This position is located at the NCA Scheduling Office in St. Louis, Missouri.
This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by AFGE. Please note that as provided for in the AFGE/VA Master Agreement the FIRST area of consideration for this position will be permanent employees of the local facility in which this position is being filled, the SECOND area of consideration will be employees at other VA facilities, and the THIRD area of consideration will be all other eligibles.
Counsels Veterans, dependents, funeral homes, and beneficiaries via telephone regarding burial and memorial benefits and has substantive knowledge of VA, NCA and MPS services and benefits. Answers incoming calls as the primary method of contact and responds to various methods of contact in processing customer related requests. Thoroughly researches, reviews, and analyzes Veteran information for verification of internment.
Reviews discharge documents to interpret characterization of military service information to include, type of service, character of discharge and other critical service indicators. Monitors the Electronic Fax (eFax) intake portal for the NCSO. Prepares applications for burial and memorial services based on information provided by funeral directors, Veterans, family members, next of kin, national cemetery representatives, or other authorized representatives.
Explains the types of documents necessary to facilitate timely processing of burial and memorial service requests, as well as other VA benefits. Assists Veterans and family members with obtaining and completing documents and forms, in accordance with the type of claim submitted and refers callers to applicable resources or agency for support.
Utilizes independent judgment and discretion to advise Veterans, beneficiaries, and dependents on available options and encourages them to fully utilize benefits. Utilizes independent judgement and discretion to review legal documents to determine qualifying service to validate service eligibility. Ensures all committal and memorial services are scheduled and transferred in accordance with cemetery regulations.
Provides ongoing operational support to various individuals and groups within the NCSO to achieve greater efficiencies and to support management goals, mission effectiveness, and program accomplishment. Leverages knowledge and experience to coach, mentor, and assist junior Program Specialists. Performs public outreach as needed.
Workday Schedules Monday - Friday Work Time Schedules 7:00 am to 3:30 pm 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 8:15 am to 4:45 pm 9:15 am to 5:45 pm 10:15 am to 6:45 pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Not Available Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position. Position Description Title/PD#: Program Specialist/PD1656637 The full performance level of this position is GS - 09.
Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required If interested in applying for this position you ay preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13078441
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement).
Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
This position is with National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $63288 – $82279/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-09.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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