04/21/2004 23120

VETERANS EDUCATION ADVISOR

DEFINITION:

This is responsible professional educational work performing planning, development, improvement and evaluation of curriculum and training programs in post-secondary and higher education institutions and in businesses and industries for veterans, military personnel, and others eligible for veterans’ education benefits under federal statutes and regulations.

Employees in this job conduct comprehensive reviews of educational and training programs to establish, improve, or expand educational and training programs for veterans and others eligible for veterans’ education benefits and for conformance with federal guidelines and state laws and regulations pertaining to veterans’ education and training. Employees assist school, business, and industry personnel in the development, expansion, or revision of curriculum or training programs for veterans and other eligible individuals. Work involves providing guidelines and assistance and recommending approval/disapproval of curriculum. Employees are responsible for reviewing schools and training establishments regarding programs for veterans, changes to standards of progress, changes in curricula or accreditation and related areas for compliance with federal and state rules and regulations and policies. Employees promote and encourage participation and understanding of veterans’ education and training programs through public contact and workshops and training sessions. Work is performed independently and is reviewed by an administrative supervisor for adequacy and adherence to established policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Provides assistance to post-secondary and higher education institutions, businesses and industries in the development, expansion, improvement, or implementation of curriculum, education and training programs.

Reviews application materials from post-secondary or higher education institutions, businesses, and industries requesting approval for curriculum or training courses/programs to determine conformance with federal guidelines and state laws regarding veterans education and training including the review of curricula, standards of progress, financial information, and administrative practices and procedures.

Reviews and recommends approval/disapproval of curricula or training programs for veterans in post-secondary and higher institutions, businesses and industries.

Reviews licensure/certification examination, franchise, and entrepreneurship approvals.

Reviews, evaluates and analyzes new, expanded or planned educational programs for recommendation of approval/disapproval.

Provides advice and assistance to institutional officials and business and industry representatives in developing or revising curriculum, training programs, administrative or fiscal procedures, or standards of progress and student records to meet federal and state requirements and policies developed by the state approving agency.

Identifies and resolves discrepancies in curriculum, educational programs or training and recommends appropriate corrective action and prepares reports of actions taken.

Conducts site visits to educational institutions/training establishments to review and evaluate educational/training programs, student/participant selection and record procedures, fiscal and administrative policies and processes, and facilities.

Meets with community groups, veterans’ organizations, and business and trade associations to explain veterans’ education and training programs.

Provides advice and assistance to business and industrial establishments in setting up wage scales, developing curriculum and training course outlines, and in meeting apprenticeship and on-the-job training instructional requirements.

Serves as Department representative at public meetings, school fairs, veterans’ organizations, and licensing boards in explaining veterans’ benefits and interpreting laws and regulations.

Advises educational institution and business/industry personnel on complex approval procedures and waivers of regulations.

Analyzes existing approval procedures for effectiveness and necessity and assists in developing improved methods.

Prepares federal and state reports as required under contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs.6

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the goals and objectives of curriculum, education and training and staff development programs affecting veterans.

Knowledge of curriculum development.

Knowledge of current administrative principles, procedures, methods, and concepts.

Knowledge of modern teaching principles and practices.

Knowledge of the role and relationship of the Department of Education with post-secondary accreditation boards, PHEAA, and post- secondary and higher education institutions in the areas of program approval, licensure/accreditation, funding, and financial aid.

Knowledge of course planning as applied to vocational education and training.

Knowledge of policies, procedure, course content, and training facilities in educational institutions.

Knowledge of industrial practices and skills required in various occupational areas and of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications needed and training required in these areas.

Knowledge of review and evaluation techniques applicable to curriculum, employee training, education, and development programs and functions.

Ability to analyze and evaluate curriculum, educational and training programs and content for consistency with program objectives and state and federal standards and program approval procedures and regulations.

Ability to analyze administrative, financial, managerial, and student record practices for conformance with established criteria and regulations.

Ability to make accurate observations and logical and valid evaluations of curriculum, educational programs and functions in operation.

Ability to assist employers and school officials in establishing and structuring adequate training programs in conformance with federal and state standards.

Ability to develop and present recommendations for new and/or revised curriculum, and educational/training programs to school administrators.

Ability to interpret established program policies and explain the intent of programs.

Ability to learn federal and state regulations, procedures, and policies pertaining to veterans’ education and training.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employers, school and college officials, veterans, and others involved in veterans’ education and training.

Ability to make presentations and speak before large groups.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Five years of professional experience in education, vocational education, or educational administration or closely related experience involving planning or conducting training or educational programs in industry, government or schools, and a bachelor's degree.

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Four years of professional experience in education, vocational education, or educational administration or closely related experience involving planning or conducting training or educational programs in industry, government or schools, and a master’s degree.