Summary
The Program Specialist is assigned to the Vocational Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Division. The Program Specialist is responsible for identifying training, education, processing and data quality needs of VR&E employees and coordinating the development of a formal program to meet those needs. Incumbent must be familiar with the programs and missions of the division within Regional Office and adhering to VR&E strategic plan, policy and procedures.
Duties
Specific duties include: Responsible for assisting the Vocational Readiness Counselors (VRC) and the Employment Coordinators (EC) with technical management of the VR&E caseload and aiding veteran clients. Collaborates with VRC, DVOPs, and program participants to resolve issues pertaining to the participant's rehabilitation program. Assists program participants that are eligible for vocational readiness under USC Chapter 31 and carries out basic function in Case Management. Liaise with clients and employment service contractors and recommend various phases of employment contract services when warranted by case facts. Review contractor reports and billing for quality and accuracy and recommends certification of invoices for payment. Resolves problems; disseminates information and explains program requirements. Provides for Chapter 31 benefit consultation to Contract, School and Training Officials and VR&E Staff as required. Performs case management administrative support duties such as completing general eligibility determinations, obligating contract task orders, inputting subsistence and employment adjustment allowance awards, preparing medical referrals, enrollment authorizations and reviewing vouchers for payment. Serves as System Administrator for the automated case management systems, CWINRS. runs batch processor, initiates terminal server batch processor and letter file, adds custom letters and forms, and maintains and updates system information as well as instructs new employees on its use and troubleshooting user problems. Processes Dependency Updates and Appointments as needed. Promotion Potential: None, this is the full performance level of the position. Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Available. 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. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist; PD40205A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Requirements
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements I-9 Acceptable Documents.
Education
There is an educational substitution at this grade level. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Oral Communication - Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Written Communication - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience. Problem Solving- Identifies and analyzes problems; uses sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions; finds alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical judgments. Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) - Works and communicates with clients and customers (e.g. any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit provides, including individuals who work in your agency or in other agencies or organizations outside the government) to satisfy their expectations. Committed to quality services. Technical Competence - Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on the-job experience. Planning and Evaluating - Determines objectives and strategies; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.