CMG members and the High-Risk Response Team to address and mitigate identified risks, safety concerns, and coordinate support services.
Ethically and collaboratively support and assist victims in identifying strategies that promote self-determination while addressing presenting risk factors to support continuous victim care and safety.
Safeguard the interests, rights, and privacy of victims who lack the capacity to make informed decisions independently during and after the course of the professional relationship.
Collaborate with victims to assess their readiness for case closure and develop a comprehensive closure plan, inclusive of completing a final safety assessment, applying transition strategies, and providing resources for continued care or needs.
Assist the SARC in the management and maintenance of up-to-date case files in Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database, as applicable, ensuring compliance with legal, privacy, and organizational policies and victim advocacy professional standards within the applicable timeframes per guidance.
Employ complex trauma-informed practices to provide tailored emotional support, ensuring victims feel respected, heard, and understood.
Provide culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and adapt support strategies to align with the cultural, social, and personal contexts of each victim.
Assist the SARC with developing and collaborating with relevant stakeholders on SAPR public awareness campaigns including planning local events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, representing the SAPR program in community outreach efforts, and assisting the SARC with ensuring that outreach efforts align with the SAPR program's strategic goals as assigned by the Supervisory Principal SARC.
Ensure the response to the victim includes assessing if the victim has been sexually harassed or if the sexual assault was perpetrated by an intimate partner and assist the victim using the No Wrong Door approach to get the victim to the more appropriate service provider. The initial assessment would also need to include determining the status of the victim, such as, if they are a DoD federal civilian, technician, or other applicable status.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
Within 60 days of appointment to a Position of Trust and Moderate Risk; the employee must have a favorable completion and award of a Tier 3 background investigation and continuously maintain
Within six (6) months of appointment, must graduate from required SAPR training courses and be awarded the DoD Sexual Assault Advocate Certificate. An active D-SAACP certification must be maintained for this position.
Incumbent must maintain an active D-SAACP certification in accordance with (IAW) Section 584 of Public Law 112-81 and DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6495.03 as a condition of employment.
Facilitate the planning, scheduling, and delivery of SAPR training for diverse stakeholders and local populations, covering SAPR policies, procedures, reporting options, and other pertinent topics delegated by the Supervisory Principal SARC
Establish and maintain connections with internal and external stakeholders, including law enforcement , legal professionals , healthcare providers, Chaplains, Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce members, leaders, and community organizations
Incumbent must be able to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, on an on-call or rotational basis
This position may require temporary duty (TDY) business travel up to 25% of the time.
This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP).? The employee is subject to random drug testing.
Qualifications
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
(You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.)
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:GS010111- Applicant must have at least 1 year specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level of the following experience:
Experience analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources
Experience, education or training analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering pertinent data and recognizing solutions; preparing reports, plans, policies and various correspondence; evaluating objectives and develop plans to facilitate the availability and effective utilization of various social science resources.
Knowledge of the organization and its mission and utilized the organizational staff procedures.
Experience applying analytical and evaluative techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of social science program operations carried out by administrative or professional personnel, or substantive administrative support functions.
Education
Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position that included at least 24 semester hours of course work in the behavioral or social sciences.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.
Additional information
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.
TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
Your performance and conduct.
The needs and interests of the agency.
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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 (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 01/30/2026. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.
Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the minimum/specialized experience provided in the announcement and the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) listed below:
Knowledge of accepted practices and procedures associated with victim advocacy, social services delivery systems, principles, and behavioral theories relating to victim advocacy, sexual assault, and other acts of interpersonal violence.
Ability to reach independent and authoritative conclusions as to appropriate actions needed to provide crisis intervention support and assess victims' needs, safety, and levels of risk in serious and complicated circumstances.
Knowledge of essential support and advocacy services, liaison resources, community networks, and best practices for aiding victims of sexual assault, adhering to established procedures.
Proficiency in data entry, organization, report preparation, and information development to ensure effective handling and utilization of information related to victim advocacy.
Knowledge of training and education techniques to implement and deliver sexual assault training and brief installation leadership, other SAPR VAs, first responders, and other stakeholders on the policies, practices, procedures, issues, and concerns associated with sexual assault and victim advocacy.?
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with all levels of management, staff, and military personnel and their families.?Expertise in applying varied methods of sexual assault victim advocacy, including crisis intervention, situational assessment, and needs analysis to provide tailored support and assistance and evaluate safety and levels of risk.
Skill in employing tact and diplomacy in challenging and sensitive scenarios; fostering productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders; and establishing effective partnerships to identify, modify, and deliver victim support and assistance.
Ability to develop trusting relationships within the scope of supporting sexual assault victims. This may include cultivating relationships with stakeholders in and outside of the SAPR program.
Skill in providing culturally informed services that empower marginalized individuals and adapt support strategies to align with the cultural, social, and personal contexts of each victim.
Knowledge of on-installation and off- installation resources within the direct geographical region to offer each victim tailored comprehensive referrals to SAPR services. This includes, but is not limited to, victim advocacy, legal services, and medical/mental health support services.
Knowledge level requires an understanding what military and civilian resources are available, what each resource can provide for the victim, and limitations and/or exceptions to services available, confidentiality that may apply to each resource.
Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of the SAPR program sufficient to provide available and appropriate resources.
Ability to define scope and parameter of the SAPR VA role to empower victims from initial response to termination of the professional relationship.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
(In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12868671
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
IA CSAR
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
(In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12868671
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
IA CSAR
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
