VA Benefits Consultant - Veteran Benefits Administration - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This role serves as the first point of contact for counseling and advising military-affiliated students and their families on the application procedures for VA benefits, TN Strong Act, tuition assistance, benefits certification, and financial information. The position is responsible for acting as the School Certifying Official for VA education benefits. Additionally, the consultant will assist in the development, implementation, and administration of events within the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration and represent the University and the Veterans Success Center/Veterans Benefits Office at various events to provide guidance on VA education benefits and processes. The role also involves assisting military-affiliated students and families with financial issues and making recommendations. This position reports directly to the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration, which operates within the Division of Student Success.

Requirements

High School Diploma
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.
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, understand needs of student veteran population, and recognize/respond to students with TSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental or physical disabilities or impairments.
Ability to gather and analyze data and make appropriate conclusions and recommendations.
Ability to maintain high attention to detail and meet deadlines.
Proficient knowledge with BANNER, DARS, OFFICE 365.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree
3-5 years of experience working with veterans and families using VA education benefits.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated leadership ability

Responsibilities

Certify VA Education Benefits & TN Strong Act, coordinating daily operations of veteran records and carrying out the benefits certifications process efficiently for over 1800 students.
Track degree requirements for veteran students using DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System).
Certify VA education benefits and TN Strong Act, reporting changes to certifications and adhering to all legislation for submitting and maintaining certifications.
Maintain accurate, detailed records of certifications and other procedures related to the benefits certification process, ensuring accuracy for compliance with VA reporting procedures.
Develop and maintain spreadsheets of certifications for accuracy and record keeping.
Implement best practices for certification procedures related to academic, financial records, catalog, and curriculum.
Counsel military-affiliated students and families on the use of veterans education benefits, TN Strong Act, and Tuition Assistance.
Collaborate with other campus offices such as the Veterans Success Center, Bursar's Office, Office of the University Registrar, and other offices in the Division of Student Success.
Work with students to resolve issues with benefits or financial matters.
Track and certify all aspects of the TN Strong Act and maintain accurate records of TN Strong Act packets and payments.
Assist with the supervision of student workers in the Office of Veterans Benefits and Veterans Success Center.
Assist with the development of programs for the Office of Veterans Benefits Administration.
Analyze and interpret student veteran graduation and retention data.
Prepare and make recommendations to the Director or Manager on various day-to-day operations with direct consultation from the VBA Manager or Director.
Manage the daily influx of emails and phone calls to the VBA email box and main message center.
Perform other administrative duties as assigned by the Director or VBA Manager.