Military Benefits Advisor, Military Programs and Services - Hybrid

Benefits

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, competitive retirement matching, vacation and sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including staff chapel and a robust wellness program.

Job Summary

We value personal growth and development and encourage employees and students to apply for new opportunities within our PLNU community.

Are you passionate about supporting military-connected students and navigating the complexities of VA education benefits? At Point Loma Nazarene University, we are looking for a detail-oriented, customer service-driven individual to serve as a key advocate and advisor for our military-connected student population. This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, working both in-person and remotely.

Salary: Pay Range $22.64 - $24.45 The actual salary offered is determined by the candidate's experience, education, skills, and other factors, including internal equity and university funding resources.

Job Status: Full time

Job Description

What We're Looking For

• Familiarity or demonstrates the willingness to learn VA and DoD Education BenefitsKnowledge and respect for military and veteran culture, as well as the unique and often challenging circumstances related to military-connected students.
• Knowledgeable in Google, MS Suite; and demonstrates a willingness to learn Workday and Salesforce.
• Familiarity with higher education processes, namely the student account process, financial aid, and academic needs.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn VA and DoD Compliance requirements, including adherence to the VA's Principles of Excellence and the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn the yearly SAA renewal process to ensure timely submission of our education programs for approval, and meets all federal and state regulations.
• Willingness to participate in university-wide initiatives and task forces.
• Driven to provide high-quality service and build a sense of belonging among veteran and military students.

What You'll Be Doing

• Serve as School Certifying Official (SCO), accurately certifying enrollment via Enrollment Manager. Familiarity with Tungsten and AI Portal preferred.
• Provide guidance on VA applications and ensure proper documentation for student files.
• Collaborate with Veterans Readiness and Employment Counselors (Chapter 31) for appropriate authorization documentation.
• Cross-check student billing and tuition prior to certification in compliance with VA regulations.
• Process enrollment changes, graduation dates, and academic probation updates within 30 days as per VA requirements.
• Manage requests and corrections for overpayments and refunds due to enrollment changes.
• Provide 1:1 advising to students on education benefits, billing, and entitlement updates.
• Participate in annual VA application updates for accredited institutions.
• Represent military-connected students across the university and support student organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Previous experience as a School Certifying Official preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication to effectively engage students and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Critical thinking to identify challenges, develop solutions, and implement improvements.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Adjusts effectively to evolving VA and DoD regulations, university policies, and the dynamic needs of military students (e.g., deployment changes, benefit eligibility updates).
• Ability to counsel and advise military-connected students regarding the proper utilization of their benefits, and any administrative needs as they pertain to financial aid, student accounts, and academic credits.
• Provide excellent customer service to military-connected students to encourage communication, retention, and degree completion.
• A flexible working style and strong work ethic are essential given the collaborative, dedicated, and creative spirit of the department.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, staff agree to live in agreement with PLNU's Community Life Covenant.
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local 'Fair Chance' laws.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for periods greater than one hour. Use of computer equipment: computer keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Vision to read documents, e-mail and other correspondence, and reports on paper and computer monitor.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in person and by phone.
• Will also stand, stoop, push, pull, and lift up to 10 lbs throughout the day.