Veteran Student Services Counselor I

Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace

With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ-along with a Worldwide network spanning roughly 120 global locations-Embry-Riddle proudly stands as the world's largest aviation and aerospace university. Now celebrating our 100th year, we continue to lead innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students worldwide. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space prepare the next generation of leaders shaping the future of flight and beyond.

The Opportunity

The Veteran Student Services (VSS) Counselor I will serve as the school certifying official (SCO) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program manager and will provide proactive support to veteran and military affiliated students. Primary responsibilities include management of all VA enrollment certifications, maintaining accurate student files according to institutional and VA regulations and requirements. The position requires independent judgment and decision making and the utilization of resources in the assessment and resolution of student issues. Conducts detailed analyses of student academic and VA records. Assists with coverage of student files when needed due to extended counselor personal leave. VSS Counselors are expected to communicate with students proactively via phone, email, text, and in-person to promote student retention and maintain a high level of customer service. The VSS Counselor serves a vital role toward the student experience and retention and will promote veteran student engagement at every opportunity.

As a VSS team member, the Counselor will also be responsible for providing support in planning and coordinating VSS events and workshops and producing communication and marketing materials in conjunction with VSS staff and leadership. Other duties may include data management and assisting with VSS social media updates.

To excel in this role, the Counselor must have excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required. The Counselor must be available to work occasionally on Saturdays and evenings as needed to support VSS team and veteran student events, orientations, and workshops on and off campus. The VSS Counselor will serve as a positive role model for veteran students, the department, and the university.

Veteran Educational Benefits

• The VSS Counselor will serve as a School Certifying Official (SCO), processing Veteran Affairs (VA) Education Benefits Certifications for veteran students.
• Processing includes tuition and scheduling calculations, submissions to the VA through the Enrollment Manager system, and determining amendments and adjustments due to student scheduling changes.
• Responsible for reporting VA educational benefits paid to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to stay compliant with university policies, state approval authorities, and VA annual inspections.
• Meet with students 1:1 (walk-in or appointments) to provide personalized assistance and counseling interpreting their VA benefits or other questions. Common questions include determining why an expected payment has not been received, articulating how VA benefits can be used with other benefits and during non-traditional terms (summer), discussing how the overall benefits process works, the use of benefits for study abroad programming, and pre-advising orientation.
• Responsible for contacting the VA directly to verify benefits information and to advocate on behalf of students that experience unique situations regarding their benefits.
• Responsible for coverage of student files for other SCOs who are not present or available to address the needs of any students seeking assistance.
• Responsible for supporting all compliance activities as needed including ERAU internal audits, yearly state approving agency program approvals, and VA surveys, and managing priorities and tasks under deadlines.

Student Communication/Outreach

• Responsible for communicating proactively with students via all methods of available communication including email, text/chat, phone, in person and virtual meetings at all opportunities to provide a high level of customer service.
• Assist with creating content for the VSS social media sites to include general office communication, event information and materials from community partners.
• Work closely with faculty, staff, and various campus partners to create a supportive network for veteran students.

Administrative & Programming Support

• Provide coverage at the VSS service desk when needed, offering a high level of customer service to walk-ins and phone calls.
• Responsible for reviewing and indexing documentation (DD-214s, Letters of Eligibility, etc.) required for a student to receive VA benefits.
• Participate in supporting logistics related to planning and coordinating VSS events and workshops.
• Responsible for reporting and data management to include assigned student population and VSS event metrics.
• Responsible for completing all mandatory institutional and VA training requirements to remain in compliance.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health-because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.

• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.

• Generous Time Off: Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.