State of Arizona Hiring for EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST at Phoenix, AZ Full Time

In this position the candidate performs all duties necessary for the inspection, approval, monitoring, compliance and supervision of courses or programs pursued by veterans and eligible persons according to the provisions of Chapters 30, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 of Title 38 of the United States Code and Section 510 and Chapters 1606 and 1607 of Title 10 of the United States Code. Establishes communication and cooperation among the federal government, the state government and education/training institutions in reference to the execution of the G.I. Bill education/training benefits to veterans and their eligible dependents in Arizona.

Through the interpretation and application of federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures, analyzes data and evaluates institutional and training establishment information to determine if academic, vocational, technical, apprenticeship, on-the-job and flight training programs meet the requirements necessary to be approved for Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational/training benefits. Monitors those institutions/establishments that are approved for benefits to ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Conducts compliance survey visits to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the payment of benefits to veterans, their dependents and the educational institutions or training establishments. Monitors compliance with the provisions of Title VI, Ill, IX and Section 504 with regard to possible discrimination. Investigates complaints from all sources regarding possible violations of existing regulations. Provides consultative services and technical assistance to institution and training establishment personnel. Assists with the planning, development and implementation of outreach activities to encourage participation in DVA education and training programs.

Frequent travel required to include some long distance travel with occasional overnight or longer stays.

Job Duties:
Completes compliance survey visits (CSVs).

Accesses veteran’s certification records and financial data from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) database systems. Conducts CSVs comparing data to veteran’s on site records.

Determines if DVA education benefits have been properly certified and correctly paid.

Completes summary compliance reports to DVA.

Monitors the compliance of academic institutions and training establishments to their own policies and procedures.

Through the interpretation and application of federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures, analyzes data and evaluates institutional and training establishment information to determine if academic, vocational, technical, apprenticeship, on-the-job and flight training programs meet requirements necessary to be approved for DVA educational/ training benefits.

Prepares appropriate technical documentation, reports and letters.

Uses complex automated system to input data and initiate reports.

Conducts investigations of complaints received from all sources regarding possible violations of existing regulations.

Recommends appropriate corrective action to institution and training officials. Follows up to ensure appropriate corrective action completed.

Assists with the planning, development and implementation of outreach activities to encourage both student schools, training establishments and employers participation in and awareness of veterans’ education and training programs.

Plans and provides presentations and training workshops.

Conducts training of professional academic institution and vocational training establishment personnel to ensure they can advise veteran students in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Assists with establishment of the mission, goals and objectives for the State Approving Agency (SAA) that reflect those of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the federal level and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services at the state level.

Participates in the Arizona Management System (AMS) ensuring continuous process improvements within the SAA unit and the agency.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:
Applicable statutory laws and regulations, both state and federal, governing the SAA.

Standards and criteria used for SAA approval of institutions and entities.

Personal computer programs including MS Office, Excel, Power Point, Google Suites, VA database systems.

Standard office equipment to include, but not limited to: computers, printers, scanners, copiers, telephones, cell phones, etc.

Skills in:
Locating, interpreting and utilizing applicable statutory laws and regulations, both state and federal, governing the SAA.

Utilizing and applying policy, procedure, federal and state regulations in the SAA approval of institutions and entities.

Utilizing effective communication in correspondence with school officials, internal staff, other state and federal agencies and the general public.

Superior word processing and database input and management, creation of Excel spreadsheets.

Using standard office equipment.

Must have good written and verbal communication skills and practices.

Ability to:
Interpret federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Analyze and assess SAA approval application requirements and content to ensure requirements are met.

Maintain cooperative, courteous and professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Understand data collection processes and systems in order to input information, manipulate data, create tables, compile and analyze reports and conduct administrative functions.

Understand and use standard office equipment.

Learn and actively participate in AMS.

Selective Preference(s):
Prefer experience such as a school certifying official in a higher education environment working with veteran education benefits to include work in VA database systems.

Prior experience working in a regulatory capacity or work in the legal field.

Pre-Employment Requirements:
Federal regulations mandate a minimum of:
Bachelor’s Degree with five years of related education or training experience, OR Master’s Degree with three years of related education or training experience, OR Doctoral Degree with one year of related education or training experience

This position requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administration Code R2-10-207.12).

Required to obtain U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) security clearance and background check and obtain a Personal Identification Verification (PIV) card.

Benefits:
The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement:
Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Human Resources at [email protected]