Military-Affiliated Student Specialist (VA Work Study)

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 8,239 - 11,735; Part time

Job summary

The Center for Public Partnerships & Research in Topeka, Kansas is seeking a Military-Affiliated Student Specialist for student support and customer service. The position is funded through the Department of Veteran Affairs, providing a fantastic opportunity for military-affiliated students to work in a central resource hub.

This position offers $7.25 per hour along with a scholarship to ensure compensation is aligned with campus wage standards. Responsibilities include assisting military-affiliated students and supporting educational benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be in good academic standing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook.
• Must be using VA benefits for the semester.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the center’s daily operations and appearance.
• Front desk duties including visitor interaction.
• Provide basic information and support to VA and military benefits users.

Skills

Microsoft Office applications

Customer service skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Good academic standing

Using VA benefits (GI Bill®)

Job description

Overview

Courtesy posting: This is a courtesy posting for the Military-Affiliated Student Center. This position will be funded through the Department of Veteran Affairs. Please visit VA’s Work Study page to determine eligibility for this position.

The Military-Affiliated Student Specialist helps the Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) in its mission to serve as a centralized resource for the KU military-affiliated community. MASC specialists work at the center’s reception desk, helping to keep the center open, welcoming students and their families, answering calls and emails, and helping MASC staff with various administrative duties and outreach.

This is a volunteer position associated with the University of Kansas program. Individuals serve in a voluntary capacity with KU and are not considered KU employees and will not receive compensation or benefits from the University of Kansas. Any compensation or stipend, if applicable, is provided directly through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), not KU. Participation does not create an expectation of future employment with KU. Selected individuals may be required to complete a background check in accordance with University policies.

Job Description

50% Student support and customer service

• Maintain the center’s daily operations and physical appearance, ensuring assigned duties/tasks are completed daily
• Front desk duties, including answering the main phone line, welcoming visitors and guests and logging interactions.
• Complete a variety of projects, including assembling information packets and other materials as needed.
• Assist with updating the masc.ku.edu website and/or social media as needed.
• Provide additional support to MASC staff as needed and directed; other duties as assigned.

50% Educational benefits support

• Provide basic information and support to VA and military TA benefits users and Military-Affiliated students.
• Help with VA benefits certification and other military-related benefits processing as needed.
• Support events and outreach efforts to Military-Affiliated students regarding benefits, finances, etc.
• Participate in regular staff training/development regarding benefits and services; attend required team meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Must be in good academic standing.
• VA Work Study eligible. To determine eligibility, visit the VA’s Work Study page.
• Must be using VA benefits (GI Bill®) for the semester in which you want to work.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook as demonstrated by application materials.
• Experience and/or strong interest in working with the KU Military-Affiliated community as demonstrated by application materials.
• During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted forGRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments)

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an office/customer service setting.
• Experience working independently and efficiently; ability to complete tasks and assignments with minimal supervision.
• Confident interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Punctual and industrious work habits.
• Knowledge of Military-Affiliated benefits, e.g. VA educational benefits, MASC services, etc.

Employment Conditions

Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete electronic application will include a cover letter and resume. Your VA benefits must be certified for the upcoming semester before you can start Work Study, so make sure to complete VA benefits paperwork ASAP.

To ensure consideration apply before the application review date July 24, 2026. The review of applications is ongoing, hires will be made throughout the posting period.

Contact Information to Applicants

Anntwan Jones

785-864-7867

Advertised Salary Range

$7.25 per hour. MASC provides a $250-$500 scholarship to make VA Work Study comparable to the campus minimum wage of $10.25/hr.

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 17, 2026