Military-Affiliated Student Specialist (VA Work Study)

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

About The Position

The Military-Affiliated Student Specialist supports the Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) in serving as a centralized resource for the KU military-affiliated community. The specialist works at the center’s reception desk, helps keep the center open and welcoming to students and their families, answers calls and emails, and assists MASC staff with administrative duties and outreach. The role includes maintaining the center’s daily operations and physical appearance; completing front-desk tasks such as answering the main phone line, welcoming visitors, and logging interactions; assembling information packets and other materials; and helping update the MASC website or social media as needed. The specialist provides basic information and support to users of VA and military tuition assistance benefits, assists with VA benefits certification and other military-related benefits processing, and supports events and outreach about benefits and finances. Regular staff training and team meetings are required. This is a courtesy posting for the Military-Affiliated Student Center. The position is funded through the Department of Veterans Affairs and is a volunteer position associated with the University of Kansas program. Participants are not KU employees and do not receive compensation or benefits from KU. Any compensation or stipend, if applicable, is provided directly by the VA. Participation does not create an expectation of future employment with KU. Selected individuals may be required to complete a background check.

Requirements

Must be in good academic standing.
Must be eligible for VA Work Study.
Must be using VA benefits (GI Bill®) for the semester in which they want to work.
Must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours during the semester term of the appointment.
For summer periods, must meet one of the stated enrollment or admission conditions: have been enrolled in at least 6 hours in the past spring semester, be pre-enrolled in at least 6 hours for the upcoming fall semester, be enrolled in summer session, or be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, as demonstrated by application materials.
Experience and/or strong interest in working with the KU Military-Affiliated community, as demonstrated by application materials.
Experience in an office or customer service setting.
Ability to work independently and efficiently and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Confident interpersonal and customer service skills.
Punctual and industrious work habits.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Military-Affiliated benefits, such as VA educational benefits and MASC services.

Responsibilities

Maintain the center’s daily operations and physical appearance and complete assigned daily tasks.
Perform front-desk duties, including answering the main phone line, welcoming visitors and guests, and logging interactions.
Assemble information packets and other materials as needed.
Assist with updating the MASC website and/or social media as needed.
Provide additional support to MASC staff as directed and perform other assigned duties.
Provide basic information and support to VA and military tuition assistance benefits users and Military-Affiliated students.
Help with VA benefits certification and other military-related benefits processing as needed.
Support events and outreach to Military-Affiliated students regarding benefits, finances, and related topics.
Participate in regular staff training and development regarding benefits and services and attend required team meetings.
Help keep the center open and welcoming, answer calls and emails, and assist with administrative duties and outreach.