Program Assistant, VETS Office

The Veterans Education and Transition Services invites applications for a Program Assistant to join their team. This position serves as a VA School Certifying Official (SCO) for the University of Montana, Missoula College and Bitterroot College. In this role you will be responsible for ensuring that the University of Montana remains in compliance with all Federal and State regulations, policies, and VA standards that influence the standard operating procedures of the VETS Office. This position is also responsible for providing veterans, family members, and parent’s accurate information regarding education benefit chapters, eligibility for VA education benefits, maintaining FERPA regulations, and ensuring the information given is pertinent, accurate, and relayed in a professional manner.

The incumbent in this role is expected to act as a liaison to other administrative offices to ensure submission of accurate tuition and fees into VA-ONCE, and setting up Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Gl Bill Yellow Ribbon confirmation of aid, Veterans Choice Act, and the Honorably Discharged Veterans Tuition Waiver. The Program Assistant is responsible for assisting the Director and Program Coordinator in the supervision of VA work study students; scheduling the VETS Office for full coverage; training the work study students in the policies and procedures required by their positions; and monitoring the work study students’ job performance.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of basic advising practices
• Excellent oral and writing communication skills, strong attention to detail and exceptional follow-through skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and adapt communication styles quickly to meet individual student needs
• Ability to problem solve and work independently
• Ability to assist with outreach events, which requires mobility and some physical demands
• Preparing and submitting Audit information for evaluations of standing in military friendly school evaluations

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience working with veterans and or being a veteran

About the VETS Office and UM

The Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) Office was created by the University of Montana to serve our veterans and their family members. We serve as the primary liaison for Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits between the University of Montana, the VA, Federal Tuition Assistance, and the student. The office serves as the main location to meet other veterans, receive assistance with services, and to hear about events that may be of interest. The VETS Office also helps fulfill the crucial need to increase the retention and graduation rates for our student population and to assist in the recruitment of new students using VA benefits.

The University of Montana provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its essential values of innovation and creativity, impact, openness, and partnership.

Nestled in at the base of Mount Sentinel and on the banks of the Clark Fork River, UM campus is described as one of the most beautiful in the US. The region boasts unparalleled year around recreational opportunities and a vibrant arts and culture community. UM offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a magnificent environment. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

UM provides a culture that values hard work, intellectual curiosity, diversity, collegiality, innovative thinking, and teamwork, making it a great place to grow and develop professionally. Located in the heart of western Montana’s stunning natural landscape, UM attracts first rate teachers, researchers, and students from around the world. A city within a city – with its own eateries, stores, medical facilities, banking and postal services, and zip code – UM has an increasingly diverse population and rich culture.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Program Assistant

Position Number: 007250

Department: Veterans Education/Transition Services

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $14.1/hr

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Monday, February 15, 2021 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular