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VA School Certifying Official/Admissions Advisor

Northwest Arkansas Community College
$43,628 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.
United States, Arkansas, Bentonville
1 College Drive (Show on map)
May 14, 2025
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas. As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers. NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success. The VA School Certifying Official/Admissions Advisor in the Veterans Student Success Center will participate in an integrated, cross-trained team approach in providing strategies to promote student success with an emphasis on student experience and perspective. This position will serve students who are veterans or qualifying dependents of veterans who wish to use military-related benefits to cover educational expenses. Serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO), the adviser has in-depth knowledge of both VA requirements for use of benefits and NWACC program requirements. The adviser works with students to ensure they are prepared to learn. This position promotes outstanding customer service in order for students to successfully complete every facet of the enrollment and VA certification process. This individual will advise through formal appointments with students which may be conducted in-person or online. Because NWACC operates in multiple locations in Benton and Washington counties, the individual may be scheduled to work at any of the locations as needed to serve students. The primary location will be the main campus in Bentonville to help staff the VSSC and ensure that it remains open throughout regular business hours for student access. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institutional policy. The adviser reports directly to the Director of Veterans Services. Job Description Respond to and resolve inquiries regarding VA benefits via telephone, email, and in-person, to ensure timely and high-quality customer service. Act as a designated VA approved work-study site supervisor, under the leadership of the Director. Assist in providing reports and information for the VA's annual compliance survey/audit. Serves as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for veterans and qualifying dependents enrolled in any eligible program of study at NWACC. Understands and maintains extensive knowledge of the enrollment process in order to assist student veterans and qualifying dependents with military-related benefits, NWACC admissions, records, financial aid, academic advising, registration and setting up payment arrangements. Meets with students to discuss academic and/or career goals, semester course recommendations, degree audits, and other education related topics Maintains Veterans Center email box and corresponds with students as needed Aids in the planning and implementation of student events including support for recruitment and retention efforts through outreach and community involvement such as but not limited to Eagle Welcome, Community Resource Fair, and more. Processes student records as applicable to the student enrollment process and VA certification process Makes appropriate service and resource referrals including Disability Resource Center, Career Pathways, Student Success Center, Counseling and Wellness Center, etc. Maintains and manages shared calendar of dates available for appointments Adheres to policies and procedures for Student Services and the VSSC. Maintains a working knowledge of student service resources, including software, equipment, websites, career assessments, transfer information, placement testing, and class schedules. Participates in educational/professional opportunities provided for staff to facilitate continued learning of best practices Attends work regularly, reliably, and non-disruptively Contributes to creating and maintaining collegial, harmonious working relationships with others Perform any other related duties as required or assigned. Completed application received by 07/06/2025 will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position. *Rate of Pay $43,628 annualized Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of college policies, procedures, and practices; knowledge of Veteran educational benefits; knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title VII, Title IX, ADA and other applicable laws pertaining to employment and education; ability to plan, organize and implement assigned responsibilities and to work well under pressure to meet deadlines; excellent organizational, analytical and planning skills; ability to participate as a team member, ability to understand and interpret rules and regulations, and ability to adjust to change; ability to handle confidential material judiciously; understanding of education programs and tools related to community colleges. Physical Demands The following physical activities 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 and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, talk or hear; regularly required to reach with hands and arms, taste or smell; occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Environmental Conditions The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required (Exceptional experience may be considered in lieu of educational requirements). Outstanding customer service and attention to detail Preferred Qualifications** Experience working full-time in post-secondary education Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for an institutional of higher learning (IHL) Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for non-credit degrees (NCD) Experience serving as a VA school certifying official (SCO) for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs (OJT & App) Experience providing academic advising for students in higher education. NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.