VMSDEP Specialist

Agency: Dept of Veterans Services • Location: DVS HQ, Richmond, Virginia • Hiring range: $53,000-$57,000 • Full-time salaried position

About the role

The Virginia Department of Veteran Services is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Specialist within the State Approving Agency (SAA).

Responsibilities

• Adjudicate VMSDEP benefit applications and verify eligibility documentation.
• Support applicants throughout the benefit process.
• Provide training and guidance to VMSDEP Coordinators and stakeholders.
• Manage applicant communications.
• Participate in outreach and public engagement efforts to promote program awareness.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance (QA) standards.
• Prepare routine program reports.
• Collaborate with Virginia public colleges and universities (VPCU) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to confirm enrollment data accuracy.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in program delivery and service excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Higher Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Experience or knowledge of federal and state veterans’ benefits programs, including VMSDEP and USDVA education benefits.
• Familiarity with relevant privacy regulations such as FERPA and HIPAA.
• Understanding of data verification processes, quality assurance standards, institutional reporting practices in higher education, and survey design and process improvement methodologies.
• Ability to conduct stakeholder feedback surveys and convert results into actionable strategies.
• Proficiency in producing professional documentation and reports using Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Strong coordination skills across agencies and institutions.
• Empathetic and professional communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex legal and procedural frameworks with a high level of accuracy.

Additional Considerations

• Candidates are expected to obtain accreditation from the USDVA within the first year of employment if not already certified.
• Completion of veterans services training programs or other relevant professional development certifications is strongly encouraged.
• No formal professional licensure is required for the role.

Pay

$53,000–$57,000 annually