Veteran Student Services Counselor

Embry‑Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ—along with a Worldwide network spanning roughly 120 global locations—Embry‑Riddle proudly stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. Now celebrating our 100th year, we continue to lead innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students worldwide. Our cutting‑edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space prepare the next generation of leaders shaping the future of flight and beyond.

The Veteran Student Services (VSS) Counselor I will serve as the school certifying official (SCO) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program manager and will provide proactive support to veteran and military affiliated students. Primary responsibilities include management of all VA enrollment certifications, maintaining accurate student files according to institutional and VA regulations and requirements. The position requires independent judgment and decision making and the utilization of resources in the assessment and resolution of student issues.

Conducts detailed analyses of student academic and VA records. Assists with coverage of student files when needed due to extended counselor personal leave. VSS Counselors are expected to communicate with students proactively via phone, email, text, and in‑person to promote student retention and maintain a high level of customer service. The VSS Counselor serves a vital role toward the student experience and retention and will promote veteran student engagement at every opportunity.

As a VSS team member, the Counselor will also be responsible for providing support in planning and coordinating VSS events and workshops and producing communication and marketing materials in conjunction with VSS staff and leadership. Other duties may include data management and assisting with VSS social media updates.

To excel in this role, the Counselor must have excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required. The Counselor must be available to work occasionally on Saturdays and evenings as needed to support VSS team and veteran student events, orientations, and workshops on and off campus. The VSS Counselor will serve as a positive role model for veteran students, the department, and the university.

• The VSS Counselor will serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO), processing Veteran Affairs (VA) Education Benefits Certifications for veteran students.
• Processing includes tuition and scheduling calculations, submissions to the VA through the Enrollment Manager system, and determining amendments and adjustments due to student scheduling changes.
• Responsible for reporting VA educational benefits paid to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to stay compliant with university policies, state approval authorities, and VA annual inspections.
• Meet with students 1:1 (walk‑in or appointments) to provide personalized assistance and counseling interpreting their VA benefits or other questions. Common questions include determining why an expected payment has not been received, articulating how VA benefits can be used with other benefits and during non‑traditional terms (summer), discussing how the overall benefits process works, the use of benefits for study abroad programming, and pre‑advising orientation.
• Responsible for contacting the VA directly to verify benefits information and to advocate on behalf of students that experience unique situations regarding their benefits.
• Responsible for coverage of student files for other SCOs who are not present or available to address the needs of any students seeking assistance.
• Responsible for supporting all compliance activities as needed including ERAU internal audits, yearly state approving agency program approvals, and VA surveys, and managing priorities and tasks under deadlines.

• Responsible for communicating proactively with students via all methods of…