Program Specialist

Veterans Benefits Administration

Honolulu (HI)

Hybrid

USD 53,000 - 84,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) at the Honolulu VA Regional Office is seeking a Program Specialist to provide administrative and technical support to the VR&E Division. The role involves resolving complex Chapter 31 training issues, handling inquiries on VA benefits, and assisting case managers with routine and non-routine tasks.

Responsibilities include processing VR&E service applications, advising veterans on actions needed for services, and using VA systems like VBMS and SIRLS to

Qualifications

Transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
If using foreign education, send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.

Responsibilities

Resolves complex issues related to Chapter 31 training, including overpayments and remaining entitlement.
Answers inquiries on compensation, home loans, education benefits, and other VA benefits.
Assists VR&E case managers with general issues and minor problem resolution.
Maintains records of actions and responds to inquiries from veterans, VR&E staff, and partners.

Education

Transcript requirement

Job description

Hiring Agency: Veterans Benefits Administration
Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is in the Veterans Benefits Administration, Honolulu Veterans Affairs Regional Office and serves as a Program Specialist responsible for administrative and technical work and provides specialized support and assistance to the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Division.

Key Responsibilities

Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Resolves complex issues related to Chapter 31 training, such as overpayment questions, termination dates, remaining entitlement, training under other chapters, and accounts receivable.; Answers inquiries to include compensation benefits, home loans, education benefits, and other VA benefits. Serves as backup to case managers in the VR&E by assisting with general issues or resolving minor problems.

Provides problem solving assistance to program participant, maintains records which documents actions, and responds to inquiries from program participants, case managers, and contracted Rehabilitation Assistance Specialists.

Responds to telephone, emails, and written inquiries from Veterans, Veterans representatives, VR&E staff, school officials, vendors, contractors, and others to resolve routine and complex issues, which include, but are not limited to the following: status of counseling, case status in CWINRS, chapter 31 awards, remaining entitlement, questions about tuition, fees, books, supplies, and subsistence.

Processes applications for VR&E services for disabled Veterans by reviewing information found in various electronic systems and databases such as Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) and Share, a Microsoft Windows-based application utilized by the Regional Offices (ROs) to access the Beneficiary Inquiry Locator System (SIRLS) Corporate Record; Payment History File (PHF); Corporate Database; Social Security Administration Receives request from Chapter 31 participants requesting a special service.

Advises Veteran of appropriate action required to receive requested services. Incumbent approves or denies special services and prepares documents for services such as medical referrals, loan, and tutor requests. Assists claimants in preparing claims for these benefits and services. Explains decisions rendered by the counselors regarding the IWRP, degree plan, subsistence, and supplies; advises claimants of the right of appeal.

Determines eligibility for Post 9/11 Basic Allowance for Housing rate or Chapter 31 Subsistence Allowance. Resolves billing disputes with clients and schools, advising clients on program guidelines while in training, and answering questions regarding subsistence allowance payments.

Applies knowledge of Microsoft Office products and VR&E and VA electronic systems, databases, and computerized programs to enter, track, research, analyze, and report on VR&E program and administrative data, noting trends, discrepancies, issues, and challenges Prepares or assists with reports using charts, graphs, spreadsheets, tables, power point, etc. to convey information related to assigned work areas and projects.

Tracks and reports on Division budget and local program contracts. Alerts supervisor on status of funds and any unusual trends, challenges, or problems. Manages the VR&E electronic mailbox. Information comes in daily that is complex, technical, and time sensitive. It often comes from VA/VBA headquarters, VR&E program office, the District Office, and the Director's Office of the RO. Processes all incoming and outgoing mail in the Centralized Mail Portal.

Manages the supervisor's calendar and makes travel arrangements for the supervisor. Assists with, or manages, any special assignments or projects assigned by the supervisor Serves as Timekeeper for Division. Processes all timecards timely in accordance with timekeeping rules and regulations. Tracks and enters all Overtime expenses, tours of duty, and other timecard issues. Submits card for validation.

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.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is GS - 9.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Compressed/Flexible: 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; PD42072A and PD42073A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required.

Requirements & Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. You may submit unofficial transcripts when applying.

However, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official transcript or a statement from the institution (e.g., from the registrar, dean, or other appropriate official) or equivalent documentation prior to the start date.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $52680 – $83774/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-20.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.