VA School Certifying Official - Financial Aid & Student Financial Services

Overview

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another.

The VA School Certifying Official is responsible for processing VA benefits. This person acts as a representative of the institution responsible for certifying the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) and California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA) education and vocational rehabilitation benefits for eligible students. The official serves as a point of contact for potential students who inquire about VA Benefits and supports and educates other departments on campus about VA benefits policies and guidelines.

This position is fully grant-funded.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.

• Two to three years of professional experience, preferably working with veterans' benefits in a higher education setting.
• Prior military experience or experience serving military personnel and dependents is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a high-volume customer service unit in higher education is strongly preferred.
• Experience with serving special populations on a college campus is strongly preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of FERPA and college records and registration policies and procedures preferred.
• Experience working in high-pressure environments while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to make independent decisions informed by an appropriate awareness of risk management factors.

• Fulfills essential administrative functions within the MVEB Office, assists in the development and implementation of MVEB policies and procedures, assists in overseeing and training student workers.
• Processes certifications for all military benefit programs APU participates in, including but not limited to:
  Chapter 31, Chapter 33, and Military Tuition Assistance. Authorizes benefits and coordinates VA payments for veterans, eligible dependents, survivors, and reservists with all Student Financial Services departments across the university in accordance with regulatory guidelines and APU policies.
• Acts as a primary liaison between the university and all military benefit offices (such as the VA, CSAAVE, and DOD).
• Conducts MVEB activities in accordance with and in compliance with all rules and regulations contained in the VA School Certifying Official Handbook as well as any other guidance issued from other regulatory bodies.
• Adheres to and is knowledgeable on appropriate guidelines relating to FERPA and university policy on the release of records and information to a third party.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining essential communication and outreach activities for the MVEB office with both internal and external constituencies, ensuring all communications align with MVEB’s customer service philosophy.
• Manages initial veteran’s prospective and current student inquiries and information requests in all forms, including in-person, voicemail, e-mail and correspondence.
• Attends and represents APU at WAVES conference and regional VA conferences as requested.
• Required to work one Saturday commencement event (Winter or Spring) a calendar year.
• Other tasks and special projects as assigned by the Assistant Director.
• Committed to a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values diversity.
• Support, affirm, and sustain the beliefs, values, and mission of the university in all facets of one's role and through the university's daily living expectations.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to manage database information.
• Ability to balance a variety of tasks and demands.
• Typing speed of 45 wpm.
• Good organization and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of office procedures.

• Work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Work effectively with other staff.
• Judgment and discretion skills on when to act and when to consult others.
• Ability to learn procedures and retain…