What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veteran’s Benefits Specialist position at Colorado Mesa University?
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
Veteran’s Benefits Specialist
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Summary:
The Veteran’s Benefits Specialist serves as a Veteran’s Certifying Official for Colorado Mesa University; is responsible for certifying veteran student benefits and updating veteran student records; participates in veteran outreach events; and assists with the Veteran Administration audit processing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
Processes VA benefits certifications utilizing electronic databases and online approvals through the appropriate/official IT systems (Enrollment Manager). This includes collaboration with related offices to ensure timely completion of the initial certification process and student updates for course enrollment changes, grade reporting, academic standing issues, and graduation completion, billing issues as necessary and intuitional updates to the Enrollment Manager system.
Complete required VA training to become a School Certifying Official (SCO), ensuring the necessary qualifications to effectively communicate with veteran and dependent students and to perform all aspects of the role in compliance with VA regulations.
Participate in veteran’s orientations and outreach events as necessary, including events held in the evening and on the weekends.
Assists in the development and maintenance of control systems to ensure compliance.
Participate in and provide information for internal and external audits.
Maintain current knowledge of written policies and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.
Attend training for procedures, regulations, and services related to this position.
Serve as an advisor for veteran students and maintain an understanding of degree requirements in relation to VA certifying processes.
Oversee the hiring, training, supervision, and scheduling of student employees for data entry/processing of specialized functions, including ensuring adherence to Veteran's Affairs guidelines to improve customer service for veterans.
Communicate with other departments involved in the VA certifying process to resolve problems and to ensure completeness and conformity of student academic records.
This position will be required to attend annual VA training.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Candidates must be detail-oriented; have the ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing, to deal with people at all levels diplomatically and professionally, to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines; and be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Preference will be given to a candidate with U.S. military service with an honorable discharge or a dependent who has used military benefits.
Salary: $43,000.00 - 45,500.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Colorado Mesa University
Employment Type: Administrative
HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 12/1/2024.
How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
Direct Inquiries Contact: John Peresta, jperesta@coloradomesa.edu
ABOUT COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus located in Grand Junction. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its community college, Western Colorado Community College and via online offerings. Founded in 1925, it’s a dynamic university enrolling more than 11,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they’ll encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that support students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you won’t have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting. In addition to a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed.
Salary : $43,000 - $45,500
