Program Specialist (VRE

Job Title

Program Specialist (VRE)

Specific duties include:

• Responsible for decisions on adjudicative actions incident to the determination of eligibility of benefits to applicants in the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VRE) Program. The requisite knowledge of the governing Veterans Administration (VA) regulation demands the incumbent be well informed on certifications for special and rehabilitation benefits in VRE.
• Notifies claimants and other interested persons or organizations in layman terms relative to their rights and benefits, the submission of evidence, disposition of claims, reasons for our decisions, evidence considered and all subsequent actions. Has a duty to assist the in the presentation of their claims of evidence necessary to adjudicate the claim for VRE benefits to which the claimant may be entitled, including time limits to apply or appeal.
• Prepares certification of eligibility for VRE services. Develops claims files and schedules appointments. Prepares awards, stop payments, resume payments change of name notice, change of fiduciary notice and all adjustment actions on VRE claims as required. Process applications for VRE, creating appropriate controls for action and initiating a general eligibility determination (GED) as appropriate.
• Through the guidance of subject matter experts (SME), makes decisions regarding input of awards, EAAs, and other data into the master record. Inputs the data timely and accurately and keeps VRE supervisory personnel informed of any problems. Must be able to audit VRE benefits paid and due. Writes replies explaining decisions in a manner that shows sensitivity, compassion, accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Receives visitors and telephone calls from claimants, their representatives, VRE staff, and others on issues which include but are not limited to status of VRE applications, subsistence allowance, VRE services, entitlement consumed, benefit pay inquiries, etc.
• Through the guidance of SMEs, resolves issues related to VRE training such as payments, class schedules, termination dates, remaining entitlement, training under other Chapters, and accounts receivable. Issues are resolved by reviewing appropriate master records, claims files, VBMS, and CWINRS. Explains decisions rendered by VRE.
• Maintains diaries, collects, and analyzes data, and prepares recurring reports as directed by their direct chain of command. Utilizes data analysis to identify areas of program weakness, then prepares spreadsheets, graphs, reports, and recommends courses of action to be taken to correct identified weakness.
• Knowledge of M28C and CFR, in order to prepare authorization forms for entering participants into training, enter payment data, review course lists submitted by trainees for conformity to approved programs, compute entitlement used and remaining under VRE checking against the prescribed program and basic termination date.
• Make determinations to establish a claim for VRE and evaluate evidence regarding eligibility for:
  Original and reopened VRE basic eligibility issues for Disallowances of claims and claims under other Chapters such as 18, 30, 33, 35, 36, and 1606. Provide due process, as necessary.
• Assists in the effective coordination of all administration functions and among other Regional Offices and Business Lines. Performs parts of VRE's Strategic Oversight and Analysis Reviews (SOAR) and report of internal control affecting VRE operations as prescribed. Responds to requests for information concerning VRE. Prepares responses from source material. Anticipates need for and prepares material so it is immediately available for supervisor's needs.
• Accurately review, control, process, and route incoming mail and evidence received from all sources. Identify items of mail that can be processed "at once".
• Administers participant beneficiary travel program. Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares travel vouchers, and maintains fiscal records.
• Upon receipt of procurement packet, researches and follows Federal Acquisition Regulations to complete purchases for participants via federal government purchase card. Complete monthly reconciliation procedures and submit to Approving Official.
• Work with and conduct training for Work-Study, Volunteers, and Non-Paid Work Experience trainees.
• Other duties assigned.

Work Schedule:

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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.

Position Description/PD#:
Program Specialist (VRE); PD051330

Relocation/Recruitment

Incentives:

Not Authorized.

Financial Disclosure Report:
Not Required.

Bargaining Unit:
Yes.