Veteran Advisor & School Certifying Official - Chippewa Valley Technical College

Under the direction of the Registrar, this position is responsible for evaluating and processing Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits, verifying student benefit eligibility, assisting Veteran students/spouses/dependents navigate through the benefit application process, and updating benefit information and enrollment on a continuous basis in DOD, VA, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), and CVTC systems. The Veteran Advisor & School Certifying Official monitors academic progress for benefit purposes and advises students on additional Veteran student support systems inside and outside of the college. This position is responsible for Joint Services Transcript review and coordination for credit for prior learning. This position ensures the school maintains compliance with all DOD/VA policy and reporting guidelines as it relates to military education benefits. This position coordinates Veteran student events, provides training presentations, and is involved in internal and external events such as open houses and new student registration. 

Responsibilities:

• Advise Veteran students and dependents on potential benefit categories they may be eligible for and support the application process.
• Understand and interpret VA regulation and policies. Assure timely compliance with regulation and policy revisions.
• Authorize and review DOD and VA education benefit submissions within the state and federal reporting systems. Due to the varying mandatory deadlines, the financial impact to the student, the detailed nature of federal guidelines, and the complexity of the benefit programs; these documents require timeliness, extreme attention to detail and precision.
• Coordinate and submit program approval for VA benefits approval to the School Approval Agency within the WI Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Develop and provide all potential veteran or dependent applicant a personalized shopping sheet in compliance with section 1018 of Public Law 116-315.
• Coordinate the Joint Services Transcript collection and initial review of a service member’s military occupational experience and training.
• Collaborate with faculty and deans for their official review of the training, experience, and ACE credit recommendations that may cover competencies of the student’s program coursework.
• Coordinate credit approval and application to the student record with Records & Registration.
• Work with program advisors to adjust students’ education plans after award.   
• Comply with the Federal Principles of Excellence standards to assure eligibility of student federal funding through programs such as the GI Bill.
• Coordinate and process ERP coding with the CVTC Cashier’s office to assure federal and state benefits are applied correctly to student accounts.
• Reconcile all student tuition reimbursement submitted to the college annually from the VA for student benefits.
• Monitor academic progress and course enrollment to assure students are taking allowable courses in their program for benefit purposes.
• Advise and support veteran students in submitting their Joint Services Transcript and other college transcripts for CPL review.
• Act as an advocate for student veterans in resolving concerns.
• Advise student veterans and dependents on internal and external support systems.
• Comply with State Statute 38.12(12) by maintaining service member coding within the ERP and collaborating with Registration & Records to secure priority registration events and access.
• Lead and coordinate the development, implementation, and review of all programming and events on campus/virtual for Veteran students, spouses, and dependents.
• Develop and act as a club advisor to the CVTC Student Veterans Club.
• Represent the College at any Veteran student related events on and off campus.
• Coordinate the annual Department of Veteran Affairs school audit and prepare all documentation requested for school compliance and practices review.
• Monitor industry best practices to help student veterans overcome barriers and increase retention and graduation rates.
• Extract, analyze, and maintain data on all students receiving veteran services.
• Maintain Veteran website pages on the public and internal websites. Ensure effective usability and compliance with state and program regulations.  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently toward department goals.
• Thorough knowledge of College and external Veteran resources with the ability to identify resources appropriate to the student for success or support needed.
• Ability to interpret and communicate College policies and procedures.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to value diversity by recognizing personal biases, adapting to culturally diverse situations, and demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful interactions with persons of diverse ethnic, cultural, social-economic, or educational backgrounds.
• Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office solutions, CRM (e.g. Advise), and Student Information Systems (e.g. Banner).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to travel between CVTC campuses and attend partner events.

• Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling, Higher Education, Communications, Business or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in student services, customer service, or professional office setting.
• Military experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the Department of Veteran Affairs benefit programs for military service members and dependents preferred.
• Experience utilizing Banner ERP preferred.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties of position.

The College is seeking to attract diverse instructors and staff who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits of diversity in a higher education community. Consideration will be given to equity-minded individuals committed to collaborating with faculty, staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps.

2024 annual benefits include:

• 3 – 4 weeks of paid vacation time based on years of service
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid winter break - varies each year based on academic calendar and, at a minimum, includes days between Christmas and New Year’s holidays (some exceptions may apply for essential workers)
• Paid summer break - the week of July 4th.
• 4 paid personal days
• 3 weeks (15 days) paid sick time annually for absences due to illness, injury, or doctor and dentist appointments of the employee, dependent children, spouse, or parents of the employee or spouse; cumulative to 135 days (1,080 hours)
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually (eligibility requirements apply)
• Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3,400 annually for a family plan or $1,700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
• Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTC’s health insurance
• $2,500 cash-payment in lieu of CVTC health insurance coverage for employees who have credible coverage through another source
• Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Vision insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by CVTC
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), CVTC matches 6.9%, vested at 5 years of credible service
• 403(b) tax deferred annuity program
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Section 125 flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development
• Certified Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace (FFW)
• Access to expansive collection of college and public library resources for personal and professional use
• Free or low-cost services offered by CVTC program students, such as computer repair, automotive repair, Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa, and 620 West restaurant and culinary pop ups 

Benefits begin on the first date of employment (i.e., there is no waiting period).

CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college's non-discrimination policies: Vice President of Talent & Culture, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711