Education Approval Specialist (EAS)

This position is in Veterans Benefits Administration, in Education Service (EDU). EDU has departmentwide responsibility administering VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Servicemembers, Veterans, and dependents. EDU assists to cover the cost of furthering education and skills through benefits for tuition, housing, training, and other expenses related to education; EDU also aids Veterans transition.

Specific duties include: This incumbent serves as an Education Approval Specialist on the Approvals Management and Oversight team within the Program Oversight and Accountability Division and is located geographically distributed throughout the United States and responsible for receiving, reviewing, and taking appropriate action on all approval packages submitted by State Approving Agencies (SAAs), federal agencies, and foreign institutions and other actionable items from School Certifying Officials and other stakeholders within an assigned portfolio in support of EDU's mission. A high degree of independence, integrity and resourcefulness is required in day-to-day activities to ensure scheduled work is completed in a timely and accurate manner. The incumbent will report to the Supervisory Program Oversight Specialist. Typical duties will include (not all inclusive): The incumbent serves as VA's representative to multiple states, Educational and Training Institutions (ETIs), SAAs, federal agencies, and foreign institutions, ensuring proper communication and coordination on approval matters. The incumbent applies all relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing SAA work and review approval packages for program approval, revision, suspension, or withdrawal. They evaluate documentation such as catalogs, licenses, accreditation, and instructor qualifications, then determine whether to approve, request more information, or identify deficiencies. The incumbent resolves complex issues with SAAs related to ETI oversight and may temporarily assume SAA duties when agreements lapse or additional support is needed. They also maintain comprehensive records of institutional approval statuses and draft official approval, suspension, denial, or development letters. The incumbent acts as the primary VA liaison for SAA Cooperative Agreements, ensuring SAAs comply with agreement terms and reporting requirements. They conduct quality reviews of SAA approval actions and oversight activities, identify discrepancies, and provide remediation support. Manage funding allocations for contracted SAA partners, oversee budget appropriateness, and audit invoices before submission for payment. The incumbent contributes to quarterly and annual SAA performance evaluations and supports collaborative relationships among VA, SAAs, ETIs, and other stakeholders. The incumbent maintains cooperative relationships with ETIs and state and federal agencies, coordinating oversight activities on behalf of Education Service. The incumbent validates SCO credentials, monitors ETI reporting requirements, documents findings, and recommends appropriate actions. The incumbent provides technical guidance and training to internal and external stakeholders on ETI approvals, compliance, and required VA forms. They attend and present at workshops and conferences, offering updates that impact SAA and SCO work. They assist with responses to inquiries from Congress, the White House, and other stakeholders, ensuring accuracy in education benefit matters. The incumbent supports supervisors on special programs and projects and performs other duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is GS-11 Work Schedule Full Time, Monday- Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. The selectee is required to report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Telework may be approved only on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized for this position. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Position Description/PD#: Education Approval Specialist (EAS); PD38788A and PD38789A Financial Disclosure Report: No Required Financial Disclosure Report: Required, This position requires completion of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) under 5 C.F.R. § 2634.904(a). The selectee must submit the form before entering on duty and annually thereafter.