Military and Veterans Benefits Specialist

Western Governors University; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical, dental, vision

Wellbeing program

Tuition discount

Flexible paid time off

11 paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Western Governors University is seeking a Military and Veterans Benefits Specialist to administer and coordinate military-related benefits for students. You will manage attendance certifications, eligibility checks, and liaise with VA and other military entities to resolve questions and issues.

Applicants should have a High School diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of experience in financial aid or a similar customer service field. Travel up to 20% may be required.

Qualifications

• Well organized and detail oriented.
• Experience in financial aid or customer service.
• Knowledge of VA benefits programs a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate military-related benefit programs.
• Prepare and distribute information to students about benefits.
• Submit attendance certifications for new and continuing students.
• Check eligibility and update entitlement records.
• Liaise with VA and other military entities to resolve issues.
• Maintain confidential files and ensure timely payments.

Skills

Well organized

Attention to detail

Public relations

Communication

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

2 years of experience in financial aid or customer service

Equivalent experience substituting for education

Tools

Banner system

Job description

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

Grade: Services 206Pay Range: $22.64 - $32.83

Job Description

The Military and Veterans Benefits Specialist is responsible for administering and coordinating military-related benefit programs. They complete attendance certifications and invoices monthly and coordinate with various military entities to research and resolve student questions and problems. They maintain related records and files and ensure payments are processed and sent to students or to the University. The Benefits Specialist will also perform miscellaneous functions necessary for the processing of benefits and assist other Military Support Department staff as required.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the effective administration and coordination of military-related benefit programs.
• Prepares and distributes information to students about various military benefit programs.
• Prepares and submits certifications of attendance for new and continuing students.
• Checks eligibility status of student and updates records to reflect correct current entitlement.
• Acts as a liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs and other military entities and the student; researches and resolves problems with claims, billings, non-payment, etc.
• Maintains and organizes files for students with required forms and documentation.
• Maintains virtual file of records and communication with student.
• Ensures that benefit programs are administered effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with the University’s policies as well as legal regulations.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication, coordination and working relations with students, mentors and other university personnel.
• Communicates benefit information and related requirements necessary for continued receipt of those benefits to students via phone and email.
• Answers student questions regarding military benefits; answers questions from other personnel about students’ benefits within the parameters of confidentiality.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings as required to ensure information given to students and University personnel about military benefits is accurate and up to date.
• Establishes and maintains professional relations with military contacts, Utah State Approving Agency and other business professionals.
• Obtains and conveys information as required for compliance.
• Ensures problems are effectively resolved.
• Ensures payments and paperwork are processed timely and accurately.
• Promotes a positive image of the University and upholds its reputation.
• Attends yearly workshops offered by the VA and SAA to receive information affecting benefit administration.
• Assumes responsibility for related duties as required or assigned.
• Ensures work area is clean, secure and well-maintained.
• Completes additional projects as assigned.
• Attends and participates in University meetings as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Well organized
• Attentive to detail
• Strong public relations and communications skills
• Ability to assist and support others
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience in financial aid or similar customer service field/environment
• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with VA benefit programs.
• Experience with Banner or other information management system.
• This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

Additional InformationDisclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at .Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.