Organization: U.S. Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Force
Location: Multiple locations across the United States. On-site only
Employment Type: Full-time
Service Type: Competitive
Job Family: Social Science Series 0101
Pay Scale and Grade: GS 9 to GS 15
Salary Range: $52,205 to $162,672 per year, based on grade and duty location
Application Window: December 19, 2025 – December 18, 2026
Promotion Potential: GS 15
Announcement Number: AFPCDHA-12856120-GS0101
Control Number: 852814800
Role Summary
The Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for Prevention Specialist roles across multiple Air Force and Space Force installations. The primary mission of this position is to support and strengthen primary prevention efforts at the installation level. The role focuses on reducing violence risks through education, policy compliance, program execution, and integrated prevention strategies.
This announcement serves as a public notice for the Direct Hire Authority. Applications may or may not result in referral or selection, depending on current and future staffing needs.
Organizational Overview
The Department of the Air Force oversees prevention, resilience, and integrated response programs that support Airmen, Guardians, and civilian personnel. Through prevention frameworks, the department promotes healthy climates, resilient communities, and compliant operations across all installations.
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Position Scope and Key Focus Areas
This Direct Hire Authority notice covers multiple job titles and functional roles under the prevention workforce. These roles span leadership, analytics, research, communications, policy, and program management functions. Positions include, but are not limited to, Prevention Specialist, Prevention Analyst, Program Manager, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Strategic Communications Analyst, and Integrated Prevention Chiefs.
Duties and responsibilities vary by grade level and may increase with seniority.
Core Responsibilities and Duties
The Prevention Specialist role contributes to integrated prevention efforts by planning, executing, evaluating, and ensuring compliance. Responsibilities may include the following.
- Implementing primary prevention education and skill-building programs addressing two or more harmful behaviors, while ensuring fidelity and evaluation in line with DoD and Department of the Air Force guidance.
- Ensuring program compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and directives.
- Supporting Installation Community Action Teams in executing established prevention initiatives.
- Performing administrative and clerical duties in support of prevention programs.
- Maintaining professional certifications and continuing technical development.
- Planning and directing integrated prevention activities to meet legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
- Managing complex prevention programs at the installation level, where applicable.
- Representing prevention functions with installation leadership and functional organizations.
- Exercising supervisory and personnel management responsibilities at higher grade levels.
Employment Conditions
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service if applicable.
- The position is full-time and non-remote.
- Telework is not authorized.
- Travel is generally not required.
- Relocation expenses are not guaranteed.
- Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
- The position may involve shift work, emergency overtime, evenings, weekends, or holidays.
- Random drug testing may apply.
- A security clearance may be required based on the assignment.
- Political appointment disclosure is required.
- PCS may be authorized in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Direct deposit enrollment is mandatory for federal employment.
Candidate Eligibility
This opportunity is open to the general public, including U.S. citizens, nationals, and individuals who owe allegiance to the United States.
Education and Basic Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following basic requirements.
- A degree in behavioral science, social science, or a related discipline appropriate to the position.
- A combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in behavioral or social science.
- Four years of appropriate professional experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge in behavioral or social sciences.
Transcripts are required when qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience.
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Grade Specific Qualification Criteria
GS 9
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent, related to violence prevention and behavioral or social science practices.
- Or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master’s degree.
GS 11
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level, including prevention delivery systems, public health or social science practices, and training instruction.
- Or three years of graduate education leading to a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.
GS 12
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level in prevention delivery systems, behavioral or social science practices, and training design.
GS 13
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level managing complex integrated prevention programs and leading teams.
GS 14
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level directing complex prevention programs and conducting strategic planning.
GS 15
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level overseeing enterprise-level prevention programs and senior staff leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Applicants are evaluated on demonstrated competencies in the following areas.
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and prevention-related behavioral or public health principles.
- Knowledge of violence prevention delivery systems and their applications.
- Knowledge of curriculum development, training delivery, and evaluation methods.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to plan, analyze, organize, and lead prevention operations.
- Ability to assess risk and protective factors to support prevention and resilience initiatives.
Experience Credit Considerations
Credit is given for part-time, unpaid, and volunteer experience. This includes service through national programs, community organizations, academic institutions, and nonprofit initiatives. Applicants must clearly document duties and weekly hours for all roles.
Education Verification and Foreign Credentials
If education is required, transcripts must be submitted with the application. Foreign education must be evaluated and verified as equivalent to U.S. accredited education standards.
Additional Employment Information
- This is a Direct Hire Authority public notice. Selections are made as vacancies arise.
- ICTAP eligible candidates may receive priority consideration if requirements are met.
- Reemployed annuitants are subject to Department of Defense annuitant employment policies.
- Temporary or term appointments may be extended or converted under applicable laws.
- Tax implications may apply to PCS-related reimbursements under current federal law.
Candidates are expected to support efficient government operations, uphold constitutional principles, and contribute to public service integrity.
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Evaluation and Selection Process
Applicants are evaluated based on qualifications, resume content, supporting documents, and questionnaire responses. Submitted materials must clearly support all claimed experience and competencies. Inconsistencies or incomplete documentation may result in disqualification from further consideration.
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