VETERANS SERVICES SPECIALIST P/T
HAROLD WASHINGTON COLLEGE
CITY COLLEGES OF CHICAGO
City Colleges of Chicago’s vision is to be recognized as the city’s
most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility
and racial equity – empowering all Chicagoans to take part in
building a stronger and more just city. The community college
system’s more than 3,500 faculty and staff serve more than 70,000
students annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Reporting to a Dean or assigned administrator, the
Veterans
Services Specialist-PT applies specialized knowledge in
veterans’ benefits, resources, and educational challenges to assist
and support veterans, active duty, reserve and national guard
service members, and their dependents in understanding their
veteran/military education benefits; enrolling at a CCC college;
transitioning to student life and achieving student success.
Veterans Services Specialists-PT also oversee the operation
of a Veterans Services Center on campus and facilitates
opportunities for integrated engagement into campus life.
Veterans Services Specialists-PT demonstrate a commitment to
helping military affiliated students achieve their academic goals
and overcome obstacles to success by providing advocacy and
support, and working closely with prospective and current military
affiliated students to provide guidance and to connect them with
the appropriate academic, financial, social, student support and
social services resources. Performs related duties as
required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Meets one-on-one with new and returning military-affiliated
students to provide information and explain the wide range of
available campus-based and community services, as well as
veteran/military education benefits, to support their enrollment
and completion of academic goals.
Guides prospective and continuing students in applying for and
understanding federal and state veteran/military education
benefits; explains VA benefit programs such as the Post/911 GI
Bill; and reviews military documents (i.e. certificate of
eligibility; DD214) to help assess benefits eligibility.
Supports and assists military-affiliated students through the
admissions process; uses an enrollment checklist to ensure
completion of steps, to include: applying for admissions and
veteran/military education benefits; review of programs and tuition
costs; financial aid; academic advising; early learning credit and
placement; student orientation; and referrals to additional VA
resources.
Coordinates work activities with advising, registrar, financial
aid, and other offices/departments to connect military-affiliated
students with appropriate staff and receive services that lead to
and support their successful enrollment and registration in credit
or certificate programs.
Works in close collaboration with the School Certifying
Official engaged in maintaining data and certifying VA/military
benefits through appropriate systems, and reporting on enrollment
status, academic plans, grades, and academic progress for military
affiliated students.
Implements intervention strategies in coordination with
advising and academic support staff to assist military-affiliated
students at risk of losing benefits due to unsatisfactory academic
performance.
Practices a holistic approach to help meet the unique needs of
military affiliated students and increase student retention and
success. Discusses academic and social/personal issues and provides
referrals to campus services (i.e. tutoring, wellness) as well as
external social services (i.e. housing).
Monitors activities of on-campus Veterans Services Center;
ensures Center provides a welcoming space for military-affiliated
students to interact; makes available print and electronic
information of interest to students; supervises federal and CCC
work-study students working at the Center.
Advocates for military-affiliated students with appropriate
college administrators and external parties. Mediates and resolves
issues between students and instructors.
Partners with external organizations (federal, state and county
agencies, hospitals) to ensure referrals provided to
military-affiliated students effectively address external factors
impacting their ability to succeed.
Builds relationships and works with businesses and
organizations to provide veterans with connections and
opportunities for employment.
Serves as advisor to campus veteran clubs and
associations.
Develops and implements various educational and social events
during the year.
Organizes and facilitates various workshops for
military-affiliated students. Coordinates with Director of Transfer
Services on workshops for transitioning to four- year
institutions.
Works with college administrators and district staff in the
review of new and revised VA regulations and laws; creates new or
revised business processes to address changes in regulations, new
programs and other requirements.
Monitors budget expenditures; prepares purchase orders for
office supplies and expenses relating to the operations of the
Veterans Center.
Administers federal work-study program; supervises and trains
students awarded VA hiring contract; verifies and approves
timesheets for submission to VA.
Works collaboratively with district and campus administrators
on programming to include outreach and recruitment plans, events
planning; graduation; new services; and special projects.
Attends and participates in district level meetings with
District Director and campus level meetings to include leadership
meetings.
Attends and participates in various professional development
activities.
Compiles data and prepares reports for inclusion in required
federal and state outcome assessment and annual reports.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or
university.
- Two years of related experience working with veterans or other
recruitment outreach program in a professional capacity and a
background in guidance, social work, student personnel
administration or related field preferred.
- Veterans with honorable discharge will be given
preference.
- An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
may be considered.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication
skills.
- Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment.
- Ability to effectively present information and represent City
College of Chicago.
- Proven ability to work effectively as a team member
- Must be self-directed
- Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint)
The salary range for this position is $17.48/hr -
$24.59/hr
Offered salary will be determined by the respective collective
bargaining agreement and applicant's education, experience,
knowledge, skills and abilities.
This position is represented by Local 1600 Professional
Union.
Benefits information is found at
https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Benefits/
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action
employer.
Thank you for your interest in CCC!
