Program Specialist, Military & Veterans Support (.75 FTE)

Program Specialist, Military & Veterans Support (.75 FTE)

Ohlone College

Salary: $46,944.00 - $59,940.00 Annually
Job Type: Part-Time
Division: Student Services
Opening Date: 05/19/2025
Location: Fremont Campus
Job Number:
Department: Student Services
Bargaining Unit: California School Employees Association (CSEA)


Ideal Candidate Statement
The ideal candidate for this position is a motivated and detail-oriented professional with prior experience as a certifying official or a background in Financial Aid. They possess a solid understanding of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and are quick to learn and apply complex policies and regulations. This individual communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, and demonstrates professionalism and respect when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. A true team player, the candidate thrives in collaborative environments and works well with multiple departments and stakeholders. Strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic setting are essential qualities for success in this role.

This position is funded by categorical funds, and employment is subject to those funds being available.

Position Description
Under general supervision, process and certify student applications for Veterans Administration Educational benefits in accordance with legal guidelines. Monitor student progress, process documents for payment of Veteran's benefits. Provide technical assistance and information to students, staff and the public. Monitor the daily operation of the Military & Veteran Student Success Center. Assist in increasing the number of veterans by reaching out and attending outreach events and workshops. This position reports directly to the Financial Aid Supervisor/Veteran Affairs Coordinator.



Duties and Responsibilities

1. Guides students using VA benefits through the District's registration process and the process to apply for educational benefits.
2. Understand Federal and State Education Codes regarding residency for military/veterans/dependents. Assist with the process to update the status.

Review applications and other information required to certify student enrollment status for VA benefits; determine appropriate VA educational program and eligibility and provide necessary forms; design and develop procedures, forms, applications, and other informative materials.

Monitors the enrollment status of veterans and other eligible persons to keep the VA informed of any enrollment changes in timely manner.

Work closely with the other related Departments to inform updates in policies, address and resolve programs where appropriate.

Understand Federal and State Codes regarding residency/tuition waiver for military/veterans/dependents. Assist with the process to update the status.

Maintain student VA records in accordance with VA regulations and audit records to ensure accuracy; research data; prepare files for auditors; generate reports for district, state and federal agencies.

Monitor the day-to-day operation of the Military & Veteran Student Success Center.

Plan and organize VA Work Study student activities; approve, monitor, and sign timesheets for VA Work Study students and resolve payment discrepancies.

Prepare and transmit correspondence for students regarding VA eligibility, student status, and other information; respond to requests from other educational institutions/agencies for the verification of student status and records; ensure proper releases are on file to safeguard student privacy; initiate and compose correspondence as appropriate.

Develops reports related to students utilizing VA benefits.

Provides referrals for specialized support services such as assisting veterans with finding on or off campus employment, housing, community resources, rehabilitation services, counseling services, and to external Veterans Administration (VA) services.

Performs outreach to veterans and other military personnel through veterans and civic organizations throughout the district service area; educates prospective students on VA benefits and educational opportunities at the college.

Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations as it relates to the position.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook and federal and state regulations applicable to education benefits for eligible veterans.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Applicable sections of the federal and state education code relevant to assigned responsibilities.
• Data gathering software.
• Web-based applications related to VA certification for education benefits.
• General office software and equipment.

Ability To

• Apply and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding student VA benefits.
• Learn, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to admissions and records.
• Keep current on and implement changes to VA regulations and benefits.
• Ensure that information is efficiently provided to the VA including meeting required deadlines.
• Notify supervisor/s of any internal problems that may impact service to students using VA benefits.
• File documents accurately; maintain records as required.
• Communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with District personnel, students, outside agencies, and departmental visitors.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Use data gathering software and applications to run reports.
• Use web-based applications to certify eligibility for VA benefits and provide the VA all information it requires.
• Use general office software and equipment to develop reports, aggregate data, and communicate with District personnel and students.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability issues.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination equivalent to: an Associate's degree and two years of related work experience;
AND
Experience working directly with Veterans Affairs and/or military affiliated students;
AND
Must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices.

Environmental Elements

A community college campus with an emphasis on student success.? Work is generally performed in a busy office environment.

Physical Characteristics
This position requires physical abilities needed to work in a standard office setting, including but not limited to: standing and/or sitting for prolonged periods; occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and twisting; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling light and moderate amounts of weight; operating office equipment which may require repeated fine motor skills (e.g.: keyboard use); and the ability to communicate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



Required Application Materials: The below items must be uploaded as attachments for your application to be complete and considered.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae.

A cover letter addressing the listed desirable qualifications and personal/professional qualities.

A list of three (3) professional references including name, position, organization, phone number, email, and relationship to the applicant.

Unofficial copies of all college transcripts. Official sealed transcripts will be required at the time of hire.

Diversity question response: What does it mean to have a commitment to diversity, and how would you apply this commitment as you conduct your responsibilities in this position?

Foreign Transcripts
Transcripts issued outside the United States require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the filing deadline. Here is a list of approved foreign degree evaluations services: (Download PDF reader)

District Statement
Founded in 1967, Ohlone College is named in honor of the early Ohlone People who inhabited the San Francisco Bay Area. Ohlone College is committed to providing a high-quality education to serve our diverse population of over 15,000 students per year. Ohlone College is nationally recognized for our Deaf Studies and Interpreter Preparation programs, and is widely known for our nursing, health sciences, liberal arts, biomedical science, and smart manufacturing programs. As a learning community, we embrace and champion inclusivity, integrity, student expression . click apply for full job details