Become a Program Specialist with the Veterans Benefits Administration

Are you looking to take the next step in your federal career while making a meaningful impact on the lives of Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Program Specialist (GS-11/12) at the Columbia Regional Office. This position serves as a cornerstone of the Fiduciary Hub, ensuring that program operations meet the highest standards of accuracy and service.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you will wear many hats. Your primary focus will be quality review and training coordination. Key duties include:

Analyzing program data to identify trends and training needs.
Performing quality reviews on field examinations and fiduciary reports.
Developing and delivering training modules for staff.
Serving as an expert consultant on technical fiduciary activities.
Implementing quality assurance processes to address organizational gaps.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Feature	GS-11	GS-12
Scope	Foundational specialized work	Advanced evaluations and advisory services
Oversight	Executes established programs	Develops training strategies and quality reviews
Education Substitution	Available	Not Available

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal criteria, including being a U.S. citizen and registering for the Selective Service if applicable. Candidates must also provide a clear, two-page resume that details specialized experience in the fiduciary or related administrative fields.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $74,678 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with grade level and experience.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement security via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
A generous leave policy (vacation, sick, and federal holidays).
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less.
Be Specific: Include dates (month/year) and detail the duties for every position listed.
Use the Builder: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to minimize formatting errors.

If you possess the analytical skills and the commitment to serve our Veterans, this role at the Columbia Fiduciary Hub offers a fulfilling career path. Apply today to help us continue providing the high-quality care our Veterans deserve.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Shape the future of veteran support: Join the Veterans Benefits Administration as a Program Specialist and lead quality excellence for the Fiduciary Hub.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist for the Fiduciary Hub within the Columbia Regional Office. This role is pivotal in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of fiduciary programs. As a subject matter expert, you will coordinate quality reviews, identify training needs, and implement strategies to ensure that our veterans receive the highest level of service and care. This position offers a dynamic work environment where your efforts directly impact the quality of life for those who have served our nation.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must complete a one-year probationary period.
Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
Completion of online onboarding process and I-9 verification.
Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Demonstrated experience in adjudicating and authorizing VA benefit claims.
Proven ability to analyze complex data to identify performance trends.
Experience in instructional design or developing training materials.
Strong proficiency in oral and written communication for diverse audiences.
Advanced education (Ph.D. or equivalent) in related fields.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
✓Generous retirement plans including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Flexible work schedules and situational telework options.
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s and academic transcripts.
Complete the online application and all required questionnaires via USAJOBS.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on 09/11/2026.
Monitor your email for potential assessment invitations or status updates.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all required information is formatted correctly.
Clearly define your specialized experience, including specific dates and federal grade levels.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Proofread your application to ensure all data points align with the job requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. While situational (ad hoc) telework may be available on a case-by-case basis, you are required to report to the Columbia Regional Office duty station.

Can I combine education and experience to qualify?

Yes, for the GS-11 level, applicants may combine specialized experience and graduate education to meet the 100% requirement criteria.

Job from Veterans Benefits Administration

At the VA, our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To serve those who have served our nation." We operate under the "I CARE" core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) means becoming part of a community dedicated to providing compassionate, reliable, and expert support to our nation’s heroes.