**Job Description** The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here. (http://www.tacoma.uw.edu/chancellor/strategic-planning) As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty. The Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) has an outstanding opportunity for a **Veteran & Military Resource Center** ( **VMRC) Benefits Advisor.** This position provides advice and counsel to prospective and current students and their families about federal and state veterans benefits programs. This Counselor position will support the programmatic changes needed to serve the expanding Veteran and Military student enrollment at UW Tacoma since we are now a Veteran & Military Resource Center at UW Tacoma. VA Education benefits are complex in nature; each benefit program has different eligibility criteria, benefit levels, and delivery methods. Regular interaction with the VA is required to resolve discrepancies or to advocate on behalf of students. The Veteran and Military Resource Center will provide a holistic approach or "one-stop" approach to veterans services where expertise in all aspects of federal and state benefits is a requirement. The VMRC Benefits Advisor will assume the duties of the secondary "School Certifying Official" and is responsible for performing the required duties and responsibilities for campus compliance with federal and state policies. This position must use a dedicated VA web-based certifying system along with our UW student systems to monitor benefits, enrollment and report appropriate changes, payment reconciliation, and regular file audits. **DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:** **Advising and Counseling:** Provide in-person advising and counseling for students, parents, staff and others seeking information and assistance with all aspects of Veterans Educational Benefits, State Waiver Programs, Veteran Residency laws along with financial aid and enrollment policies and procedures. Utilize a thorough understanding of veterans educational benefits (federal and state); and articulate the various eligibility requirements to current and prospective students. Consult with the Director of Veteran and Military Resource Center and use of professional judgement as needed to resolve complex issues, eligibility or payment discrepancies. Prepare educational plans for Veteran Readiness and Employment recipients and their case managers in collaboration with University Academic Advising. Advise students and families about Veteran-related Residency requirements. Give presentations, both to internal and external military and veteran groups, regarding higher education opportunities in Washington state, veteran benefits and enrollment. Make referrals to appropriate offices and staff. (45%) **Administration and Certification of Veteran Related Benefits:** Effectively perform all of the required elements of VA certification. Inform and assist students with application for VA benefits. Reconcile the enrollment status of VA benefit recipients with university and VA records/systems. Certify initial credit/status enrollment to VA on all eligible students. Report accurate tuition and fees to the VA depending on individual student's percentage of eligibility and involving financial aid review to insure policy compliance. Maintain required records and files with clear documentation regarding tuition and fee calculations and any special circumstances and professional judgments made. Collect appropriate documentation from eligible students with follow up for documentation as needed. Authorize quarterly payment and reconcile any payment exceptions or discrepancies. Monitor students' grades to ensure satisfactory progress is being made. Consult with academic advisors when needed as to applicability of courses to the student's degree program. Inform the VA quarterly when students are placed on Academic Probation. Finalize VA records with graduation information once degrees are recorded. (40%) **Veteran and Military Residency:** Provide advice and counsel those students qualifying for Washington residency programs based on Active Military status and Veterans Residency involving review of state-wide and university policies. Correspond with individuals throughout the process and maintain the records using established University records retention policies. (10%) **Audit and Compliance:** Review a variety of reports, perform quarterly audit of files. Prepare information for annual State Approving Agency audit and every-two year VA compliance survey. (5%) **MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS** + Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, public policy or related field AND two years' experience in counseling/Academic Advising, Direct Student Service, Veterans related Policy Analysis. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. **ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS** + Complex Record-keeping processes + Experience serving needs of diverse populations + Excellent verbal and written communication skills + Understanding of higher education student and software systems. **DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS** + Experience in a Veterans and Military Resource Center office, Registrar's Office, Financial Aid Office or other Higher Education student service-oriented office that involves counseling/advising students along with complex policy analysis and interpretation. + Understanding and experience in Enrollment Manager and the UW Student Database (SDB) **CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT** + Ability to work evening and weekends. + Transportation to and from events is the responsibility of the employee. + Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds. **Compensation, Benefits and Position Details** **Pay Range Minimum:** $54,312.00 annual **Pay Range Maximum:** $56,088.00 annual **Other Compensation:** - **Benefits:** For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ **Shift:** First Shift (United States of America) **Temporary or Regular?** This is a regular position **FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):** 100.00% **Union/Bargaining Unit:** Not Applicable **About the UW** Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. **Our Commitment** The University of Washington is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu . Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) . University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.