VA Community Resource Navigator

At WSU Tech, we are dedicated to promoting quality higher education and leadership in workforce training that supports economic development for a global economy. Our experienced faculty and staff are committed to helping students achieve their goals by providing hands-on experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and individualized support and guidance. We operate in a values-based culture and strive towards our behaviors in everything we do.

• Compensation: $23.01 /hr
• Worksite Location: Varies

Overview / Job Summary:

This position is community-based with minimal supervision, working directly with active military and/or veteran students, families, and community partners to increase the number of citizens in Wichita accessing higher education. The position works within neighborhood schools, community centers and McConnell Air Force base to provide a flow of information about preparing for, accessing and persisting in college. The position works to make a difference in the community by fostering a college-going culture among first generation college families and ultimately strives to provide motivation and support for students and families to take action toward goals which provide an opportunity for a successful life. This position will require flexibility to work various shifts & locations to meet the needs of the community served, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides training and guidance for military connected students and families in all aspects of the college and career planning process. Training may be through individual, small group, and classroom settings
• Regularly engages with and educates military, veteran families and community-based organizations to advance college access and attainment.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with neighborhood schools, church groups and community leaders to build positive rapport and create connections with groups and organizations such as Friends of McConnell, Honorary Commander Program, Veteran Advocacy Board, and Veteran's Upward Bound.
• Creates and disseminates materials targeted to family and community members.
• Creatively develops and implements new programs and marketing tools to focus on military and veteran students and families
• Coach's students in understanding and completing the FAFSA and VA Education Benefit Program as well as related forms.
• Plans, executes and hosts a variety of college planning, Veteran Affairs educational benefits and financial aid workshops and presentations.
• Assesses the long-term sustainability of the program by identifying, collecting, and interpreting key progress and outcome data to evaluate the effectiveness of this effort.
• Maintains up-to-date records to prepare & submit progress reports to supervisor, documenting progress and output data.
• Builds and maintains expertise in admissions, veteran affairs and financial aid advising.
• Engages with the appropriate WSU Tech staff members and/or community resources (United Way, Workforce Alliance, etc.) to support student success and recruitment.
• Represents the Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs department through service on various College committees.

Requirements

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Previous VA Educational Benefits knowledge preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• Three or more years of experience working in veteran affairs or higher education.
• Experience working with military students and families preferred.
• Ability to effectively partner with students, faculty, and staff including those from diverse backgrounds.
• Previous experience demonstrating strong leadership abilities, influencing others in a positive manner while achieving goals, and effectively communicating ideas and generating support for ideas.
• Ability to serve independently and analytically, exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication & presentation skills; proficient computer skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects; strong planning and organizational skills.
• Willingness to handle complex and detail-oriented tasks and projects.
• High energy, creativity, ability to assume responsibility; take initiative and develop new programs.
• Must be able to work a varied work schedule as needed.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with strong organization skills.

Benefits

https://wsutech.edu/whyhere/

WSU Tech is committed to inclusive and equitable practices to create an environment and culture where students and employees thrive. We acknowledge that through valuing diverse identities, experiences, talents, and gifts, we excel by fulfilling our mission to create a talent pipeline, establish workforce equity, and improve economic prosperity for our community. WSU Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.