Under the general supervision of the MSSC Education Benefits Manager & Department head, serves as the Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official providing VA educational benefit assistance to members of the various branches of military service, veterans and their dependents through close adherence to stated policies, procedures and regulations of the Department of Veteran Affairs, federal/state government, and University. This position requires attention to detail, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team environment.

Essential Functions

Act as a liaison from the UTEP Military Student Success Center at the Fort Bliss military installation.

Keeps office hours in concert with UTEP MSSC's at Fort Bliss for 2-3 days a week.

Serves as one of the points of contact for all activities that UTEP might conduct on the Fort Bliss military installation.

Assists active duty/veterans/dependents in the VA benefit application process and DOD Tuition Assistance programs (TA).

Processes approximately 400+ incoming VA certifications/TA vouchers, ensures necessary documents are submitted, calculates tuition and fees, and performs data entry as necessary via Perceptive Content, Banner, and VA-ONCE. Processes various internal VA reports, submits updates to enrollment certifications and grades.

Resolves problems regarding eligibility and payment of VA benefits

Maintains knowledge of various benefits, TA legislation changes, services available and regulations governing their administration.

Processes incoming VA debt letters in collaboration with Student Business Services.

Answers questions in person, over the telephone, and e-mail regarding MSSC and VA related inquiries, program policies, practices, and operations.

Provides active duty/veterans/dependents with benefit counseling, coordination of services, and policy advocacy.

Prepares or assists active duty/veterans/dependents in preparation of appropriate benefits claim forms and other documentation.

Assists in resolving problems encountered by active duty/veterans/dependents by seeking out information as necessary.

Maintains knowledge of policies and regulations governing the administration of the state Hazlewood exemption.

Composes, prepares, proofreads confidential correspondence, reports, and other complex documents; files correspondence and other reports; acts as custodian of university documents and records.

Assists with external audits, including preparation of files for auditors' visits.

Organizes, conducts, and participates in receptions, college fairs, and other special programs/events

Assists with orientation sessions/welcome days for new students, transfer students, and parents

Assists with the development of promotional and training materials

Aids in the training of new hires within the department.

Assists in seeing students and in working additional hours during peak periods.

Serves as liaison to VA regional offices, University departments or administrative areas.

Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.

Complies with all State and University policies.

Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree

and

Experience: One year of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 25 pounds.

The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.

In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.