Located 45 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, nestled in a history-rich community of southern Maryland, The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has been twice named in the top 150 community colleges by the Aspen Institute with academic programs in over 100 disciplines. CSM is among America’s top 100 producers of Minority associate degrees in twenty categories, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education. CSM offers excellent health insurance benefits; State Retirement Pension plan; wellness programs; Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer; college closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year; and for several days in March for Spring Break. We are an innovative institution committed to student success and well known for our flexibility to meet student and community needs.
The hiring salary for this position will be from the min to mid-point of the salary range.
The individual in this position manages and monitors the colleges veteran student services; certifies students for US Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational benefits; provides academic program advising for veterans; and assures compliance with federal, state and college directives in relation to veteran/dependent educational benefits.
Reports to: Director of Financial Assistance
The College of Southern Maryland conducts background checks in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the College's staff and students. The final candidate for this position will be subject to the following background checks: Criminal History Check and Sex Offender Registry Check.
This position is open until filled. The College of Southern Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities25% Academic Advising
Utilizes in-person, written and web-based information to provide information and guidance to potential students, current students, and the college community in the areas of the veterans’ educational benefits and eligibility, educational objectives, and degree/vocational opportunities.Interprets placement test scores and advises students of course placement.Provides academic program advising to veteran students who are eligible to receive DVA education benefits and ensures compliance with unique DVA policies and requirements.Monitor student progress to ensure they continue to successfully work to complete their academic goals. 25% Veterans’ Education Benefits Advising
Assist students in applying for a wide variety of DVA programs.Completes and updates program evaluations for students as it relates to VA.Prepares and reviews appropriate documentation necessary for certification of student’s veterans’ education entitlements to DVA benefits. Interprets and applies federal and state regulations to all aspects of veteran student aid.Ensure students continue to meet academic requirements pertaining to DVA education benefit eligibility. 35% Institutional Compliance and Reporting
Serves as a liaison for veteran’s affairs with academic division chairpersons, academic advisors, and administrative personnel; provides assistance in resolving problems in relation to veteran student issues.Reviews academic evaluations, enrollment, and student requirements to ensure compliance with DVA regulations and CSM policies. Monitors veteran students’ academic progress, course enrollment, and other reporting requirements.Acts as a liaison between DVA Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist and disabled veterans; controls the issuance of forms used to cover educational costs.Ensures the college is in compliance with state and federal agencies by maintaining a thorough knowledge of veterans’ affairs policies and procedures; prepares and submits reports to the appropriate federal and state entities.Communicates with the appropriate state and federal agencies to resolve any conflicting issues as needed.Coordinates annual catalog submission and program updates to DVA and MHEC/SAA. Coordinates annual federal and/or state audits / program reviews.Monitors each veteran student’s academic process.Works with the student accounts department on the process for clearing students in overpayment status with DVA.Serves on internal and external committees that directly impact VA students.Ensures compliance with federal, state and college directives in relation to veteran/dependent educational benefits.15% Staff Supervision
Trains, supervises, and evaluates the Veterans Advisor and any VA work-study students.Directs the work of the Veteran’s Office.Provides training for student services division staff and staff at all campuses regarding VA benefits. Meets regularly with office staff to address VA issues.Develops and maintains onboarding process for new veterans regarding their benefits.Maintains and updates the CSM Veteran’s website.
Additional Duties:
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree required. Working knowledge of VA policies and proceduresExperience working with faculty/staff/students from post-secondary institutions.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Veteran preferredExperience with providing academic advising on a post-secondary level.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of program or project planning and implementation. Experience developing and evaluating policies and procedures. Strong written and oral communication skills. Analyzing data and drawing conclusions Designing and conducting training programs Interpreting federal regulations Proficiency in Microsoft Office software Two years’ experience working in a financial aid or Registrar’s office in a post-secondary institution preferred. Knowledge of Colleague software preferred. Ability to conduct independent research. Ability to work with a diverse population with a wide variety of needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is mostly sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.