Military Affiliated Students School Certifying Official

Pay Grade: 29E

Context of the job:

The School Certifying Official will assist students and their families requesting and receiving financial aid from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD); and coordinate application processing between students, the University of Delaware, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This individual will be responsible for preparing and certifying VA/DOD educational benefits, and reporting student status and eligibility changes to the VA/DOD. They will prepare and analyze reports and ensure compliance on all student files and auditing requirements and keep students informed on VA/DOD education benefit regulation and policy changes, liaising with University departments impacting VA education benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Counsels students and parents regarding eligibility, available benefits, and financial aid procedures/policies for veterans and/or their dependents; prepares and certifies U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) enrollment certifications and certifies students in accordance with the university's Yellow Ribbon program; verifies student educational benefits; ensures all compliance and auditing requirements and regulations are met per the university, state, VA and other federal agencies; serves as a university technical point of contact for the VA. Provides exceptional customer service and quality responses to all interacting with the department.
• Monitors student's course load and their grades to ensure compliance with VA regulations; reports status changes that affect student eligibility for VA benefits; assists students in resolving issues with the VA and other agencies or university departments; liaises with university departments (i.e., financial aid, registrar, and others) on the impact of VA education benefits.
• Prepares reports and analyzes data; audits student files at the beginning of each semester and at graduation to ensure 100% compliance and timeliness.
• Ensures the University complies with VA requirements to participate in the VA programs, completing paperwork for the University to participate, maintaining the records of eligible veterans, and completing regular catalog reviews and audits.
• Assist veteran and dependent students with interpreting, implementing, and disseminating information on new VA and Department of Defense regulations to align regulations with University of Delaware policies.
• Attend veteran-related events and training on and off-campus.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, and two years experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Must have completed or willing to successfully complete the Veterans Administration School Certifying Official training and/or have some familiarity with VA benefits.
• Excellent customer service; especially with in oral and written communications.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office - word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and rapidly changing technical environment.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently and have high accountability for a large volume of work.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to make independent decisions.
• Ability to be detail-oriented under deadline pressure.
• Ability to show initiative and to demonstrate a high degree of confidentiality and discretion and problem-solving strongly preferred.

Preferred:

• Experience working in higher education.
• Military background or experience working with veterans and/or veterans? educational benefits.
• Knowledge of current existing and proposed VA Educational benefits regulations and policies

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