State Approving Officer

This position is for a State Approving Officer for the State Approving Agency.

OK Department of Veterans Affairs

2132 NE 36th St

Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Annual Salary: $62,275.20

Basic Purpose

The individual(s) assigned to this position are responsible for a variety of administrative, professional, and technical functions related to various veterans training programs authorized under federal and state laws, especially Title 38, United States Code and how it relates to the State Approving Agency (SAA). This includes entering into and carrying out contracts with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal and state agencies, approving educational programs such as on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, and other programs of education at all universities and colleges, vocational and technical schools, beauty and barber schools, flight schools and private vocational schools located in this state. Extensive travel is required to complete on-site reviews of programs, conduct seminars/training and investigate complaints concerning discrepancies or mismanagement in the handling of approved programs.

Typical Functions

The Functions Within This Job May Include The Following

• Reviews and analyzes applications for approval of training courses and requests for information on operating procedures from public and private degree granting schools, non-degree trade and business schools, hospitals operating professional courses and apprenticeships and other on-the-job training establishments; visits with school representatives to discuss approval criteria; and makes recommendations on approval or disapproval of application.
• Evaluates applications for modification of training courses and operating procedures for compliance with state and federal laws; monitors the progress of veterans enrolled in approved courses; provides technical assistance and guidance to school authorities, veteran students and organizations involved in the education and training of veterans and other eligible persons.
• Receives and evaluates complaints from veterans and government officials concerning the handling of veterans training programs; conducts formal investigations and advises school officials on discrepancies and requirements for correction; recommends disapproval of training if corrections are not made.
• Makes on-site visits to schools at the request of the Veterans Administration to investigate and resolve problems noted during school compliance surveys conducted by the VA or VA sub-contractor.
• Prepares written reports of school visits and makes recommendations for continuing approval, suspension or disapproval.
• Conducts and/or assists in Risk-Based Surveys.
• Project Management
  
  

Level Descriptor

This is the career level of the job family where incumbents are routinely assigned duties and responsibilities involving major programs. This includes on-site visits, recommendations on approvals or disapprovals and providing technical assistance and guidance to school officials and veterans.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Requirements include knowledge of administration principles and practices; of veterans programs and benefits; of personnel and project management; of research techniques pertinent to academic documents; and of education and training programs. Ability is required to analyze complex situations accurately and adopt courses of action; to communicate agency procedures and results in a clear and concise manner; to work effectively and cooperatively with other agencies and organizations; and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of the methods and techniques of management and effective supervision. Ability is required to review and evaluate various educational and training programs. Demonstrable kills in time and project management are also required.

Education and Experience requirements consist of a bachelor’s degree, four years experience in postsecondary education administration, and a knowledge of veteran education benefits. A master’s degree may be substituted for only one year of the required experience.

Note: There is no substitution for the required bachelor's degree.

Special Requirements

• Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.
• Applicants must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license prior to employment.
• Applicants must be able to pass a comprehensive background check.
• This position is exempt from the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act and Rules.