STAFF SPECIALIST I, HIGHER EDUCATION

Job Description

**Introduction**
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The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is seeking an experienced and energetic individual to fill the position of Staff Specialist I in their Veterans Affairs unit.

This is a part-time contractual position that serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

**GRADE**
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17
**LOCATION OF POSITION**
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6 N. Liberty Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201

**Main Purpose of Job**
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In accord with Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the Maryland State Approving Agency (SAA) for Veterans Education & Training Benefits. In this role MHEC has an ongoing contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to review, approve and supervise postsecondary institutions of higher learning and private career schools and their education/training programs for eligibility and for participation in Veterans Education & Training Benefits programs. The Staff Specialist I position is a federally funded position under an on-going definitive SAA Cooperative Agreement between the U.S.A. Department of Veteran Affairs and the State of Maryland, acting through this Agency, MHEC. This position’s functions and responsibilities directly support the SAA mission by performing duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor. The Staff Specialist I – Higher Education serves as a Veterans Education Analyst and provides professional level services to MHEC in the Office of Academic Affairs – Veterans Affairs Unit, and reports to the Associate Director of Veterans Affairs.

The position will provide professional services in support of veteran’s related programs and SAA institutional approval activities conducted by MHEC including the approval and tracking of post-secondary educational programs, institutions and certain other related duties. These duties support MHEC’s obligations as the State Approving Agency, as contracted by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

**POSITION DUTIES**
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This Staff Specialist position provides professional level services to MHEC in the Department of Academic Affairs – Veterans Affairs Unit, and reports to the Associate Director of Veterans Affairs. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, MHEC serves as the Maryland State Approving Agency (SAA) for Veterans Education and Training Benefits programs (also known as G.I. Bill® Education benefits). In his role, MHEC has an ongoing cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to review, approve, and supervise postsecondary institutions of higher learning, private career schools, public/private training establishments and employers offering Apprenticeship or On-the-Job training, wishing to participate in the Veterans Education & Training program.

This position will provide support of Veterans Education & Training Benefits programs and State Approving Agency (SAA) institutional approval activities, conducting site visits, assisting with compliance reviews, providing technical assistance to VA certifying officials and eligible beneficiaries on the use of VA Education and Training Benefits and maintain administrative resources and systems within the Veterans Affairs Unit. Examples of assigned work includes:

Staff Specialist duties:

Initiate and manage facility catalog compliance reviews. These reviews are required by the VA to occur annually or biannually and are time sensitive.

Risk Based Survey – compliance survey preparation and managing the notification process

Conduct program review and approval activities for post-secondary, non-college degree facilities to include high schools, public safety facilities and on the job training and apprenticeship.

Act as a liaison between the SAA, the VA and participating institutions and their Certifying Officials to answer questions, provide information and deliver technical assistance.

Administrative duties:

Answering incoming calls, maintaining the SAA master files, library of school catalogs for approved facilities, all internal records and correspondence in a timely and accurate manner.

Updating databases/spreadsheets, compiling, copying and filing documents for compliance survey visits performed by the Staff Specialist II personnel.

Provide support to organize and coordinate planning for training/webinars.

Perform other related duties assigned.

Generally speaking, the Staff Specialist I is expected to interpret, apply, and clarify MHEC policy, and relevant sections of U.S. Code and Code of Federal Regulations for diverse internal/external constituents. The Staff Specialist I will be expected to ensure timely production and well-coordinated workflow.

The Staff Specialist I is expected to confer with colleagues, supervisors, and non-agency staff (e.g., college and university leadership and representatives) in order to exchange information regarding academic program review, and interpret policies or offer recommendations. The Staff Specialist I is expected to coordinates inter-agency transactions and provide liaison with officials at colleges and universities, officials in other agencies in the State, legislature, the federal government, private industry or local government agencies.

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**
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Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: One year of administrative or teaching experience in post-secondary education programs.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

**DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**
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Preferred Qualifications:

One year of experience with state and/or federal Apprenticeship and/or On-the-Job training programs.

One year of experience interpreting, implementing, or enforcing rules, policies, regulations, or law.

One year of work experience at a state agency, federal agency, governmental organizations, or accrediting agency.

One year of work experience at a public or private college or university, or elementary or secondary school.

**SELECTION PROCESS**
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Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

**EXAMINATION PROCESS**
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The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

**BENEFITS**
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Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

**FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS**
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Documents can be uploaded as an attachment under the Resume Tab of the online application. Please combine all documents together as ONE attachment (resume, degree, etc.).

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to:

Department of Budget and Management

Recruitment and Examination Division

301 W. Preston Street, Room 608

Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Recruitment# 24-000300-0002

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.A without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).