Department: Veterans Upward Bound

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary set at $40,087/yr

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p (occasional weekends as needed)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

Are you a veteran or someone passionate about helping those who’ve served? Step into a role that allows you to make a direct impact on veterans seeking higher education & the benefits available to them. We are looking someone who is knowledgeable about processes in place for veterans and skilled at navigating the intricate steps of those related to VA benefits and entrance to higher education programs.
In this role, you’ll be the go-to guide for veterans beginning their college journey. From outreach and recruitment to one-on-one appointments, you’ll connect with prospective students before they even set foot on campus, helping them understand their options, secure benefits, and create a customized roadmap for success. With half your time dedicated to supporting veterans’ higher education needs and the other half focused on helping them understand and access their benefits, you’ll be crucial in bridging these two worlds.

Our ideal candidate is organized, independent, and thrives in a role with structured yet repetitive processes. You’ll have the autonomy to manage your daily routine while maintaining a strong attention to detail in tracking each veteran’s progress, needs & all other details related to the grant requirements. Your creativity can flow to the topics for workshops and events tailored for veteran students and others who may not have traditional college experiences, offering essential support and fostering a sense of community. During times of the year where things are more idle, it's important to have someone proactive who focuses on alternative recruiting. Get involved in the community to attract candidates for our services. Develop your own initiatives and leave your unique mark.

The work is routine and repetitive at times, but it comes with the reward of getting to know each student, their story, and their goals. If you’re ready to help veterans transition into this next phase, we’d love to have you apply to possibly our team and support those who’ve served.

Job Summary

Responsible for the enrollment, monitoring and/or advising of eligible participants. Establishes and maintains a positive and professional relationship with all referral agencies. Plans educational, career and life skills activities, completes the College Access Plan (CAP) on each student and coordinates with College Access Mentors or other partners to ensure services are provided.

Essential Functions

Instructs program students in college access workshops to include college preparation, financial literacy and career awareness workshops. Provides post enrollment academic monitoring, mentoring and advising as needed. Ensures completion of required applications, surveys and supporting documents by completing all necessary documentation of activities, assisting with data entry and accuracy of student database and obtaining student school records, surveys and college enrollment information. Shares participant outcome data and best practices with agencies as needed. May work closely with privatized foster care agencies and local schools in enrolling students in the program. May negotiate in-kind donations with partners to ensure grant matches. Reviews student records, identifies local community referral resources and conducts referrals for students. Determines and schedules assessments of student needs; may assist with financial aid coordination. Reports student performance and adjustment needs. Tracks resource usage and aid adequacy as needed.

Job Duties

Recruits 2/3rds of the participant roster for the program. Participates in veteran community outreach activities for program recruiting. Assists with compiling student data for annual performance reporting. Completes other duties as given by director.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field
• One (1) year of experience in academic advising or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

Valid Kansas drivers license for Trio Talent Search, Trio Talent Search South, Haysville GEAR UP, and TRIO Upward Bound Wichita Prep

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of VA benefits. Knowledge of Microsoft 365 & other software programs utilized within higher education or Veteran Affairs.
• Ability to be on an Air Force Base (which includes additional background checks/clearance).
• Take initiative related to recruiting & ideas of how to expand services or engage in with the community.
• Organized, professional communication while still being personable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with veterans and other military-affiliated individuals.
• Experience working in/on grant-funded programs/positions.
• Experience working with low-income individuals.
• Academic advising experience.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Physical Requirement: