Student Veteran Advisor

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Student Veteran Advisor (SVA) provides academic, career, and personal guidance to support the academic success, transfer, and graduation of military and veteran students. The SVA facilitates the development of an educational plan, monitors, and documents academic progress, completes follow-up contacts, and makes referrals for other student support services and community resources for student veterans. The SVA will serve as the designated Certifying Official and supervise other Certifying Officials to support and ensure accurate and quality completion of a wide range of procedures; performing technical administrative work in support of veteran’s services; assists student veterans in identifying and determining eligibility for educational benefits; delivery of various benefits and services; and performs related work as assigned. The SVA plans and/or determines specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives and solve non-routine problems, referring only unusual matters to a supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a working knowledge and disseminate an up-to-date understanding of Mid-America Christian University academic programs, curriculum, and degree requirements; and institutional policies and procedures.
• Systematically contact newly enrolled military affiliated students to establish rapport and maintain communication and support expectations.
• Refer students to the appropriate specialized staff for such issues as comprehensive academic advising, financial assistance, billing, etc.
• Counsel veterans on educational and other benefits to which they may be entitled. 
• Assists veterans in applying for Veterans Administration benefits. 
• Ensure authenticity of official documents and that requirements have been met using established policies and guidelines for a student to receive VA benefits.
• Audits veterans’ records regularly to assure compliance with Veterans Administration rules and regulations. 
• Participate in development of policies and practices to ensure institutional compliance with VA.
• Attend Veteran Administration seminars and conferences to stay abreast of current regulations. 
• Preparing and submitting various reports pertaining to veteran students and their benefits.
• Respond to student veteran inquiries from students, schools, departments or the general public by e-mail, telephone or in person; provides information as requested.
• Processes MACU’s VA Student Responsibility Agreement and all required VA enrollment document forms. 
• Provides coaching and mentoring to other Certifying Officials to ensure that veteran student requests, records, enrollment, and participation are properly entered into VA and school information systems.
• Supervise/perform various clerical functions in order to maintain files, process paperwork, prepare reports and fulfill information requests for students receiving veteran benefits.
• Inform the Director of Student Services situations or pending problems which would prevent the delivery of services to students, faculty, or staff, or lessen the quality of these services.
• Maintains a positive work environment by cooperating in a professional manner with the University community.
• Assist with the commencement ceremony arrangements including processing diplomas for all graduating students; tracking student participation in the graduation ceremony. 
• Complete all DOD payments, invoicing, verification status, record maintenance, and website tasks.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent research, written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Attuned to detail and insistent on correct information and data, both verbal and written; 
• Experience with student information systems; development of reports, and regulations related to student records;
• Demonstrated experience to manage complex operations and systems;
• Sound Christian testimony with the ability to integrate faith and learning;
• Subscribe to the statement of faith for Mid-America Christian University;
• Subscribe to the mission for Mid-America University.
• SKILLS / ABILITIES
• Ability to implement policies and procedures;
• Proven commitment to multiculturalism and working with a diverse student body;
• Ability and willingness to work effectively with veteran students, their spouse, and their dependents; 
• MENTAL DEMANDS
• Ability to integrate Christian thought and values in all aspects;
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information;
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form;
• Ability to take initiative without direct supervision.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Preferred Requirements Master’s degree. Minimum of three years of experience with Veteran Administration programs.

Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of 2-4 years of higher education experience required, including 2-3 years in a supervisory capacity, preferably in an enrollment or records setting (Registrar, Student Services or Admissions). Knowledge of student information systems, preferably Jenzabar. Served in the U.S. Military or experience with military personnel. Familiarity with Registrar best practices related to degree auditing and other records and registration policies and procedures.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Microsoft Office application especially, Outlook, Access, Excel, and Word; and keyboarding. Experience with scanning software is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires repetitive motions and sitting at computer keyboard; hearing and speaking on the telephone; able to conduct business at other offices on campus; able to lift, bend, grasp, reach, lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The employee agrees to promote the values and mission of MACU as a private Christ-centered University and live a life consistent with biblical principles. The employee shall conduct himself/herself in a manner consistent with the Mission and Statement of Faith. Additionally, the employee may play a formative role in the spiritual lives of students in a manner consistent with the Mission and Statement of Faith.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The employee is regularly in a typical office environment with adequate light and moderate noise levels. No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions. Air-conditioned buildings; tile, concrete and carpeted floors; requiring business casual most days with occasional need for business professional when appropriate.