Program Associate - State Approving Agency

This recruitment will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied. First review of applications is expected to occur on 12/11/2023 and will close effective 12/31/2023. It is in the applicant's best interest to submit their application materials as early as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice.
Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council?
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school. To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader).

At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities - including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay, or bisexual; veterans; or people with disabilities - you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don't meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.

Learn more about WSAC's mission and our commitment to equity: Our Commitment to Equity
About the Division
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)/State Approving Agency (SAA) for Veterans Education and Training partners with the Federal Government to provide consumer protection for Washington veterans and other eligible persons using GI Bill® education benefits. The overall mission of the SAA is to promote and safeguard the integrity of the GI Bill® through program evaluation, supervision, and conducting onsite visits to encourage compliance with schools and organizations. The WSAC/SAA assists the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse by ensuring Washington's veterans and their dependents receive quality education and training programs.
About the Position

As the Program Associate, you will provide support for program approval, inspections and supervision of academic institutions, training establishments and flight schools in accordance with applicable federal regulations and SAA standards.

You will support the mission and goals of the SAA and the Council by:

1. Working to increase opportunities for students to train, earn degrees and improve their economic conditions

2. Assisting colleges, training establishments, and employers to be responsive to their communities by creating programs that meet the individual needs of each locality

3. Promoting collaboration with other higher education and workforce-oriented partners

4. Interacting regularly with stakeholders to identify new opportunities to serve students

Working Conditions

• Must be able to travel 20% of the time. Moderate to extensive in-state travel, including overnight. Out-of-state travel to attend required training and professional conferences.
• This position is hybrid-eligible. Successful candidates must be able to work in the Olympia office when required.
• Equipment and supplies required to work from home will be provided by the agency, including a computer, monitors, keyboard, mouse, and an office chair.
• Work hours are standard business hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however, requirements of the position may require work more than normal scheduled hours due to travel, to meet high-volume and/or time-sensitive workload and agency priorities.

Some of what you will be doing:
Program Management:

• Conduct Risk-Based Surveys and Supervisory Visits at institutions of higher learning (IHL), apprenticeship and on-the-job training facilities, and flight schools.
• Inspect, monitor, and provide technical assistance to IHLs and training establishments that have military personnel, veterans, and eligible persons enrolled utilizing GI Bill® education benefits to verify continued compliance with federal regulations and SAA policies.
• Promote veterans' education through statewide outreach to troops, veterans, veteran organizations, the public, training establishments, and employers.

Program Monitoring:

• Evaluate, analyze, and apply federal rules for selected initial and continuing GI Bill® approval of education and training opportunities for the state's military personnel, veterans, and other eligible persons.
• Act as a liaison, working with VA personnel, the Apprenticeship Training Council, Workforce Board representatives, local labor representatives, and other groups to increase education and training opportunities.
• Present and summarize activities of the SAA concerning approved registered apprenticeship training programs to the Apprenticeship and Training Council within the Department of Labor and Industries as directed.
• Upon request of organizations, conduct training workshops, prepare training materials, and develop PowerPoint slides on the process and approval of use of the GI Bill®.
• Perform required activities within the timeframes established in the WSAC-VA Cooperative Agreement.

Administrative/Communication:

• Work with federal, state, and local agencies to analyze the effectiveness of regulations, policies, and procedures regarding academic degree programs, vocational-technical training, apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and flight programs.
• Communicate with internal and external constituencies to increase the educational achievement levels of the state's eligible participants.
• Conduct investigations of student complaints in accordance with agency procedures and/or at the direction of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• SAA Office Management - primary point of contact for SAA communications via telephone and email, incoming and outgoing SAA correspondence, and assist in the development and submission of DVA required reports.
• Provide information and data that contributes to the support of the management of the SAA reimbursement process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience and Competencies:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university with 5 years of related experience, or Master's Degree from an accredited college/university with 3 years of related experience, or Doctoral Degree from an accredited college /university with 1 year of related experience.

• Proficiency with computers and various software applications including Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
• Advanced presentation, excellent written, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a variety of individuals, both internal and external to the Washington Student Achievement Council.
• Ability to independently manage a high volume of work.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass a State and Federal background investigation and a National Criminal History Check.
• Have working knowledge or familiarityof educational and training program development and institutional support procedures and policies, federal laws, and regulations applicable to the administration of the various GI Bill® educational assistance programs.
• Commitment to honor equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience and Competencies:

• Professional work experience in postsecondary education. Development and/or evaluation of training programs and compliance monitoring.
• Professional experience in veterans and military education, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and/or flight school programs.
• Experience with SAA approval processes and the federal regulations governing the administration of various GI Bill® programs from the perspective of an educational institution, training establishment, State Approving Agency, and/or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Experience as a School Certifying Official in the certification of service members, veterans, and other eligible persons for GI Bill® benefits.
• Intermediate or advanced skills in Excel spreadsheets.

Application Procedures
To apply for this position you must find this job announcement and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. Attach the following to your profile before completing the online application.

1. A cover letter describing how you meet the required and desirable education and experience of this position.
2. A current resume.
3. Names and phone numbers of three professional references.
4. Sample writing (e.g., email correspondence, letters, memos, reports, etc.) that demonstrates your skills in writing.
5. The completed supplemental questions.

Please note: The quality and completeness of the required application materials will be considered in determining whether candidates will move to the next phase of the screening process. Generic cover letters will be considered non-responsive and may eliminate you from further consideration. You should keep a copy of your application for your files.
The full salary range for this exempt, professional position is $50,284 - $68,032. Periodic compensation increases based on evaluation of excellent performance and significant contribution to the agency may be awarded up to the maximum salary for this position.
Questions?
For questions about this recruitment contact Zach Takahashi at Zacht@wsac.wa.gov.
The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. We will provide assistance in the recruitment, application and selections process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (360) 753-7802 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.Employment Type: Exempt