Launch Your Career as an Education Compliance Survey Specialist with the VA
Are you seeking a career that combines analytical rigor with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring Education Compliance Survey Specialists (ECSS) to join the Program Oversight & Accountability Division. This role is essential to maintaining the integrity of educational programs designed to support our nation’s Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As an ECSS, you will conduct thorough investigations and audits of educational and training establishments. Your primary duties include:
- Compliance Surveys: Reviewing informational sources and school records to ensure programs meet federal standards.
- Risk-Based Reviews: Executing Targeted Risk-Based Reviews (TRBR) to identify potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
- Investigations: Conducting interviews with school officials and students to verify compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and other critical civil rights legislation.
- Reporting: Preparing detailed reports on audit findings, overpayments, or discrepancies and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
Comparison: GS-09 vs. GS-11 Qualifications
| Feature | GS-09 | GS-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Education Req. | Master's Degree or 2 years grad school | Ph.D. or 3 years grad school |
| Work Experience | 1 year at GS-07 level | 1 year at GS-09 level |
| Core Focus | Compliance data entry & analysis | Complex audits & fraud investigation |
Requirements & Expectations
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet specific time-in-grade requirements if you are a current federal employee. You must also demonstrate an aptitude for logic, attention to detail, and a firm grasp of federal auditing standards. Candidates should be comfortable with travel, as this role requires on-site visits to educational institutions.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $61,722 to $111,087 per year, depending on grade level and location. Federal employees also receive a robust benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid time off.
This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the veterans who have sacrificed for our country. If you possess the analytical skills and the integrity to maintain high standards of compliance, we invite you to apply.
Why This Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss) Job Matters
Make a tangible impact on the lives of Veterans by ensuring the integrity of their educational benefits. Join the Veterans Benefits Administration as an Education Compliance Survey Specialist and lead the effort in oversight, accountability, and excellence.
Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss) Job Overview
The Veterans Benefits Administration is seeking detail-oriented, analytical professionals to serve as Education Compliance Survey Specialists. In this pivotal role, you will work within the Program Oversight & Accountability Division to conduct audits, investigate institutional compliance, and ensure that educational benefits are administered fairly and accurately. This position involves travel and offers the chance to support those who served our nation by maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
Requirements for Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Ability to travel, including driving long distances and staying overnight.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Submission of a resume limited to two pages.
- Submission of the most recent non-award SF-50.
- Possession of specialized experience at the GS-07 (for GS-09 applicants) or GS-09 (for GS-11 applicants) level.
Preferred Qualifications for Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss)
- Advanced graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field.
- Proven experience in interpreting and applying Federal or State education laws.
- Strong background in financial auditing or record-keeping review.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare comprehensive reports on findings and discrepancies.
- Expertise in identifying issues, analyzing data, and developing logical solutions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
- ✓Retirement Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual
- ✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Education Compliance Survey Specialist (Ecss) Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs.
- Prepare a concise two-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Gather supporting documents including transcripts and SF-50 forms.
- Submit your application, questionnaire, and documents through the online portal.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted.
- Monitor your status through your USAJobs account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Use specific examples of your analytical and auditing experience.
- Upload documents in PDF format to preserve formatting.
- Double-check that your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade.
- Set aside at least two hours for the online competency assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. It requires reporting to an official duty station, though situational telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. As of September 2025, federal agencies require resumes to be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will be considered ineligible.
What is the travel requirement for this job?
Travel is required. Specialists must be prepared to drive government vehicles over long distances and spend time in overnight lodging to conduct on-site compliance surveys.
Job from Veterans Benefits Administration
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. Our culture is defined by the 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As an ECSS, you represent these values by ensuring that educational institutions adhere to the regulations that protect Veteran beneficiaries.