Military Educational Benefits Specialist na Biola University

Military Educational Benefits Specialist

Position Description
 The Military Educational Benefits Specialist serves as the University’s primary School Certifying Official (SCO) for student educational benefit programs directly tied to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and similar educational benefits programs in accordance with all pertinent federal regulations. This position also processes and serves as the point of contact for students using state benefit programs including but not limited to the California Department of Rehabilitation. 

Alignment with Theological Positions
The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Eschatology Teaching Position.  As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.

Department
 Office of the Registrar

Supervisor
Assistant Registrar for Compliance

Educational Requirements
Some college required, BA preferred.

Work Requirements
Non-exempt (02), full-time – 40 hours/week, 12 months per year
This position requires personal attendance at Biola’s campus in La Mirada, California

Essential Duties

• Processes certifications and certification adjustments for all VA / DOD benefit programs Biola participates in, including but not limited to: Chapter 31, Chapter 33, Chapter 35, Tuition Assistance, the Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program, and ROTC.
• Authorizes benefits and coordinates VA payments for veterans and eligible dependents in partnership with Financial Aid and Accounting departments in accordance with regulatory guidelines and institutional policies.
• Provides excellent customer service to military students and their families as they inquire about and use their VA and military service affiliated educational benefits.
• Acts as the primary liaison between the university and all military benefit offices (such as the VA, CSAAVE, and DoD).
• Proactively remains current with and conducts all activities in accordance with all rules and regulations contained in the VA School Certifying Official Handbook, as well as any other guidance issued from official regulatory bodies.
• Successfully completes the annual application and approval cycle with the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) ensuring the annual approval of new and existing programs of study pursuant to requirements defined in 38 U.S.C.
• Ensures compliance with and maintenance of all applicable Department of Defense (DoD) Memorandum of
• Understandings (MOUs) for Tuition Assistance programs as well as other programs falling within the scope of the DOD. 
• Ensures timely student data submission and update to each branch of the US military as specified in respective MOUs.
• Attends and represents Biola at the annual Western Association of Veteran Educational Specialists (WAVES) and regional VA conferences as budget allows.
• Active coordinating partner of interdepartmental services to military affiliated students, both maintaining and advancing Biola’s culture of honor and welcome to servicemembers and their families.
• Process Direct Service Forms (DSF) for CA Dept. of Rehabilitation students and coordinate with Student Accounts and Financial Aid for appropriate benefits disbursement.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Qualifications

Skills:

• Data Entry and analysis: Accurate, detailed and efficient input of data in databases such as Banner, Enrollment Manager, WAWF/ PIEE, TUNGSTEN, and others as required. 
  
• Record keeping and Document Management: Organizing, filing, and managing electronic and hard copy paperwork pertaining to student records and immigration paperwork
  
• Familiarity with Google products including Gmail, Google Calendar, Docs, Sheets and Slides, Google Drive and Google Meet.
  
• Microsoft Office suites: familiarity and proficiency with  Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.
  
• Office Administration Procedures: Knowledge of office protocols and processes.
  
• Typing: Proficiency in keyboarding (typically 50 to 80 words per minute).
  
• Detail-oriented, independent and self-motivated, with the ability to effectively multitask.

Communication:

• Capacity to remain calm under pressure when high stakes conversations and situations present themselves.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and conversations with discretion, grace, and professionalism. 
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) in order to educate and communicate well with students and campus partners.
• Public interaction conducted with ease, confidence, and professionalism.
• Competent and experienced to communicate cross culturally with a diverse student body as well as with state and federal officials.
  
• Active Problem solver who identifies issues and takes initiative to come up with practical solutions.
  
• Organize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines based on urgency and priority.
  
• Juggle multiple responsibilities without compromising quality.
  
• Detail-oriented, independent and self-motivated, with the ability to effectively multitask.

Other Desired Duties/Skills

• VA or related educational financial benefit experience is strongly preferred. 
  
• Accounting, audit, and/or finance experience strongly preferred.