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Department:
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Associate Director, Veterans Services and Special Programs is responsible for the management of all veterans’ education benefit programs, including the accurate oversight and certification of military benefits to ensure the receipt of tuition revenue from the VA to AU per academic year. This position also oversees the management of special programs, particularly the health insurance waiver process, and the registration of first-time non degree students.
Ensures adherence to the Department of Veterans Affairs regulations and the Principles of Excellence through the development and maintenance of control systems and procedures. Oversees the accurate maintenance of records to ensure satisfactory audits and federal compliance in accordance with the requirements of the VA and with the University Records Retention Policy, as well as data on university veterans, including enrollment statistics and academic standing. Counsels prospective and returning students receiving VA benefits on the certification process and the efficient use of their VA benefits. Assesses customer service to identify and address issues that may impeded quality service. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of laws and program guidelines to ensure compliance. Serves as university expert on veteran education programs and benefit delivery.
The Associate Director supervises two full-time staff members – Assistant Director Veterans Services (responsible for certification benefits and other veterans support services), and Assistant Director, AU Central (oversees the health insurance waiver and non-degree registration processes). This position will also supervise between 2 and 3-VA Work-Study students.
The position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall coordination of veterans’ billing and awarding of other federal and institutional aid, the management of the health insurance waiver process and all first-time non-degree registration.
Essential Functions:
1.) Processing of benefits and reconciliation of Military Students’ Accounts
Responsible for the reconciliation of Student Veteran, Dependents, and Active Duty service members accounts. Investigates, audits, and seeks resolution of debt issues. Works with the offices of Student Accounts, Third Party billing, Financial Aid, and the Registrar’s Office as well as the Veterans’ Administration, the Department of Defense, and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) to ensure institutional awards comply with VA regulations, and to see that tuition and fee overpayments are returned to Veteran Affairs in a timely manner. Ensures accuracy and timeliness to maintain university compliance for eligibility in federal grant awarding. Serves as University Liaison to VR&E and the Senate Sub-Committee on Vocational Rehabilitation. Responsible for the maintenance of all Vocational Rehabilitation third-party contracts and records, the certification of enrollment of all students receiving Vocational Rehabilitation payments, and the processing of any changes in student enrollment. Responsible for oversight of the Veterans Benefits certification process and the direct certification of specific populations of students.
2.) Management of Two Full-Time Staff Members and VA Work Study Students
Oversees the responsibilities of the Veteran Services staff member and those of the VA Work-study students. Establishes the priority of special assignments during peak certification and audit periods as well as monitoring time record. Oversees the completion of applications, the creation of job descriptions, the accurate submission and retention of time records, and the timely payment of wages by the VA for between 1 and 20 VA Work Study students.
3.) Counseling
Counsels prospective and enrolled student veterans, their dependents, dependents’ parents, and active duty service members to determine which Veteran Administration and other military benefits they are eligible to receive and in what percentage. Answers questions via phone, email, or in person to resolve problems and address concerns and issues from student veterans. Provides referral to other appropriate campus resources. Host and participate in Campus Orientations to explain VA Education Benefits process for prospective and current students.
4.) Establishing University Policies and Procedures Regarding Veterans’ Benefit and Serve as Main Point of Contact for Veterans Benefits at AU
Collaborates with the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Third Party billing, Registrar, and academic units to assess university programs as they relate to Veteran Benefits. Ensures that benefits and payments comply with VA regulations and institutional policies. Serves as university point of contact in all issues pertaining to the commitment and adherence to Executive Order 13607. Evaluates all university academic programs to ensure that they fall within the guidelines of the Executive Order. Provides guidance to American University schools and colleges during the creation of new programs. Regularly informs these offices of changing policies, issues, and special requirements in veterans’ benefits. Develops and maintains written policies and procedures related to the assigned areas of responsibility and participate in and provide information for internal and external audits. Serve as Staff Advisor to American University Veterans and AU’s ROTC community, participating in training, conferences, committees and serving as representative to the Veterans Liaison Network. Main point of contact for internal and external audits. Provides access to Veterans’ Lounge, Special Projects.
5.) Reporting for Veterans Services
Provides statistics and just in time reporting for proactive outreach to specified student populations and accurate processing, reporting and registration. Provides timely and accurate reporting to the VA upon request including but not limited to graduations, dismissals and number of students enrolled per program. Provides accurate and timely reporting to the Office of Institutional Research as requested.
6.) Management of Special Programs
Oversees the administration of special programs. Collaborates with other offices (Student Health Center; Student Accounts; Academic units; etc.) to manage special programs, particularly the student health insurance waiver process, and first-time non-degree registration. Develops and maintains processes and policies, manage escalations, and reporting.
7.) Other Duties as Assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
Supervises two full-time staff positions: Assistant Director Veterans Services and Assistant Director, AU Central. This position will also supervise between 2 and 3-VA Work-Study students.
Competencies:
Championing Customer Needs.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Managing Talent.
Building and Supporting Teams.
Salary Range:
$77,000.00 - $84,000.00 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Knowledge of veteran educational benefits.
Minimum seven years of progressive experience in academic administration including providing front line student or customer support. Three years of supervisory experience required. Experience working with veteran and military students in a higher education setting.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with various college and external constituencies.
Ability to independently manage the certification and reporting obligations to the VA and other constituencies.
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
Ability to supervise staff and student workers.
Knowledge of Colleague, VA Once software, Service Now, and Microsoft office suite.
Ability to manage certification and reporting obligations with limited supervision.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
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Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.