State Approving Agency Program Specialist (NMDVS #10110994)

$23.07 - $36.91 Hourly

$47,989 - $76,782 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 65

Posting Details

Interviews to be conducted within two weeks after job posting has closed.

Why does the job exist?

This position serves as the education Program Specialist for the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services State Approving Agency (SAA). The individual in this position will assist in planning, coordinating, and administering a broad range of services that allow the SAA to operate efficiently and accomplish its goals as stated in the cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The individual in this position performs all duties necessary for the approval, monitoring, compliance, and general supervision of courses or programs pursued by Veterans and other eligible persons. This position establishes communication and cooperation among the federal government, state government, and educational institutions/training establishments in reference to execution of the GI Bill® education/training benefits in New Mexico.

How does it get done?

* In-depth evaluation, accurate analyses, application of federal rules and regulations, and processing of documentation and information for approval/reapproval, suspension, and disapproval determinations under title 38 U.S. Code for initial and continuing GI Bill® approval of education programs and training opportunities for the state's Veterans and other eligible persons.
* Inspection, initial approval, reapproval, compliance, and general supervision of educational institutions and training establishments/employer organizations seeking participation in GI Bill® education programs as detailed in corresponding title 38 U.S. Code requirements governing the type of facility.
* Inspect, monitor, and provide technical assistance to educational institutions and training establishments that have Veterans, and other eligible persons enrolled utilizing GI Bill® education benefits to verify continued compliance with federal regulations and SAA policies.
* Provide GI Bill® education benefits support to educational institutions, training establishments, agencies, and organizations that assist Veterans and other eligible persons throughout New Mexico; adhering to program approval processes and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Perform required activities and deliverables, to include formal written reports accurately and within the timeframes established in the SAA/VA Cooperative Agreement and SAA performance standards.
* Assist in the preparation for and conduct some risk-based surveys, supervisory visits, and technical assistance visits at institutions of higher learning (IHLs), non-college degree (NCD) schools, apprenticeship and on-the-job training (OJT) establishments, and flight schools.
* Conduct investigations of student complaints in accordance with agency procedures and/or at the direction of VA.
* Occasionally assist with training workshops, to include preparation, development, and presentation of training materials on approval processes and the GI Bill®.

GI Bil is a registered Trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the U.S. government website: www.benefits.va/gov/gibill.

Who are the customers?

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); Educational institutions and training establishments; Veterans and other eligible persons wishing to utilize their VA education benefits.

Ideal Candidate

* Experience with SAA processes and the federal regulations governing the administration of the various GI Bill® programs as an SAA employee; a certifying official or point of contact at educational institutions or training establishments; and/or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs;
* Proficiency with computers and various software applications to include Microsoft Office Suite;
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
* Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and articulate information;
* Ability to coordinate multiple tasks effectively, and independently manage a high volume of work;
* Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals, within and external to NMDVS;
* Extensive knowledge of educational and training program development/accreditation and institutional student support procedures and policies, federal laws, and regulations applicable to the administration of the various GI Bill educational assistance programs; and
* Current knowledge of New Mexico state laws and rules applicable to the offering of postsecondary education and training programs and compliance monitoring.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with five (5) years of related experience, or Master's degree from an accredited college/university with three (3) yeas of related experience, or Doctoral degree from an accredited college/university with one (1) year of related experience. In accordance with the Cooperative Agreement with the VA, the substitutional table below is not applicable for this position. There is no substitution for the education requirement.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 6 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 4 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 6 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience 4 Master's degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.

• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

Work is performed primarily in an office setting at the Albuquerque location with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer usage, some telephone usage, and extended periods of sitting. This position will require some in-state travel, including occasional overnights, to educational institutions and training establishments, as well as infrequent out-of-state travel to attend training/professional conferences. Work hours are standard business hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a 1-hour lunch, typically from noon to 1:00 PM; however, requirements of the position may occasionally necessitate work in excess of normal scheduled hours due to travel; to meet high-volume and/or time-sensitive workload; and agency priorities.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Some occasional travel is required for meetings and conferences.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information:Katherine Snyder, SAA Director Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.