Program Specialist 3 - School Certifying Official

Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with nearby mountain ranges and Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is surrounded by outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating and camping. Tacoma, Washington has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country, due to the increasing career opportunities, cultural diversity and community engagement, just to name a few.

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Latine, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC's mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

Position Summary:

The position is responsible for administering Veteran, Dependent, and Servicemember Education Benefit programs for the veterans, eligible dependents, and current servicemembers as they pursue their academic goals here at TCC.

• Direct, manage and implement the day to day administration, policies, and procedures in regard to veterans and eligible dependents using VA education benefits, servicemembers using Department of Defense (DoD) education benefits, State and Institution veteran or servicemember related tuition waivers, and supervision of VA Work-Study students.
• Authority to approve and submit all final documentation and correspondence to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and DoD, as the Institution's designated Certifying Official in all matters relating to VA and servicemember education benefits.
• Advise students and refer to appropriate campus services as needed regarding their satisfactory progress within their declared program of study and to rules and regulations specific to VA and DoD education guidelines; coordinate with advisors, program and department chairs on current degree requirements. Remain current on all State and federal regulations.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate all day to day operations of the Veterans Services Office. As the Program liaison, provide information to students eligible for, and receiving VA or DoD educational benefits. Answer inquiries concerning VA or DoD education benefits. Determine individuals' specific eligibility for type of VA or DoD education benefit and assist students in the application process for appropriate VA or DoD education benefit.
• Establish required program standards by maintaining and updating files on all students receiving VA or DoD education benefits. Develop, plan and organize the means to monitor the academic progress of all students using VA or DoD education benefits.
• Analyze program participants' performance based on program policies, procedures, and practices specific to VA or DoD education benefits and conformance with rules and regulations unique to compliance and receipt of VA or DoD Education Benefits.
• Communicate to various Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense agencies through person-to-person, email, electronic Internet transmission, phone, fax, and written correspondence and documentation of information specific to VA or DoD Education Benefits program requirements.
• Hire, train, supervise, and direct the tasks of VA Work-Study Students within Federal regulation parameters unique to the VA Work-Study Program. Delegated authority as VA Certifying Official to sign VA Work-Study contracts and to sign timesheets for VA Work-Study personnel.
• Use all computer applications to include Student Management System, word processing, database and spreadsheet software to develop and maintain necessary reports and correspondence as required for supervisor, Veterans Affairs Regional Processing Offices, Department of Defense, and State Approving Agencies.
• Interpret, review and develop program specific procedures, rules and regulations regarding VA or DoD education benefits and State and Institutional tuition waivers specific to eligible veterans, eligible dependents of veterans, and servicemembers.
• Attend state, regional, and national conferences and trainings as necessary to remain current on policies, procedures, and regulations specific to VA and DoD education benefits and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Duties of the position require knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to work independently, efficiently and effectively in detailed-oriented, high-pressure environment.
• The ability to perform the highly complex duties.
• Excellent customer service skills; including building and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and confidentiality and to establish work priorities and coordinate the timely completion of work.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Duties of the position required experience:

• Associate's degree from accredited college or university.
• 2 years of experience working in in veteran services, advising, or related experience.
• -OR- Bachelor's degree and some financial aid office experience may substitute for the 2 years' experience.
• Demonstrated computer literacy.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service skills, even during stressful situations and peak processing times.
• Experience working with diverse populations and with providing complex services.

Application Materials & Procedure
Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume
3. Cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position.
4. Unofficial copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).