School Certification Officer (VA)

Associate's degree and 3 or more years of office management experience. Two or more years of VA Certification Officer experience strongly preferred. Excellent computer skills and budgetary experience. Strong communication and interpersonal skills and work experience with a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

This position functions as the Veterans Administration (VA) University Certification Officer ( UCO) for the Office of Veterans & Military Affairs. The specifics of the position is to ensure that the veterans and veterans dependents are properly certified to receive his/her educational benefits as provided by the VA and approved by the state of NC.

Office of Veterans & Military Affairs is an integral unit of the Division of Student Success. We guide and direct our students by providing and promotion events, services, etc. that increase their skills used to enhance intellectual, cognitive, social, personal and physical competencies. The office also works with students, faculty and staff to promote the students' independence to ensure recognition of their abilities for total development.

As the primary Veterans Administration (VA) University Certification Officer ( UCO): Meets with new and returning veterans and veteran dependents to assure certification for education benefits (VA certification process of educational benefits such as Chapters 1606, 1607, 30, 31, 35, 33, Yellow Ribbon, and disabled veteran status)for academic semesters and summer sessions using the interpretation of state, federal, local, university and office procedures. Advises veterans and veteran dependents of benefits, programs and options according to VA specifications for which the student may be eligible. Answer questions and concerns of students, parents and VA representatives regarding veterans and veteran dependents. Attends national, regional and state conferences for Veterans Administration (VA).

Must exhibit the patience and ability to handle major complaints and concerns reference students VA benefits Chapters 1606, 1607, 31, 33, and 35. Must provide accurate and timely information when solving problems regarding students withdrawing from classes, changing majors and turning in VA paperwork for processing. Must coordinate and manage Chapters 33 and 35 student funding accurately with university's Treasurer Office. Also, must coordinate with VA to resolve any situational problems in the VAONCE system. Work independently to resolve any special VA problems and keep OVMA director informed.

Must demonstrate effective use of software applications to produce needed reports, brochures, programs, posters, etc. including use of the web to access and retrieve current information. Must use technology as designed by VA to train veterans on use of the WAVE system as needed. Proficiency in use of Banner, VACERT, VAONCE accurately on a daily basis is critical.

Works with academic affairs, undergraduate and graduate schools to assure that applications for approval from the North Carolina State Approving Agency are in by the appropriate deadline. Any addendums for the approval (such as changing of procedures, adding or deleting majors), must also be approved. Prepare and submit travel request/reimbursements. Responsible for paper and electronic files to ensure prepared for audits by VA and NCACVA. As Certifying Officer, must ensure all class schedules are matched against curriculum guides as spelled out by Veterans Administration. Responsible to retrieve and compile information from various sources as requested.
Will write reports, gather statistics used to compose letters as they involve veterans and/or their dependents. Responsible for data and information to write and update the Handbook for Veterans and Veteran Dependents each year. Update office brochure, power point presentations as needed.

Communicates routine and general information to staff, clients (466 current students monthly at highest peak and approximately 600 students on file), and/or public about standard services, processes, and procedures using prescribed or established guidelines. Responds to questions/issues that deviate from standard operating procedures by determining and consulting appropriate resources such as policies, manuals or other staff. Coordinates with the following outside agencies to ensure we are in compliance, implementing new policies and standardizing work processes: Applies knowledge of programs, policies and procedures to interpret and communicate information to meet specific needs of staff and clients. Responds to requests for program and procedural information. Contacts service recipients, vendors, or clients to provide or obtain information. Screens and directs clients /visitors to appropriate source. Schedules and coordinates appointments, meetings and events. Demonstrates the ability to work with confidential and sensitive information.
Gathers readily available information from office records to draft e-mails, memos and other documents. Proofreads documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and basic formatting. Provides answers to requests for general information in written format. Composes written communication with guidance using standard formats. Composes correspondence involving program or operational procedures independently from general instructions or brief summaries.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more: