Launch Your Federal Career as a Program Specialist with the VA

Are you looking to pivot your administrative skills toward a mission-driven career? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Program Specialist to support the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). This role is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to contribute to an agency dedicated to serving those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist within the Oversight & Accountability Division, you will play a key role in the success of the Investigations, Compliance, and Enforcement team. Your duties will include:

Administrative Oversight: Performing complex technical tasks to ensure organizational compliance.
Data Management: Preparing high-level narrative and statistical reports using automated systems.
Liaison Work: Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve inquiries.
Operational Support: Assisting leadership with timekeeping, budget tracking, and HR-related personnel actions.
System Access: Managing IT access for critical platforms like Salesforce (eFORCE) and WEAMS.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate a blend of administrative expertise and technical competence. Key requirements include:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must verify 52 weeks of service at the GS-07 level.
Education/Experience: Eligibility based on specialized professional experience or a qualifying graduate degree.
Resume Standards: Strict two-page limit on all submitted resumes.

Comparison: Educational vs. Experience Qualification

Basis	Requirement
Experience	52 weeks of administrative/program support at the GS-07 level
Education	Master's or higher graduate degree, or 2 years of graduate study
Combination	Pro-rated mix of experience and education totaling 100%

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $61,722 to $91,815 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including health insurance, generous leave policies, and a stable retirement plan.

Application Tips

Read the Announcement: Do not skip the "Required Documents" section.
Highlight Results: Focus your two-page resume on outcomes rather than just job descriptions.
Use Official Tools: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your layout is optimized for federal scanning systems.

Serving as a Program Specialist at the VBA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of caring for Veterans. If you possess the organizational skills and drive to support our regulatory and compliance efforts, we encourage you to submit your application package before the deadline.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Advance your federal career with the Veterans Benefits Administration—where your administrative expertise directly impacts those who served our nation.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to join the Oversight & Accountability Division. In this role, you will provide critical administrative, technical, and analytical support to the Investigations, Compliance, and Enforcement team. You will serve as a vital link in ensuring program efficiency, assisting with budget coordination, and maintaining high standards for organizational compliance. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the VA's core 'I CARE' mission of providing compassionate service to Veterans and their families.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-07 level for current federal employees).
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Adherence to a two-page maximum resume limit.
Ability to carry up to 20 pounds of office equipment/documentation.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Advanced proficiency in administrative program support and technical reporting.
Demonstrated experience in managing internal and external correspondence.
Strong competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and specialized VA administrative applications.
Experience in budget preparation, HR action processing, and organizational record management.
Master’s degree or higher in a related field or equivalent graduate-level education.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
✓Federal Retirement Programs (FERS)
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual
✓Life Insurance and Long-term care options
✓Flexible Work Schedules

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather supporting documents (SF-50s, transcripts if applicable).
Click the Apply Online link to start your application via USA Staffing.
Complete the required online questionnaires and assessments.
Monitor your email for USA Hire assessment instructions and status updates.
Submit your final package before the 11:59 PM ET closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; documents exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Be specific with your experience—include start/end dates (month/year) and federal grade levels for past government roles.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade to avoid disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets agency standards.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting integrity during the upload process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. Employees are expected to report to the office on a daily basis; routine telework is not authorized.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be two pages or less. Submitting a resume longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for the position.

Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?

Yes, qualifying volunteer experience is credited. Ensure it is clearly documented on your resume, including hours worked per week.

Can I work from home?

Telework is situational only; you must report to the duty station daily.

What is the closing date?

The application period ends September 8, 2026.

Job from Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration is a cornerstone of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan." Employees within the VBA operate by the "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.