VETERANS AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

TEMPORARY/PART-TIME

VETERANS AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Number of Openings:                        1

Employee Classification:                    Non-Exempt

Institution:                                       Cleveland State Community College

Department:                                     Financial Aid

Campus Location:                              Cleveland, TN

Salary Range:                                  $20.00 hr

Position Status:                                Part-Time Temporary / *Not to exceed 29 hours/week

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.

Special Instructions to Applicants:  

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following:  

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. 

• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.  

JOB SUMMARY

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 Cleveland State Community 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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.

• The Veterans Affairs Specialist will be required to meet those standards now required or which in the future may be required by the Tennessee State Board of Regents and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• The appointee may be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels.

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

EQUIPMENT

Work activities regularly involve the use of standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and related devices to perform tasks including data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, attentive to detail, flexible, and manage stressful situations.

• Possess strong interpersonal communication skills and 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.

JOB STANDARDS/QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in any combination of: 

o Veterans and Military Services: (e.g., education benefits administration, benefits certification, compliance, and support of veterans and military-connected students, etc.).

o Student Services: (e.g., admissions, financial aid, student services, advising, enrollment services, etc.).

o Customer Service/Support: (e.g., records management, data management, compliance, benefits administration, etc.).

• Valid driver’s license.

JOB LOCATION

This is an on-site position based in the Student Services Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The role may involve travel within the college’s five-county service area and occasional travel throughout the state and nationally for meetings, conferences, and professional events. Travel across the service region for meetings and other activities may also expected.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by October 15, 2026

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Cleveland State Community College

Human Resources Office

Telephone: View phone number on ziprecruiter.com; FAX: View phone number on ziprecruiter.com

Email: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Website:

Cleveland State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following link will direct you to the College’s reporting section, where you can find information and resources for submitting reports related to discrimination and other concerns:  How Do I Report