Veterans Specialist

Job Description

Culture of Care: At the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), we foster a Culture of Care grounded in connection, collaboration, inclusion, and service. We seek employees who contribute to a welcoming, student-centered environment and who understand the important role every position plays in advancing student success and strengthening our District community.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION Under direction from the appropriate level manager or supervisor, performs various tasks supporting the daily operations of the assigned area; serves as a School Certifying Official (SCO) for the Veterans Office, working directly with veterans and the Veterans Administration (VA); provides information and assistance to students regarding Veterans Administration benefits. Performs a variety of specialized technical, clerical, and administrative support tasks relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Processes student applications for Veterans benefits; advises applicants of their entitlement, regulations, and policies pertaining to their enrollment; maintains current knowledge of the regulations, policies, and application requirements and eligibility criteria for assigned program; monitors students academic progress; assists in the coordination of day-to-day operations of the assigned program or area; establishes and maintains complex, interrelated filing systems; operates a variety of office equipment; participates in updating the program website; maintains a calendar of activities; may submit maintenance work orders; participates in the selection of temporary staff; may assist with monitoring and ensuring compliance with accreditation, audits; attends a variety of meetings; may assist supervisor with budget administration; assists with the planning, preparation, coordination, marketing, logistics, and execution of small and large events; participates in the planning and execution of veteran outreach programs; maintains assigned area(s) in a safe, clean, and orderly environment; fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment; perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Federal, state, and institutional regulations related to Veterans Administration (VA) educational benefits; VA systems and platforms; Policies and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Philosophy, operational characteristics, services, activities, goals, and objectives of the assigned area; Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; Current office practices, procedures, methods, and computer equipment, software; Generating and preparing reports from systems and databases; Processes, procedures, and practices of budget and contract preparation and administration; Effective written and oral communication skills in English; Basic mathematical concepts; Principles, practices, and techniques used in public speaking, public relations, outreach, marketing, and providing excellent customer service; Techniques to facilitate effective interaction with people on an individual or group basis; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; Principles and practices of providing training, work direction, and guidance to lower-level office staff and student workers; Diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; Confidentiality requirements; Occupational hazards and standard safety policies and procedures; District and College organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

Ability to: Serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO); Analyze and verify student eligibility for veterans educational benefits; Interpret and clearly explain complex veteran benefits regulations; Learn and understand the organization and operation of the assigned department; Perform a range of administrative and programmatic duties of a specialized nature; Operate office equipment; Communicate clearly and concisely; Develop, maintain, and foster effective cooperative, collaborative, and inclusive working relationships; Effectively represent the assigned area; Interact extensively with and respond to requests and inquiries; Work effectively under pressure; Exercise good judgment, discretion, and personal initiative; Provide functional and technical work direction and training; Report to work on a regular and consistent basis; Maintain the cleanliness, safety, and organization of assigned area; Attend a variety of meetings; Work occasional evening/weekend shifts; Perform related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES Education/Training: Equivalent to two years of college level course work in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field. Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in student services or a related field, preferably working with military connected students with an emphasis in veterans benefits.