VETERANS AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Number of Openings: 1

Employee Classification: Exempt, Executive

Institution: Cleveland State Community College

Department: Financial Aid

Reports to: Senior Director of Financial Aid

Campus Location: Cleveland, TN

Salary Range: $39,424 - $49,280

Moving Allowance: Not Applicable

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

JOB SUMMARY

The Veterans Affairs Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive support services and resources to military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, and their dependents. This position serves as the primary point of contact for all veteran and military-related matters at Cleveland State Community College, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and promoting a supportive environment for this student population.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Customer Service and Assistance (30%):

• Provide excellent customer service and assistance to internal and external customers through walk-in, telephone, and email inquiries.
• Administer comprehensive services to all eligible veterans and dependents seeking enrollment at the college, in keeping with the mandates of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Tennessee Board of Regents, the US Department of Education, and the college.

2. VA Certifying Official Responsibilities (30%):

• Serve as a VA Certifying Official, responsible for the daily management of all tasks and responsibilities required to assist and certify a caseload for veterans and their dependents.
• Maintain a student-centered, case-management model in support of VA students, assisting them in applying for other forms of financial aid, making corrections to their applications when necessary, and answering general financial aid questions.
• Serves as the club advisor for the Veterans’ Club and partner with campus life to offer events, resources, and other avenues to assist and connect veteran students.

3. Financial Aid Processing and Monitoring (20%):

• Process financial aid applications, including eligibility determination, verification, resolution of conflicting information, authorization, posting of awards to student accounts, and updating student VA records.
• Monitor student eligibility by applying standards of progress requirements in accordance with federal and state regulations; educate students on their financial aid and academic obligations when receiving federal financial aid and veterans' benefits.
• Monitor students' grades to ensure satisfactory progress is being made; monitor the major pursued by a student to certify VA supports the subjects applicable to the student's program.

4. Compliance and Reporting (15%):

• Comply with and meet all applicable regulations published in the US Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook (SCO).
• Work closely with Student Accounts on certain types of veterans' educational benefits including but not limited to: Post 9/11, Chapter 33 , and Vocational Readiness and Employment (VR&E) and ensure proper procedures for the charging of these benefits.
• Develop objectives and recommend changes to existing processes and practices to increase accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness in promoting the highest level of customer service.
• Coordinating the yearly re-certification application packet to the State Approving Agency (SAA) in a timely manner; work specifically with WFD for establishing programs that are approved to receive Veteran's Education benefits.
• Maintain auditable records for all VA transactions; prepare and coordinate federal and state audits of the veteran's programs.
• Compile information for computing institutional and state reports concerning the number of veterans served, educational benefits received, and other necessary information for the end of fiscal year reports.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners, including the Student Accounts Office and Bookstore, to obtain necessary documents, resolve problems, facilitate solutions, enhance customer service, and ensure quality services for students receiving aid or benefits.

5. Other Duties (5%)

• Other duties as assigned

EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of computers, scanners, and peripheral devices. Photocopy and other office machines are frequently used.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, maintain flexibility, and the ability to manage stressful situations.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with various software packages including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of the comprehensive community college concept.
• Ability to think critically, analyze data and interpret federal and state guidelines and policies.
• Awareness of effective customer service practices, and the ability to implement them within an educational setting.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Associate’s Degree in a related Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in Veteran services or financial aid.
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory role(s) is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Knowledge and experience in Banner software preferred.
• Community college work experience is preferred.

JOB LOCATION

The Office of Student Financial Aid located on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee is the primary workplace. Travel may be required within the college’s 5-county service area including travel to attend state meetings, etc.

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Applicants may be subject to a background and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program
Longevity Pay

Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457 14 Paid Holidays/Year
Sick and Annual Leave
Sick Leave Bank
State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply.

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by January 2, 2025.

Human Resources Office
Cleveland State Community College
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

Cleveland State Community College does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Cleveland State Community College. Cleveland State Community College's policy on nondiscrimination can be found at:

https://www.clevelandstatecc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7_04_00_00-Discrimination-and-Harassment-2.pdf