Disability Assistant Jobs in Mississippi (NOW HIRING)

Title: Coordinator of Veterans and Disability Resources

Job Summary

The overall purpose of this position is to provide services and support to military-connected students (MCSs) and students with disabilities. The Coordinator of Veterans and Disability Resources (CVDR) will serve as students' key point of contact regarding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) educational benefits, providing in-depth, quality service to MCSs from first contact with the college until graduation. The CVDR will counsel MCSs concerning their eligibility for and use of VA and/or DoD educational benefit programs, assist them with interpreting relevant federal, state, and college regulations, and help them navigate life as college students. The CVDR will serve as the primary School Certifying Official (SCO) for VA beneficiaries and will process DoD tuition assistance. The CVDR will conduct programming and outreach activities for MCSs and potential MCSs, providing information about pursuing an education at the college, obtaining financial aid, accessing other resources and benefits for which they qualify, and supporting their academic and personal success. The CVDR will assist students requesting disability accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), obtain and review documentation for students registering with the Disability Resource Center (DRC), validate eligibility for academic accommodations, determine and coordinate reasonable accommodations for which students qualify, monitor accommodation plans, and maintain relevant records. The CVDR will help the campus community better understand and support MCSs and students with disabilities.

Job Duties

• Coordinating Services and Benefits for Military-Connected Students and Students with Disabilities
• Serve as the primary SCO and process student educational benefits in the VA Enrollment Manager system and in DoD tuition assistance platforms such as Army Ignited.
• Monitor academic progress of MCSs and ensure certifications and other reports are submitted and amended in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Coordinate with Recruiting, Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Business Services, and other entities regarding admissions, registration, financial aid, and student financial accounts for DoD/VA beneficiaries.
• Counsel students on applying for and utilizing VA and DoD educational benefits, direct them to other financial aid resources, and assist them with identifying other resources and benefits for which they may be eligible.
• Obtain military transcripts and facilitate awarding of credit for prior learning.
• Assist students with the process of registering with the Disability Resource Center (DRC).
• Obtain and review documentation for students registering with the DRC, ascertain eligibility for academic accommodations, and determine and coordinate reasonable accommodations for which students qualify.
• Develop, implement, and monitor accommodation plans and maintain records.
• Identify technology or other services for acquisition in support of students with disabilities. Providing Outreach & Information 
• Serve as the primary point of contact for services and resources for MCSs and students with disabilities.
• Provide outreach to students, staff, and faculty on MCS matters and outreach related to students with disabilities.
• Effectively counsel students regarding relevant VA, DoD, ADA, and college policies and procedures and advise student on accessing support services and benefits.
• Counsel students with disabilities on rights and responsibilities related to academic accommodations, departmental policies and procedures, college policies, and other regulations.
• From the application to graduation, serve as an advocate for each MCS.
• Plan and implement outreach programs and events, and participate in appropriate campus and community events and meetings in support of MCSs and the college's mission.
• Collaborate with the college's recruiting team in the recruitment of MCSs.
• Identify and assist MCSs and students with disabilities who may be struggling personally and/or academically.
• Foster mutual support and camaraderie among MCSs by planning and implementing events including an annual Veterans Day program. Administration and Compliance
• Maintain files accurately, in paper and in electronic forms, while maintaining confidentiality of records and information and compliance with appropriate regulations.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant federal, state, and college regulations.
• Support the development and update of DoD-, VA-, and ADA-related college policies and procedures to assure compliance. 
• Collaborate with the college's information technology team to identify opportunities to automate or improve processes related to serving the needs of MCSs and students with disabilities.
• Manage the Veterans Center operations and supervise VA work-study students.
• Maintain and update the college's VA and DRC websites, forms, and brochures as necessary.
• Attend and participate in team meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Accurately prepare and analyze reports and compliance documents.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and two years of work experience coordinating programs and services intended for specific populations, or
Associate's degree and four years of such work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Honorable service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces is very strongly preferred.
One or more years of recent experience serving as an SCO.
Experience with software applications related to student records, communication, and DoD/VA benefits, including Banner, Argos, VA Enrollment Manager, Slate, Joint Services Transcript (JST) System, Tungsten, and Army Ignited.
Two or more years of work experience providing programs and services for veterans, service members, and/or their families.
One or more years of work experience providing services and programs for individuals with disabilities.
Two or more years of work experience in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Proficiency with a personal computer and Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn to use software applications related to student records, communication, and DoD/VA benefits, including Banner, Argos, Slate, VA Enrollment Manager, Joint Services Transcript (JST) System, Tungsten, Army Ignited, and Dynamic Forms.
Knowledge or ability to quickly learn and stay current on federal, state, and college regulations and resources related to students with disabilities and MCSs.
Ability to obtain/maintain a driver's license and travel locally and nationally with occasional overnight stays, as needed.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact in an effective, respectful, and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the college community, and the public.
Ability to work independently yet function as part of a team.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong student-centered focus and a willingness to go "above and beyond."
Ability to evaluate situations, identify solutions, and make decisions.
Unquestionable integrity, high level of initiative, and strong goal-oriented work ethic.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Prolonged periods of standing at times
• Prolonged screen time
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times

Pay Rate:  $48,764 - $60,956 (Annual salary depending on eligible experience, which is defined by the current compensation plan.)

Position Close Date:  Open until filled. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered for this position, you must submit an application, resume, cover letter, and a copy of your trancripts. Applications submitted without all three required documents will be removed from consideration until they have been resubmitted with the missing materials. Prior applications will not be used to fill this vacancy. 

A completed satisfactory background check will be required before hire.