Program Specialist.

About the role

This position supports the VRC and EC staff and provides assistance to veterans by performing a variety of administrative, technical, and program support activities. Duties include acquiring Chapter 31 supplies, processing vendor invoices, managing supply spending, approving special service requests, resolving issues, explaining decisions, and handling customer inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Acquires Chapter 31 supplies for Veterans using the Government Purchase Card and processes vendor invoices.
• Collects supply requests and communicates purchasing needs.
• Tracks supply spending, reconciles budgets, and reports findings.
• Approves or denies special service requests and prepares documents for services like medical referrals, loan requests, and tutor requests.
• Solves overpayment questions, class schedule issues, termination dates, remaining entitlement, training, and accounts receivable.
• Explains decisions made by the VRC or EC and informs clients of appeal rights.
• Responds to personal, telephone, and written inquiries, including status updates, Chapter 31 awards, entitlement calculations, and educational activities.
• Prepares certification lists, enrollment forms, and orientation documents for training facilities.
• Reviews certification from schools to ensure veterans are properly enrolled.
• Authorizes Chapter 31 subsistence awards.
• Reviews grades from schools and associates them with CER folders and degree plans to assess success in educational activities.
• Prepares action documents for case managers.
• Maintains supervisory schedules and releases letters when training is interrupted or discontinued.
• Compiles, analyzes, and prepares reports, such as Quality Statistical Reports and Systematic Analysis of Operations.
• Ensures data completeness and accuracy for reports and claims.
• Assists in or prepares travel authorizations and reimbursement vouchers.
• Monitors travel budgets and completes required reports.
• Completes IT requests for systems access, deletions, and changes.
• Aids in managing tracking databases.
• Serves as backup timekeeper.
• Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions.
• Communicates and treats customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
• Provides consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• Handles conflict and problems constructively and appropriately.
• Protects sensitive data in accordance with the Privacy Act and VA policies.
• Follows regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes.

  Requirements

  Required:

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Background/security investigation
  • Acceptable form(s) of identification
  • Time-in-grade eligibility
  • One year of specialized experience or combination of education and experience
  • Education substitution
  • Volunteer experience
  • Full vs. part-time employment
  • Physical requirements

  Additional:

  • CTAP eligibility
  • CTAP priority
  • CTAP eligibility
  • CTAP priority

  Qualifications

  To qualify at the GS-09 grade level, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes performing a wide range of administrative, technical, and program support activities requiring knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and policies related to education approvals, compliance, and liaison operations. Experience includes independently reviewing and routing correspondence; analyzing information to determine appropriate disposition; and preparing statistical, narrative, and management reports using automated systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and other VA applications. Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, responding to complex inquiries and ensuring timely completion of suspense actions and reporting requirements. Additional experience includes supporting budget, meeting, and project preparation; monitoring program workflow for alignment with organizational goals; maintaining personnel records; preparing HR actions; processing system access requests; advising employees on administrative requirements; and assisting leadership on policies involving travel, timekeeping, and office operations. OR Education Substitution: You may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education you must have: 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of a LL.B. or J.D degree, if related. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary; however, some walking and bending will be required. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: You may submit unofficial transcripts when applying. However, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official transcript or a statement from the institution (e.g., from the registrar, dean, or other appropriate official) or equivalent documentation prior to the start date. Additional information VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting your current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any other method of placement.