FAMILY PROGRAM SPECIALIST - TITLE 32

Summary

Family Program Specialist

Serves as the Joint Force Headquarters (State) staff advisor on family readiness, quality of life and other Family Program matters, which include identifying and recommending priorities. Manages and implements the family readiness and family assistance system to ensure that Family Program elements and support services are provided to military and family members. Provides staff assistance to local units in accomplishing the objectives of the program. Conducts staff assistance visits to ensure policies conforms to guidance and to assist and gather information for new initiatives and direction. Analyzes and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of program operations and develops new or modified programs and/or strategies to provide quality of life programs for the readiness and well being needs of National Guard and Reserve members and their families throughout the state. Provides technical interpretation, guidance, and assistance to commanders and/or units. Coordinates and facilitates communication between family members, mobilization elements, higher headquarters, inter-service agencies, other military services, local and national government and non government organizations. This may include, but is not limited to, family readiness, resource management, mobilization and deployment coordination, volunteer management, Guard Family Action Plan (GFAP) and Guard Family Team Building (GFTB), information, referral and follow-up, and youth programs. Prepares and disseminates information to military members and their families on family readiness to include, but not limited to, benefits, entitlements, pre-deployment, deployment and reunion issues, unit missions, and functions of the National Guard. Develops and implements marketing strategies to maintain program visibility and increase awareness at all levels. Ensures proper coordination and negotiation with civilian and federal agencies is accomplished. Plans and organizes all aspects of volunteer management to include recruiting, training, retaining and recognizing volunteers. Responsible for the organizing, marketing, implementing, and monitoring of the Guard Family Action Plan and Guard Family Team Building including the tracking of volunteer hours and other data for trend analysis and recognition purposes. Conducts briefings, training seminars, conferences, and orientation workshops as appropriate for military and family members. Oversees all budget aspects for the Family Program. Forecasts, procures and executes Army appropriated/non-appropriated and Air Force appropriated funds for the Family Program, youth program, volunteer reimbursement, and contracting. Provides guidance on locally generated funds and corporate sponsorship. Ensures full utilization of funds and compliance with all regulatory guidelines. Manages and implements family readiness training and information, referral, and follow-up service for all phases of mobilization and deployment mission in response to family needs. Maximizes utilization of local community, state, regional, and national resources and networks to provide a safety net for families. Serves as the subject matter expert and advisor to the Family Assistance Center operation during periods of activation and deployment. May develop and coordinate an ongoing Guard family youth program that identifies and addresses issues and concerns of youth related to Guard life. The program may include life skills, citizenship, character and leadership development; the arts; sports, fitness, leisure, and recreation; health and safety awareness; education and career development; mentoring, intervention, and support services and other programs and activities that enhance Guard family youth readiness and well-being. Secures appropriate staffing and funding. Coordinates with youth related organizations and agencies throughout the local and national community. Serves as the TAG's representative on family issues at all levels. Provides consultation and advice for commanders and Guard leadership to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory guidelines and to maximize program effectiveness. Perform other duties as assigned

Job Description

Family Program Specialist

Serves as the Joint Force Headquarters (State) staff advisor on family readiness, quality of life and other Family Program matters, which include identifying and recommending priorities. Manages and implements the family readiness and family assistance system to ensure that Family Program elements and support services are provided to military and family members. Provides staff assistance to local units in accomplishing the objectives of the program. Conducts staff assistance visits to ensure policies conforms to guidance and to assist and gather information for new initiatives and direction. Analyzes and evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of program operations and develops new or modified programs and/or strategies to provide quality of life programs for the readiness and well being needs of National Guard and Reserve members and their families throughout the state. Provides technical interpretation, guidance, and assistance to commanders and/or units. Coordinates and facilitates communication between family members, mobilization elements, higher headquarters, inter-service agencies, other military services, local and national government and non government organizations. This may include, but is not limited to, family readiness, resource management, mobilization and deployment coordination, volunteer management, Guard Family Action Plan (GFAP) and Guard Family Team Building (GFTB), information, referral and follow-up, and youth programs. Prepares and disseminates information to military members and their families on family readiness to include, but not limited to, benefits, entitlements, pre-deployment, deployment and reunion issues, unit missions, and functions of the National Guard. Develops and implements marketing strategies to maintain program visibility and increase awareness at all levels. Ensures proper coordination and negotiation with civilian and federal agencies is accomplished. Plans and organizes all aspects of volunteer management to include recruiting, training, retaining and recognizing volunteers. Responsible for the organizing, marketing, implementing, and monitoring of the Guard Family Action Plan and Guard Family Team Building including the tracking of volunteer hours and other data for trend analysis and recognition purposes. Conducts briefings, training seminars, conferences, and orientation workshops as appropriate for military and family members. Oversees all budget aspects for the Family Program. Forecasts, procures and executes Army appropriated/non-appropriated and Air Force appropriated funds for the Family Program, youth program, volunteer reimbursement, and contracting. Provides guidance on locally generated funds and corporate sponsorship. Ensures full utilization of funds and compliance with all regulatory guidelines. Manages and implements family readiness training and information, referral, and follow-up service for all phases of mobilization and deployment mission in response to family needs. Maximizes utilization of local community, state, regional, and national resources and networks to provide a safety net for families. Serves as the subject matter expert and advisor to the Family Assistance Center operation during periods of activation and deployment. May develop and coordinate an ongoing Guard family youth program that identifies and addresses issues and concerns of youth related to Guard life. The program may include life skills, citizenship, character and leadership development; the arts; sports, fitness, leisure, and recreation; health and safety awareness; education and career development; mentoring, intervention, and support services and other programs and activities that enhance Guard family youth readiness and well-being. Secures appropriate staffing and funding. Coordinates with youth related organizations and agencies throughout the local and national community. Serves as the TAG's representative on family issues at all levels. Provides consultation and advice for commanders and Guard leadership to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory guidelines and to maximize program effectiveness. Perform other duties as assigned