VETERANS AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

About the role

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution located in Cleveland, Tennessee. The college is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students, is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. The Veterans Affairs Specialist is responsible for coordinating and administering veterans’ educational benefits and support services for military-affiliated students, including veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible dependents. This position serves as the primary resource for veterans’ affairs at the college, including the primary certifying official, providing guidance on benefit eligibility and requirements, maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, and collaborating with campus and external partners to support student success.

Responsibilities

• Student Services & Assistance (40%): Participate in recruitment, orientation, and retention initiatives designed to support student success among veterans and military-affiliated students; provide customer service to veterans, dependents, and military-affiliated students by phone, email, and in person; provide information and assistance regarding veterans’ educational benefits, enrollment, financial aid, and college requirements; assist eligible students with accessing veterans’ benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and college requirements.
• Certifying Official Responsibilities (40%): Serve as the VA School Certifying Official and manage the certification of veterans’ and dependents’ educational benefits; review enrollment, academic programs, grades, and satisfactory academic progress to ensure accurate benefit certification; assist students with veterans’ benefits, financial aid applications, and related questions, and educate them on their academic and financial responsibilities; collaborate with college offices to resolve issues related to enrollment, certifications, and educational benefits.
• Compliance and Reporting (15%): Ensure compliance with VA, federal, state, and college requirements related to veterans’ educational benefits; coordinate with Student Accounts, the Bookstore, and other offices to process benefits and resolve issues; maintain accurate records and complete required reports, recertifications, and audit documentation; review processes and maintain effective relationships with campus and external partners to improve services and support students.
• Additional Support Duties (5%): Attend all college functions as required; meet standards required by the Tennessee State Board of Regents and SACSCOC; achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels as needed; perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in any combination of:
  • Veterans and Military Services (e.g., education benefits administration, benefits certification, compliance, and support of veterans and military-connected students).
  • Student Services (e.g., admissions, financial aid, student services, advising, enrollment services).
  • Customer Service/Support (e.g., records management, data management, compliance, benefits administration).
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, flexible, and manage stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain focus with job responsibilities.
• Ability to work with a broad group of individuals both on campus and in the community.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with various software packages including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to handle inquiries and issues professionally and empathetically.
• Preferred experience: providing services or support to veterans, military-affiliated students, or their dependents; working with Banner or Veterans Affairs software; community college or higher education setting.

Pay

$20.00 per hour.

Schedule

Part-Time Temporary position; not to exceed 29 hours per week.