Position OverviewThe Military and Veterans Affairs Benefits Assistant in the Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC) primarily serves as an additional School Certifying Official for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. This position utilizes strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work with strict deadlines and superior attention to detail to assure the accuracy of student records and benefits reporting procedures. Prior experience with VA education benefits is not required for this position.
Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).Job DescriptionThe MASC serves as KU's centralized resource for Military-Affiliated students as they move to, through and beyond the university. The University of Kansas averages 1,900 Military-Affiliated students each year with approximately 1,000 using VA benefits. The MASC, along with Academic Success Operations, Academic Success Navigators, and Equity and Success Initiatives, is part of the Academic Success Initiatives Team within Academic Affairs at KU.
Academic Success advocates for and strategically advances education at the University of Kansas. We work with students from orientation to graduation, providing them with high-quality, data-driven academic and career advising, targeted academic support systems and networks, and empowering and engaging experiential learning. We serve the university, coordinating with faculty, staff, and students throughout KU to further educational initiatives and strategic goals.
85% Veterans Affairs Certification & Military Benefits Support
Assist full-time School Certifying Official in certifying VA education benefits.
- Process and submit VA educational benefits requests, enrollment change certifications, etc.
- Help ensure compliance with VA and DoD regulations; assist with records retention according to federal, state, and University regulations.
- Help train student staff on VA certifications process.
Serve as an additional resource for military tuition assistance as needed.
- Help update and maintain school information in tuition assistance portals used by each military branch as needed.
10% Serve as a resource to students regarding VA educational benefits.
- Help advise students on the process for using VA educational benefits; help research and resolve any certification or payment issues brought up.
- Accept and analyze documentation from students regarding their eligibility for VA educational benefits.
- Help respond to inquiries received via phone, email, etc.
Support MASC in providing high quality services to students, families, and the university community.
- Communicate effectively, compassionately, and respectfully, both orally and in writing, with people from all levels and backgrounds at the University, including students, families, staff and faculty members, even in challenging circumstances.
- Independently define problems accurately and concisely; develop and execute one or more solutions.
5% Other Duties
- Attend relevant unit meetings and trainings.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled KU graduate student
- Ability to work a minimum of 15 hours/week. Students can work up to 29 hours a week when classes are in session. During the summer or when classes are not in session, the number of hours worked is at the discretion of the appointing department, not to exceed 40 hours.
- Summer availability
- During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments)
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to learn new technology systems.
- Experience working in areas with complex rules and policies.
- Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail as evidenced in the application materials.
Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
- Cover Letter addressing the required qualifications and your interest in the position.
- Resume
- At least 1 professional reference - can be faculty or staff familiar with your work.
To ensure consideration apply before the application review date 3/11/2025. Application deadline is 4/6/2025.Contact Information to ApplicantsApril Blackmon Strange: Salary Range$15.00 per hourWork ScheduleM-F, 15-29 hours/weekAnticipated Start DateMonday April 14, 2025 Apply to Job