Program Specialist.

About the role

This is a full-performance-level Program Specialist position supporting the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program under USC Chapter 31. The role involves technical case management, collaboration with counselors and coordinators, and administrative support to ensure veterans receive vocational readiness and employment services.

Responsibilities

• Assist Vocational Readiness Counselors (VRC) and Employment Coordinators (EC) with technical management of the VR&E caseload and aid veteran clients.
• Collaborate with VRC, Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program specialists (DVOPs), and program participants to resolve issues related to rehabilitation programs.
• Support eligible program participants with vocational readiness under USC Chapter 31, performing basic case management functions.
• Liaise with clients and employment service contractors, recommending employment contract services as warranted by case facts.
• Review contractor reports and billing for quality and accuracy; recommend certification of invoices for payment and resolve related problems.
• Disseminate program information and explain requirements to stakeholders.
• Provide Chapter 31 benefit consultation to contractors, school/training officials, and VR&E staff as required.
• Perform case management administrative duties, including eligibility determinations, contract task orders, subsistence and employment adjustment allowance awards, medical referrals, enrollment authorizations, and voucher reviews.
• Serve as System Administrator for the automated case management system (CWINRS), including running batch processors, maintaining system information, troubleshooting user issues, and training new employees.
• Process dependency updates and appointments as needed.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to a background/security investigation.
• Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• May be required to serve a 1-year probationary period, during which continued employment is contingent on certification that it advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-09 position, applicants must meet the following requirements by the closing date of the announcement:

• Time-in-Grade Requirement: Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level or equivalent within the past 52 weeks.
• Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, including:
  • Knowledge of benefits and services available to veterans.
  • Experience assisting case managers in resolving issues for customers.
  • Understanding of program requirements to assist participants in completing them.
• Education Substitution: A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree (or LL.B./J.D.), if related, may substitute for experience.
• Combining Education & Experience: Partial experience and education may be combined to meet 100% of the qualification requirement.
• Volunteer Experience: Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps), is creditable.
• Physical Requirements: Work is mostly sedentary but may require limited walking, bending, and travel to VR&E offices, schools, training facilities, and contractor offices.

Schedule

• Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Telework: Situational (ad hoc) telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized.
• Virtual Position: This is not a virtual position; the selectee must report to the official duty station each scheduled workday.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options.
• Paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Additional benefits tailored to federal service (eligibility depends on position type).