We are currently seeking a Certifying Official (Veterans Affairs) who will advance the institution’s proud tradition of excellence in academics, student life and community service.

The Opportunity

You: You thrive in a fast-paced environment where you’re part of a great team, and you love to help people – especially students.

Your mission: You’ll perform a variety of technical duties to assure eligible students receive available veteran benefits and educational services and serve as a technical resource concerning veteran programs and services.  You will review, verify and process related forms and applications as well as train and provide work direction to veterans work-study staff involved with intake and processing Veterans documents.

A typical day: In the morning, you might help a student receive available veteran benefits and educational services, but your afternoon could be spent engaged in providing assistance and information in person and on the telephone regarding various G.I. Bill programs.

Next steps:

Take the next step toward a rewarding career and submit your application today!

SUMMARY 

Advisor (Veterans Affairs) - Certifying Official  will perform a variety of technical duties to assure eligible students receive available veteran benefits and educational services; serve as a technical resource concerning veteran programs and services; review, verify and process related forms and applications; train and provide work direction to veterans work-study staff involved with intake and processing Veterans documents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.   Other duties may be assigned.

Perform a variety of technical duties to assure eligible students receive available veteran benefits and educational services; evaluate military experience and advise student applicants on veterans educational benefits; explain program regulations and policies; provide assistance and information in person and on the telephone regarding various G.I. Bill programs.

Monitor and follow up on student progress and enrollment to ensure VA procedures and requisites are met.

Assure student needs are being met; review various documents to assure students meet College course, enrollment, major, degree, certificate, GPA, residency, program and service requirements.

Assist and meet with students applying for various programs, services and benefits including veterans and dependents; process military tuition requests for tuition assistance; refer students to various programs and services;

Assist students with establishing and meeting educational goals.

Distribute and monitor VA funded payments to students as directed; follow up with and resolve tuition payment and discrepancy issues; investigate delays and clarification of payments with VA; determine qualification for tuition assistance for qualified veterans.

Serve as a technical resource to students, faculty, staff and the public regarding veteran-related educational functions; respond to inquiries and provide detailed and technical information concerning related standards, requirements, practices, policies and procedures.

Operate a variety of office equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and assigned software; input confidential student data into computer tracking system.

On-going review of compliance and regulations mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs in an effort to ensure rules and regulations for educational benefits are in compliance.

Train and provide work direction to work-study staff involved with intake and processing Veterans documents.

Process changes in enrollment status for adds, drops, swaps, and schedule changes; submit related reports to Veterans Administration; coordinate concurrent enrollment with other colleges; prepare documentation for "early- outs" through the Veteran's Administration office.

Certify the educational plans of students accurately to assure receipt of benefits for applicable course work; assure compliance with applicable VA/HCC policies;

Communicate with academic advisors to assure accuracy of academic plans; advise students regarding individual education plans.

Prepare for and assist with VA audits as directed; review student study programs and unit certification to assure compliance with established requirements;

Adhere to guidelines by Texas Veterans Commission for approval for various benefits and College catalog information as needed.

Maintain current knowledge of VA and other applicable policies, procedures and regulations; notify students of changes as needed; implement and report changes in student status and VA services.

Communicate with students, College personnel and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns;

Serve as a liaison between the HCC, student(s) and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Compile information and prepare and maintain various records and reports related to students, veterans, dependents, degrees, certificates, benefits, Veteran's Affairs (VA) and assigned activities; prepare and distribute a variety of correspondence.

Assist with continuous improvement efforts in the office regarding recruitment and retention of students.

Attend various Veterans meetings; participate in local and federal workshops and committees as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.  The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in related field required.

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years’ work experience in post-secondary institution, including experience using PeopleSoft Student Administration module preferred.

One (1) year VA Once program experience is preferred. 

Experience in a high volume customer service unit in higher education strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of Veterans Affairs regarding types of educational benefits, guidelines, and qualifications necessary for eligibility.

Ability to perform a variety of duties related to the certification and processing of student applications for veteran educational benefits in accordance with legal guidelines.

Knowledge and understanding of the operations of an educational institution relative to tuition, registration and admissions. 

Familiarity with appropriate forms and applications needed for applying for various types of benefits

Ability to interpret, apply and explain complex benefits and related laws, rules and regulations, college catalog, schedule timelines, policies and objectives

Ability to effectively communicate with students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Ability to work a flexible work schedule (some evening and weekend hours may be required).

Demonstrated computer literacy skills in Windows, MS Office (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and VA Once. 

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.