Senior Student Veteran Support Specialist & VA Certifying Official, UMKC Student Affairs

The Office of Student Veteran Support Services is committed to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students at UMKC by offering targeted programming and services tailored to their unique needs. The office connects students with resources to facilitate their academic success, community engagement, and smooth transition into the workforce.

This role serves as the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) by reviewing, processing, and submitting enrollment certifications to the Department of Veterans Affairs in a timely and accurate manner.

Job Responsibilities
As the primary VA School Certifying Official (SCO), this position ensures the University's compliance with federal regulations while supporting the academic success of military-affiliated students. Key responsibilities include:

• Benefits Certification & Enrollment: Review, process, and submit enrollment certifications to the Department of Veterans Affairs via the Enrollment Management system. Confirm accuracy of course loads, credit hours, and term dates for all new and returning students.
• Compliance & Auditing: Conduct regular audits of student records, curriculum changes, and degree progress. Submit timely amendments for student separations, probations, dismissals, or program completions to maintain institutional compliance.
• Student Support & Advocacy: Proactively identify potential shortfalls in benefit entitlements and communicate directly with students to resolve issues affecting their educational funding.
• Records Management: Maintain meticulous records of all certifications, adjustments, and supporting documentation in accordance with VA regulations and University policies.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilize IT reporting tools (such as Cognos) to mine data, generate internal reports, and ensure the accuracy of all veteran-related student data.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with the Office of the Registrar, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and academic units to resolve record discrepancies and streamline the student experience.
• Regulatory Expertise: Interpret and apply complex VA regulations; maintain required annual VA training and certifications, which may include occasional overnight travel.
• Administrative Support: Enforce University policies and perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Manager, Student Veteran Support Services.

• There will be occasional travel (including overnight stays) for mandatory VA training.

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least two (2) years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a varied student population, specifically Veterans and military-affiliated students.
• Proven experience working with enterprise data systems, databases, or Student Information Systems (SIS) to manage sensitive records.
• Experience coordinating across multiple administrative departments (e.g., Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts) to resolve complex data or billing discrepancies.
• Strong organizational skills with a history of maintaining records in compliance with federal, state, or institutional regulations.
• 2+ years of experience in higher education records management, data processing, or VA School Certifying Official (SCO) duties.
• Functional experience with Banner (SIS) and Cognos (Reporting) or similar enterprise-level tools.
• Possession of a current VA School Certifying Official (SCO) training certificate.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret and explain complex federal regulations to students and staff.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $18.87- $23.00 per hour.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS008

University Title: SENIOR STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

This position may be eligible for a $3000 hiring incentive. See HR-104 Hiring and Retention Incentives for more information

This position is eligible for a $3,000.00 Hiring Incentive paid in two equal installments (see UM System HR-104 for more information).

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.