VA Benefits Consultant - Veteran Benefits Administration - UTK

First line of contact to counsel and advise military affiliated students and families on application procedures for VA benefits, TN Strong Act, tuition assistance, benefits certification and financial information.  This role serves as the School Certifying Official for VA education benefits. Assists in the development, implementation, and administration of events in the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration. Represents the University and the Veterans Success Center / Veterans Benefits Office at scheduled events on and off campus to provide guidance on VA education benefits or benefits process.  Assists military affiliated students and families with financial issues and makes recommendations in each situation. This position will report directly to the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration which operates within the Division of Student Success.

Certification of VA Education Benefits & TN Strong Act:

• Coordinates the daily operations of veteran records and carries out the benefits certifications process efficiently, and with low error margin for over 1800 students. 

• The benefits certification process includes: tracking degree requirements for veteran students using DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System), certification of VA education benefits and TN Strong Act, reporting changes to certifications, following all legislation for submitting and maintaining certifications, keeping accurate detailed records of certifications and other procedures as they relate to the benefits certification process

• Ensuring accuracy for compliance for VA reporting procedures.

• Develops and Maintains spreadsheets of certifications for accuracy and record keeping.

• Implements best practices for certification procedures that are related to academic, and financial records, catalog, and curriculum.

• Counsels military affiliated students and families on use of veterans education benefits, TN Strong Act and Tuition Assistance.

• Works collaboratively with other offices on campus such as the Veterans Success Center, Bursar's Office, Office of the University Registrar, and other offices in the Division of Student Success.

• Works with students to resolve issues with benefits or financial issues.

• Tracks and certifies all aspects of TN Strong Act and maintain accurate records of TN Strong Act packets and payments.

Operations:

• Assists with supervision of student workers in the Office of Veterans Benefits and Veterans Success Center.
• Assists with the development of programs for the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration
• Works with data to analyze and interpret student veteran graduation and retention. 
• With the direct consultation of the VBA Manager or Director and prepares and makes recommendations to Director or Manager on various day-to-day operations.
• Manages the daily influx of emails and phone calls to the VBA email box and main message center.

Other administrative duties as assigned by Director or VBA Manager.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in a higher education setting. 

• 1-2 years of experience working with veteran student population or working as a VA school certifying official.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Time Management skills are a must

• Ability to establish relationships with prospective students and families 

• Ability to work independently with little supervision

• Customer service skills- maintain confidentiality with the ability to understand needs of student veteran population and recognize and respond to students with TSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental or physical disabilities or impairments. 

• Ability to gather and analyze data and make appropriate conclusion and recommendations. 

• Ability to maintain high attention to detail and meet deadlines

• Proficient knowledge with BANNER, DARS, OFFICE 365,  and familiarity with VA benefits and legislation.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience working with veterans and families using VA education benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Demonstrated leadership ability

• High attention to detail 

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR06
• Anticipated hiring range: $42,000 - $49,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume

• Cover Letter