Leading Veteran Success: Becoming a Supervisory Education Officer

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served. The Buffalo Regional Benefit Office is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced leader to serve as a Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer). If you have a passion for public service, deep experience in federal benefits administration, and the ability to mentor high-performing teams, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Veteran support.

Job Responsibilities

As an Education Officer, you will not just manage a division; you will champion it. Your responsibilities include:

Leadership & Strategy: Provide direction and guidance to your team to meet organizational mission goals.
Operational Oversight: Ensure all products are timely, accurate, and meet program integrity objectives.
Policy Implementation: Serve as the final authority on the interpretation of complex laws and regulations regarding educational benefits.
Problem Solving: Develop solutions to operational deficiencies and manage complex studies across functional lines.

Comparison of Key Supervisory Expectations

Feature	Expectation
Leadership	Mentoring managers, coaches, and staff
Technical	Expert knowledge of Court of Veterans Appeals precedents
Compliance	Strict adherence to internal control and audit objectives
Environment	Office-based with situational telework availability

Requirements

This position is open to current federal employees who meet specific time-in-grade requirements. You must have at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level. Key requirements include:

U.S. Citizenship.
A clean record regarding the Selective Service registration.
Ability to clear high-risk security investigations.
A maximum 2-page resume that explicitly documents federal grade levels and dates.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering a competitive compensation range of $154,707 to $197,200 annually. Compensation is based on standard federal pay schedules and includes the robust benefits package afforded to federal employees.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy industry-leading benefits, including:

Extensive healthcare, vision, and dental insurance options.
Retirement savings through the FERS program with federal matching.
Paid parental leave and significant accrual of sick and annual leave.
Relocation incentives for qualified hires moving to the Buffalo area.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Do not ignore the 2-page resume limit. The system will flag longer documents as ineligible.
Clarity is Key: Clearly state your federal grade levels, as the VA will not make assumptions based on job titles alone.
Leverage Tools: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your layout is professional and compliant.

Serving as an Education Officer with the VA is more than a job—it is a responsibility to uphold the standard of care for our Veterans. With a competitive salary, a mission-driven environment, and a clear path for professional leadership, this role is a milestone for any career federal employee. Apply before the September 8, 2026, deadline to be considered.

Why This Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer) Job Matters

Lead the future of Veteran support as an Education Officer in Buffalo, where your leadership directly shapes the educational journeys of those who served.

Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer) Job Overview

The Buffalo Regional Benefit Office is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer) to spearhead our Education Division. This critical leadership role involves managing complex claims, interpreting federal legislation, and ensuring that Veterans and their families receive the high-quality benefits they earned through their service. You will foster a culture of excellence, mentor professional staff, and ensure our operations remain compliant and efficient.

Requirements for Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer)

U.S. Citizenship
Current federal status with 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-14 level
Completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period (if not already held)
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to pass a high-risk security investigation
Strict adherence to a 2-page resume limit

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer)

Advanced knowledge of Veterans' Education Programs and legal precedents
Proven track record in managing large-scale, multi-grade level workforces
Strong technical expertise in federal claims processing and operational integrity
Demonstrated ability to develop milestone plans and lead complex organizational change

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with step increases
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Relocation incentives (Permanent Change of Station - PCS) for qualifying candidates
✓Situational telework opportunities

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Veterans Claims Examiner (Education Officer) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a 2-page resume highlighting specialized experience at the GS-14 level.
Gather your most recent SF-50 forms to verify time-in-grade.
Log in to USAJOBS to create or update your profile.
Complete all required online questionnaires and assessment components.
Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on 09/08/2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format adheres to the 2-page limit.
Be specific; do not assume the recruiter knows your internal federal history.
Clearly list start/end dates (month/year) and federal grade levels for every position.
Upload all documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting and readability.
Check your email and USAJOBS status portal frequently for notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this role is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework. However, it is not a virtual position and requires reporting to the office on a regular basis.

Are relocation expenses covered?

Relocation expenses and services (Permanent Change of Station - PCS) are authorized for this position under applicable government regulations.

What is the consequence of exceeding the 2-page resume limit?

As of September 2025, resumes exceeding two pages will result in automatic ineligibility for the position.

What is the official duty station?

*A: The position is based in Buffalo, New York.*

Are there remote work options?

*A: This is not a virtual position. It requires in-office work, though situational telework may be requested.*

Job from Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) operates with a core mission: to provide world-class benefits and services to Veterans and their survivors. Guided by the "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VBA strives to maintain a culture of empathy and professionalism. Working here means joining a community of professionals dedicated to the success and well-being of our nation's heroes.