Veterans Affairs and Financial Aid Specialist
Job Number 2022-00624
Division Student Affairs
Open until filled-
Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Affairs and Financial Aid Specialist will conduct, coordinate, and administer activities in the Veterans Affairs office; certify veterans educational benefits, and provide financial aid assistance to students in accordance with established College guidelines, and in compliance with federal and state regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Receive and implement policies, rules, procedures, and regulations pertaining to administration of Veterans Affairs educational benefits.
- Set up and monitor veteran files and school status as pertains to changes in the appropriate areas and report changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Attend state and federal veterans and financial aid meetings for the purpose of seeking and receiving advice and counseling concerning administering benefits and financial aid.
- Counsel students and parents pertaining to veterans and financial aidbenefits.
- Provide end-of-year reports to the Director concerning number of veterans served and educational benefits received.
- Maintain a clear audit trail regarding veteran programs for state and federal auditors.
- Participate in cross-training to assist in other student services areas/functions as needed. Provide backup for other financial aid staff and programs as needed.
- Create programs and events to commemorate special military occasions and holidays for enrolled students.
- Plan workshops and activities to support veteran student success and completion.
- Work with community organizations involved in programs that would be beneficial to Gaston College veteran students.
- Provide support and appropriate activities for enrolled students as needed to ensure student success and compliance with Gaston College Code of Conduct and Policies.
- Work collaboratively and productively as a member of a team, provide excellent customer service, and maintain high levels of professionalism.
- Behave in a professional manner that promotes collaboration, collegiality, and outstanding customer service for both internal and external clients.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or the Vice President for Student Services.
MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree required; associate degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working directly with students, faculty, and staff in an educational or military environment required.
- Previous military or Veterans Affairs experience preferred.
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment required.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods.
- Some walking, standing, and bending, with the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds required.
- Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
- In addition to regular office hours, position sometimes requires overtime and/or evening hours.
BENEFITS
Gaston College provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. We are continuously investigating new benefit offerings that are responsive to the needs of our regular** employees.
- State Health Plan
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Additional Supplemental Insurances
- NC State Retirement Plan
- Supplemental Retirement Plans
- Disability Benefits, Long- and Short-Term
- Longevity Pay
- State Employees' Credit Union Eligibility
- Leave (Vacation, Sick, FMLA, Civil and Military, Child/Student Involvement, Education, and Voluntary Shared)
- Paid Holidays
- Educational Advancement Compensation
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Discount Program
- Benefits Overview Booklet
**Please note: Temporary (part-time) employees do not earn benefits.