VMSDEP Specialist
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Veteran Services is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Specialist. This position will serve in The State Approving Agency (SAA) within the Department of Veteran Services. Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) Specialist is responsible for adjudicating benefit applications, verifying eligibility documentation, and supporting applicants throughout the benefit process. This position provides training and guidance to VMSDEP Coordinators and stakeholders, manages applicant communications, and participates in outreach and public engagement efforts to promote program awareness. The Specialist ensures compliance with quality assurance (QA) standards, prepares routine program reports, and collaborates with Virginia public colleges and universities (VPCU) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to confirm enrollment data accuracy, all while contributing to continuous improvement in program delivery and service excellence.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in public administration, Higher Education, Human Services, or a related field is required.
- Experience or knowledge of federal and state veterans’ benefits programs, including VMSDEP and USDVA education benefits, as well as relevant privacy regulations such as FERPA and HIPAA.
- A strong understanding of data verification processes, quality assurance standards, institutional reporting practices in higher education, and survey design and process improvement methodologies is essential.
- Ability to conduct stakeholder feedback surveys and convert results into actionable strategies
- Ability to produce professional documentation and reports using Microsoft Office and database systems
- Ability to coordinate effectively across agencies and institutions
- Ability to communicate empathetically and professionally with diverse stakeholders
- Experience with interpreting and applying complex legal and procedural frameworks with a high level of accuracy.
Nice To Haves
- Candidates are expected to obtain accreditation from the USDVA within the first year of employment if not already certified.
- Completion of veterans services training programs or other relevant professional development certifications is strongly encouraged, although no formal professional licensure is required for the role.
Responsibilities
- Adjudicating benefit applications
- Verifying eligibility documentation
- Supporting applicants throughout the benefit process
- Providing training and guidance to VMSDEP Coordinators and stakeholders
- Managing applicant communications
- Participating in outreach and public engagement efforts to promote program awareness
- Ensuring compliance with quality assurance (QA) standards
- Preparing routine program reports
- Collaborating with Virginia public colleges and universities (VPCU) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to confirm enrollment data accuracy
- Contributing to continuous improvement in program delivery and service excellence
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
