Bilingual Program Specialist

US National Cemetery Administration; Mehlville (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

US National Cemetery Administration is seeking a Bilingual Program Specialist at the St. Louis Scheduling Office in Missouri. The role involves serving as the primary contact for Veterans and their representatives, handling burial coordination nationwide, and applying policy knowledge to customer inquiries.

Ideal candidates will have familiarity with scheduling, documentation, and effective communication. This position supports nationwide burial operations and requires bilingual capabilities,

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience in scheduling or related field.
• Ability to draft correspondence and summarize information using email.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for the Veteran and their representative to coordinate burial in VA National Cemeteries nationwide.
• Explain policies, laws, and regulations to meet customer service requests and resolve issues.

Job description

This position is located at the NCA Scheduling Office in St. Louis, Missouri. The position serves as a Bilingual Program Specialist within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Field Programs, National Cemetery Scheduling Office in St. Louis, MO. The incumbent serves as the primary contact for the Veteran and their representative and acts as the first contact for burial in Va National Cemeteries nationwide. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/19/2026.

• Must have the ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
• Must possess and maintain a valid REAL ID compliant state driver's license.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education, as described below:

Specialized Experience

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade ???????GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Subject Matter Expert in scheduling. Assisting new agents in roles. Utilizing word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and software to manage information. Utilizing e-mail to draft correspondence, summarizing the facts of an issue as well as options for resolution. Processing incoming and outgoing materials such as e-mails, instant messaging, correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other forms of written communication. Operating a computer to enter changes, extract information, and interpret automated data processing screens using automated systems in response to inquiries from customers. Engaging in active listening and explaining specific information to include any pertinent policies, laws, and regulations to meet the customer's service request. Responding to and addressing customer needs and resolving complaints and concerns within the employee's control. (This experience must be supported by your resume to be creditable).

Education

Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate level education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

Combination

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-09 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first year or 18 semester hours of graduate level education). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-09. For example, an applicant who has 1 year of graduate level education (18 semester hours) plus another 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required specialized experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position.

Competencies

• Computer Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communications
• Writing

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary and requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, bending, stooping, or lifting.

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Probationary Period

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period (OR INSERT "trial period"), your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.