St. Petersburg College

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Veterans Services Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Academics & Student Affairs                            SITE: Various

SALARY SCHEDULE: Career                                                         GRADE: 6

BASIC FUNCTION:

Assists Veterans in their transition to the Higher Education environment. Educates Veterans and the College Community concerning Veterans benefits and academic requirements needed to accomplish academic goals. Responsibilities involve considerable communication with the Veterans Administration (VA), students, and staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains knowledge of post 911-/GI Bill and other Veterans benefits/regulations and develops relationships with the VA and other Veteran support groups.
• Advises Veterans concerning the choice of Veteran’s benefits available to meet their goals.
• Assists Veterans in application procedures. Refers students to the Veterans Administration for any problem which may require VA judicator.
• Maintains complex specialized records for the Veterans Affairs Department. Reviews and certifies enrollment to the ARPO.
• Maintains contact with Veteran students to ensure continuity of coursework and successful transition from military service to collegiate academics.
• Explains the standards of academic progress and attendance requirements.
• Monitors Veteran student progression toward academic goals and degree requirements.
• Procures and discusses resource materials to assist veterans in planning vocational and educational goals (beyond the students' tenure at SPC).
• Advises and trains college staff on current and changing Veteran benefits.
• Provides off-campus functions such as radio promotions, information booths, presentations, etc.
• Performs related duties as required.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Associate's Degree. Bachelor's Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Four (4) years experience in a college in student services, student development or related area. Prior Military experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of or the ability to gain knowledge of SPC Veterans Affairs department and programs. Knowledge of sentence structure. Knowledge of word usage. Skill in reading comprehension. Skill in proofreading. Ability to understand, interpret and implement Federal regulations relating to Veterans educational benefits. Ability to advise Veteran students and provide support services  concerning benefit. Ability to advise and train college staff on current and changing Veterans benefits. Knowledge of basic mathematics. Ability to operate a calculator. Ability to operate data entry equipment. Verbal and written communications skills. Human relations skills.          

New: 12/10/09GC