Veterans Affairs and Financial Aid Specialist

Salary $40,000.00 Annually

Job Type Full-Time Regular Staff

Job Number 2022-00740

Division Student Affairs

Department Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs

Opening Date 07/16/2026

SUMMARY

Open until filled-

Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Affairs and Financial Aid Specialist will conduct, coordinate, and administer activities in the Veterans Affairs office; certify veterans educational benefits, and provide financial aid assistance to students in accordance with established College guidelines, and in compliance with federal and state regulations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and implement policies, rules, procedures, and regulations pertaining to administration of Veterans Affairs educational benefits.
• Set up and monitor veteran files and school status as pertains to changes in the appropriate areas and report changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Attend state and federal veterans and financial aid meetings for the purpose of seeking and receiving advice and counseling concerning administering benefits and financial aid.
• Counsel students and parents pertaining to veterans and financial aidbenefits.
• Provide end-of-year reports to the Director concerning number of veterans served and educational benefits received.
• Maintain a clear audit trail regarding veteran programs for state and federal auditors.
• Participate in cross-training to assist in other student services areas/functions as needed. Provide backup for other financial aid staff and programs as needed.
• Create programs and events to commemorate special military occasions and holidays for enrolled students.
• Plan workshops and activities to support veteran student success and completion.
• Work with community organizations involved in programs that would be beneficial to Gaston College veteran students.
• Provide support and appropriate activities for enrolled students as needed to ensure student success and compliance with Gaston College Code of Conduct and Policies.
• Work collaboratively and productively as a member of a team, provide excellent customer service, and maintain high levels of professionalism.
• Behave in a professional manner that promotes collaboration, collegiality, and outstanding customer service for both internal and external clients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or the Vice President for Student Services.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree required; associate degree in business, accounting, or related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly with students, faculty, and staff in an educational or military environment required.
• Previous military or Veterans Affairs experience preferred.
• Attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment required.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Generally, works in a traditional climate-controlled office environment and requires the ability to sit for extended periods.
• Some walking, standing, and bending, with the ability to lift and maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds required.
• Work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• In addition to regular office hours, position sometimes requires overtime and/or evening hours.

BENEFITS

Gaston College provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. We are continuously investigating new benefit offerings that are responsive to the needs of our regular employees.

• State Health Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional Supplemental Insurances
• NC State Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plans
• Disability Benefits, Long- and Short-Term
• Longevity Pay
• State Employees' Credit Union Eligibility
• Leave (Vacation, Sick, FMLA, Civil and Military, Child/Student Involvement, Education, and Voluntary Shared)
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Advancement Compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discount Program
• Benefits Overview Booklet
• *Please note: Temporary (part-time) employees do not earn benefits.

Salary/Compensation: $40,000 per year

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