Field Examiner (Education Approval Specialist)

US Veterans Benefits Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

US Veterans Benefits Administration in Washington, DC is seeking a GS-10/GS-11 level education program compliance specialist to assess and monitor education benefit programs, deliver training, and interpret complex federal and state regulations for diverse audiences.

Applicants must meet qualification standards by the closing date and may substitute graduate education or combine education with experience to qualify at higher levels.

Qualifications

• Compliance evaluation of education or benefit programs under federal/state laws and policies.
• Deliver training through presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and assessments.
• Apply regulatory knowledge to review program requirements and determine compliance.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Training delivery

Policy interpretation

Education

Graduate education (42+ semester hours)

Ph.D. or LL.M. equivalent possible

Job description

This position is in Veterans Benefits Administration, Education Service (EDU). EDU has department-wide 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.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:09/23/2026.

Minimum Qualification Requirement

To qualify for the GS-10

Specialized Experience: GS-10

• Utilizing established procedures to assess, evaluate, and monitor programs or operations for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including oversight activities related to education or benefit programs administered at the federal or state level.
• Delivering training through effective instructional methods-including presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and assessments-to support learning and ensure compliance with education or benefit program regulations and requirements.

Applying regulatory and policy knowledge to review, analyze, or make determinations on program requirements, including those associated with federal or state education or other benefit programs.

Education Substitution

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. I have at least two and a half years (45 semester hours or 68 quarter hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (such as an LL.M.) from an accrediting institution.

OR

Combination

• Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate level.

Specialized Experience: GS-11

• Identifying program deficiencies or areas of risk and recommending or implementing corrective actions and process improvements for education or benefit programs;
• Developing training using presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and assessments to support learning and ensure program compliance.
• Interpreting and translating complex federal and state laws, regulations policies and requirements governing education or benefit programs for diverse audiences.

Independently assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs for compliance with applicable federal laws regulations and policies;

OR

Education Substitution: GS-11

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.M., if related.

OR

Combination: GS-11

• Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate level.

Combining Education & Experience

If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement.

Volunteer Experience

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.

Full vs. Part-Time Employment

Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.

Physical Requirements

The work is mostly sedentary with occasional walking, bending, reaching and driving. Incumbent will generally lift office files and folders up to twenty pounds. Work requires lengthy periods viewing video display terminals and extensive use of computer keyboarding.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.