Program Assistant - Veterans Education & Transition Services

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') seeks a Program Assistant to independently perform work in support of the Veterans Education & Transition Services (VETS) program, as well as the daily operations of the VETS office. This position will represent the VETS program to students and/or community members and will help foster a positive atmosphere for program and student success. The Program Assistant reports to the Director for Veterans Education and Transition Services.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by September 6, 2021 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1 (Download PDF reader) , state employees and employees of educational institutions must be fully vaccinated. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. Need more information? Please contact covidvaccinemandate@columbiabasin.edu .

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact with VETS participants, which includes providing a high level of customer service and disseminating information to students and community members regarding College policies, procedures, program content and activities related to the VETS program; answer telephone calls, and receive and refer visitors;
• After completion of training, serve as the primary School Certifying Official to certify all military connected students using Veterans Administration Education benefits and provide other supporting documentation to the VA; follow required timelines from VA and college certification;
• Work with Records office to accept VA related tuition waivers and residency documentation;
• Collaborate with other Student Services departments to facilitate comprehensive support and services to students;
• Schedule student intake appointments and meetings, all retention and completion interventions and activities;
• Use specialized scheduling software to schedule, track and provide statistical reports;
• Under the guidance and supervision of the Director, compose and distribute information related to VETS program activities including correspondence, flyers, brochures and/or news releases, procedures and operations; edit documents for accuracy, appearance, readability and style;
• Make arrangements for program activities, such as meetings, conferences, ceremonies, banquets and/or events;
• Maintain and monitor the VETS program budget by keeping the Director informed of the status of the budget; assist with setting projections and developing budget reports; track and prepare expenditures with appropriate documentation;
• Track and monitor payroll for student workers employed in the VETS Center;
• Establish and maintain functional department filing system; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent;
• Two (2) years of clerical and/or customer service experience; and
• Two (2) years of experience working with Veterans.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university;
• Familiarity with college policies and procedures; and
• Familiarity with VA education benefits and the certification process.

Skills & Abilities

Problem Solving Skills : Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Quality : Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality;

Quantity : Meet productivity standards; complete work in timely manner; strive to increase productivity; work quickly;

Technical Skills : Assess own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills; share expertise with others;

Customer Service Skills : Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments;

Oral Communication : Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings;

Written Communication : Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings; and

Professionalism : Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a full-time, overtime-eligible, represented, classified staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.

PROCESS NOTE:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Communication, Problem Solving Skills, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

Columbia Basin College operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.

UNION CLAUSE:

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.