Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Exact $31.77
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
long-term disability
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Job Description
Bellingham Technical College (BTC) is a comprehensive public technical college committed to providing high-quality career and technical education to a diverse student population. Located in Bellingham, Washington, BTC serves the community by equipping students with the technical skills, hands-on training, and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of industries. The college offers a wide range of academic programs that cater to the needs of both traditional students and non-traditional learners, including veterans, youth, and those seeking new career paths. BTC values inclusivity, student success, and equitable access to education and support services. With a strong focus on workforce development, community engagement, and educational excellence, BTC is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals.
The role of Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator at BTC is an impactful position responsible for unlocking financial resources necessary for student success. This individual plays a crucial role in guiding diverse learners, including veterans and youth eligible for programs such as Passport to Careers, through the often complex landscape of financial aid and specialized funding programs. With a salary of $5528 per month, this position reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Resources and collaborates closely with the Student Financial Resources team to ensure compliance and provide expert support.
Key responsibilities include maintaining certification as a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) School Certifying Official (SCO), advising students on VA education benefits, handling documentation and reporting for audits, and leading emergency funding initiatives. The role also involves serving as a designated support staff member for special programs aimed at supporting students experiencing homelessness, and managing the Washington State Waiver for Children and Spouses of Disabled or Deceased Veterans. Strong customer service skills are essential as this position serves as a point of contact for students, campus partners, and community organizations. The Veterans Lounge is also managed to provide a comforting space fostering veteran student engagement.
This position requires adaptability, excellent communication skills, an ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management tools, and financial aid software is necessary to navigate the various administrative, compliance, and reporting functions associated with student funding programs. The Funding Navigator will play a vital role in increasing student access, retention, and completion by designing funding plans aligned with academic goals for special populations including low-income, first-generation students, and dislocated workers.
Working Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., this on-site role offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability, and retirement plans. Leave benefits such as sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and paid holidays further support work-life balance. Additional wellness and financial benefit programs enhance the employee experience at BTC.
Joining BTC as the Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator means making a tangible difference in student lives by ensuring they receive the financial support needed to complete their educational journeys and transition successfully into meaningful careers. The role blends technical expertise, compassion, and operational leadership to empower students from diverse backgrounds to access the life-changing benefits they have earned or qualify for through state and federal programs.
The role of Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator at BTC is an impactful position responsible for unlocking financial resources necessary for student success. This individual plays a crucial role in guiding diverse learners, including veterans and youth eligible for programs such as Passport to Careers, through the often complex landscape of financial aid and specialized funding programs. With a salary of $5528 per month, this position reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Resources and collaborates closely with the Student Financial Resources team to ensure compliance and provide expert support.
Key responsibilities include maintaining certification as a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) School Certifying Official (SCO), advising students on VA education benefits, handling documentation and reporting for audits, and leading emergency funding initiatives. The role also involves serving as a designated support staff member for special programs aimed at supporting students experiencing homelessness, and managing the Washington State Waiver for Children and Spouses of Disabled or Deceased Veterans. Strong customer service skills are essential as this position serves as a point of contact for students, campus partners, and community organizations. The Veterans Lounge is also managed to provide a comforting space fostering veteran student engagement.
This position requires adaptability, excellent communication skills, an ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project management tools, and financial aid software is necessary to navigate the various administrative, compliance, and reporting functions associated with student funding programs. The Funding Navigator will play a vital role in increasing student access, retention, and completion by designing funding plans aligned with academic goals for special populations including low-income, first-generation students, and dislocated workers.
Working Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., this on-site role offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance options, life insurance, long-term disability, and retirement plans. Leave benefits such as sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and paid holidays further support work-life balance. Additional wellness and financial benefit programs enhance the employee experience at BTC.
Joining BTC as the Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator means making a tangible difference in student lives by ensuring they receive the financial support needed to complete their educational journeys and transition successfully into meaningful careers. The role blends technical expertise, compassion, and operational leadership to empower students from diverse backgrounds to access the life-changing benefits they have earned or qualify for through state and federal programs.
Job Requirements
- Successful completion of a Washington State background check
- Associate's degree from an accredited institution
- At least two years of recent professional experience providing direct service supporting diverse populations in roles such as counseling, case management, and/or academic/career/financial advising
- Ability to complete local and state travel as required
- Work independently and on a flexible schedule
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
- Proficient in project management
- Adapt readily to new challenges, processes, and job responsibilities
- Excellent customer service skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Display integrity and act with discretion by accessing individual or institutional information for a stated business purpose
Job Qualifications
- Associate's degree from an accredited institution
- At least two years of recent professional experience providing direct service supporting diverse populations in roles such as counseling, case management, and/or academic/career/financial advising
- Successful completion of a Washington State background check
- Proficient in writing documentation independently or using collaborative tools
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to adapt readily to new challenges, processes, and job responsibilities
- Strong analytic and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work independently and on a flexible schedule
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
- Proficient in project management
- Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, human services, or a related field
- Experience as a school certifying official
- Experience working with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education and disability benefits or working with government agencies
- Military veteran, dependent, or experience working with veteran populations
- Proven experience maintaining compliance with complex regulations
- Demonstrated ability to independently facilitate program operations exercising sound judgement and initiative
- Working knowledge of student funding programs such as federal and state financial aid, grants, and/or financial literacy
Job Duties
- Enroll and maintain certification as a DVA School Certifying Official for reporting enrollment verifications to the DVA each quarter and as enrollments change
- Participate in SCO and related trainings to ensure understanding of and compliance with federal benefits guidelines and policies
- Serve as a point of contact to provide financial advising and support for students eligible to receive DVA education benefits
- File required military education benefits paperwork with appropriate state and federal offices
- Create and maintain student education files in accordance with DVA requirements and rapidly evolving federal regulations
- Organize and prepare files for state and federal audits and file reviews
- Maintain BTC's Veteran Lounge space as a safe and welcoming space for veteran students
- Serve at the Designated Support Staff for Passport to Careers students
- Collaborate with financial aid staff to develop awarding strategies and provide timely student-centered communications
- Assist students in applying for and receiving emergency assistance through SSEH and SEAG programs
- Complete required administrative duties for SSEH and SEAG programs including accurate student group coding and submission of quarterly reports to the State Board
- Support students in developing funding plans that align with their academic plans with the goal of increasing retention and completion of special population including low-income, first-generation students, and dislocated workers
- Receive and review application materials for the Washington State Waiver for Children/Spouse of Totally Disabled or Deceased Eligible Veterans or National Guard Members
- Maintain up-to-date records on waiver recipients
- Process waiver quarterly and review waiver eligibility annually
- Provide excellent customer service to students, prospective students, campus partners, and community organizations
- Collect, report, and utilize data to direct program development
- Utilize MS Office, financial aid, student tracking, and other system software accurately and effectively
- Perform duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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