Specialist, VEB

The Veterans Education Benefits Specialist is responsible for counseling students who are active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and their family members concerning eligibility  for VA education benefits and programs. Responsible for completing VA certification of enrollments for Austin Peay State University students and guest students, conduct outreach to students through interdepartmental collaboration, and assist the students with faculty and other departments when necessary.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for the proper processing, accountability and loading of incoming applications and supporting documentation into the APSU Banner and scanning systems and VA Enrollment Manager system.
• Disseminate information regarding the application process and usage for veterans’ education benefits and other types of programs to students coming into the office, by telephone and e-mail.
• Design methods for streamlining the automation of processes within the office such as automating the correspondence sent by the office to students requesting their action or documentation.
• Serve as primary liaison with VA Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) counselors. Counsel VR&E student participants on the proper use of VR&E at the University; track their certifications & authorizations for expiration within manual and automated systems
• Assist the VEB Counselor/Director with VA Program Management such as ensuring full office coverage, maintain/track outgoing correspondence and incoming documentation.
• Conduct student outreach at interdepartmental workshops to benefit VA students, such as providing information on eligibility requirements for VA benefits and programs, and instructing on the process of applying for and utilizing VA benefits and other possible financial resources.
• Maintain student files and general office filling system including properly storing inactive student files for three years in accordance with VA regulations.
• Ensure that all forms and office supplies relevant to office functions are maintained and kept in adequate quantity.
• Maintain an on-going understanding of the computer programs and other office processes that are used in student file maintenance and the certification process
• Train and supervise student employees; maintain student employee personnel files, track and report time and attendance for payroll to VA Regional Office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and Ellucian Banner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the University community and the public..
• Ability to maintain files accurately, in paper and in software programs.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret and implement federal, state, and University policies and guidelines regarding veterans education benefits and programs for certification and processing.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree
• A minimum of one (1) year of full-time equivalent customer service experience with a high degree of public contact.
• Administrative support experience;
• Knowledge of government rules, regulations, and guidelines and procedures related to financial aid and/or Veterans education benefits.
• A background check will be required of the successful applicant.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU’s full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.