Veterans Student Support Coordinator

What if I told you it is possible to find a Company that lived to educate, inspire and empower others while creating a family atmosphere that truly appreciates and respects their team? Would you apply? What if I threw in strong Company values, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity for you to make a tangible impact and feel appreciated?

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At Westcliff, we are constantly striving to be the best while valuing each of our team members as human beings and succeeding together!

Westcliff is a leader in innovative global education. We are respected for our transformative, technologically advanced programs and initiatives with a focus on excellence, social responsibility, and diversity. Our tagline – “Educate. Inspire, Empower.” – is a summary of our Mission Statement. As it suggests, the main focus of our University is to strive to enhance the opportunities of our students and employees to enjoy success through empowerment, as a result of their education and hard work.

With diversity and inclusion at the forefront of Westcliff’s core values, we promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness regardless of, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, family status, religion, ethnicity, national origin, physical disability, veteran status, or age. By joining the Westcliff team, you’ll be playing a significant role in our growth, having an opportunity to put your personal touch on Westcliff’s progress as we grow and succeed together!

Westcliff University seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Veterans Coordinator. As part of the Student Services department, the Veterans Coordinator will play a crucial role in assisting and supporting military veterans and their dependents in navigating the educational process and accessing their entitled benefits. The primary responsibilities of this position include verifying benefits, developing education plans, and completing academic worksheets. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to providing exceptional service to our student veterans and ensuring their successful transition into higher education.

Responsibilities:

1. Certification of Benefits:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for student veterans and their dependents, assisting them with the certification process for educational benefits (e.g., GI Bill® benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment, California Department of Rehabilitation, tuition assistance programs).
• Collaborate with university departments and external agencies to gather the required documents to ensure accurate and timely submission of benefit certification requests.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations related to veterans' benefits.

1. Education Planning:

• Assist student veterans in developing individualized education plans to meet their academic and career goals.
• Provide guidance on course selection, credit transfer, and degree requirements, ensuring compliance with veterans' benefits regulations.
• Conduct regular meetings with student veterans to review their progress and make adjustments to their education plans as needed.
• Coordinate and conduct New Student Orientation for Military/VA students
• Coordinate and facilitate VA week for in-person attendance requirements

1. Academic Planning:

• Prepare and maintain academic worksheets for student veterans, documenting their progress towards degree completion.
• Collaborate with academic advisors, faculty, and other relevant university personnel to ensure accurate and up-to-date recording of students' academic achievements.
• Monitor academic standing and progress, identifying potential challenges and providing appropriate interventions or referrals to support services.

1. Student Support and Advocacy:

• Offer personalized support and advocacy to student veterans, addressing their unique needs and challenges throughout their educational journey.
• Connect student veterans with resources and services available on and off-campus, including counseling, disability support, career services, and community organizations.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that recognizes the contributions and experiences of student veterans.
• Monitor student enrollment and academic progress to ensure program completion and academic success.

1. Administrative Duties:

• Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of student veterans' certifications, education plans, academic worksheets, and other relevant documentation.
• Generate reports and provide data analysis as needed to monitor program effectiveness and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Participate in professional development activities to stay abreast of current trends, best practices, and regulatory changes in veterans' education benefits.

6. Outreach Duties:

• Weekly in-person outreach to local Non-profit organizations, Community Colleges, and Military-related events.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., education, counseling, social work) is preferred.
• Knowledge of veterans' benefits programs, including the GI Bill® and related regulations, is essential.
• Previous School Certifying Official (SCO) experience preferred.
• Experience working with military veterans, preferably in an educational setting, is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively engage with student veterans, university staff, and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in utilizing computer applications and student information systems for record-keeping and reporting purposes.
• Sensitivity to the unique needs and experiences of military veterans and their dependents, along with a commitment to providing exceptional service and support.
• Track record of proactive and solution-focused customer service approach.