Bilingual Program Specialist
Job Location:
Saint Louis, MI - USA
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
This position is located at the NCA Scheduling Office in St. Louis Missouri.
The position serves as a Bilingual Program Specialist within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Field Programs National Cemetery Scheduling Office in St. Louis MO. The incumbent serves as the primary contact for the Veteran and their representative and acts as the first contact for burial in Va National Cemeteries nationwide.
The incumbent as a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Program Specialist 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. To qualify for this position applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement 10/19/2026.
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.
This position requires the ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute.
This position requires the ability to read write and speak fluently in both Spanish and English.
Work schedule: Required to work one of the following shifts as assigned by management. May include federal holidays and weekends. Shift will be assigned based on staffing needs.
Monday-Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm
Monday -Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Monday - Friday 8:15am to 4:45pm
Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm
Monday - Friday 9:15am to 5:45pm
Monday-Friday 10:15am to 6:45pm
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position.
Position Description Title/PD#: Bilingual 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 may preview the online application:
of employment
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
OR
OR
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Computer Skills
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
Communications
Writing
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary and requires a moderate amount of walking standing bending stooping or lifting.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:
Upon completion of your probationary period (OR INSERT trial period) your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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: 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.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice your most recent performance rating and your most recent SF-50 noting current position grade level and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPMs Career Transition Resources website at job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA career development services for our existing Veterans and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Experience:
IC
