DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Coordinator, Veterans Resource Center and the Dean of Counseling, the Veterans Center Specialist will be responsible for assisting in  day-to-day operations in providing support services, and responsible for case management for military students and student veterans in the Veterans Resource Center.

The Veterans Center Specialist coordinates and performs specialized administrative and case management tasks that require technical knowledge of veterans programs and services in order to make decisions and referrals to appropriate services including: referrals to Veterans Psychological Counseling, Veterans Benefits Specialist, Veterans Affairs, Housing Services, Veterans Medical Services, Tutoring, Mentors, Academic Counselors, Veterans Learning Collaborative and other on and off campus resources.  (On campus resources may include: admissions, advising, financial aid, career center, learning assistance center, etc.).   

The Veterans Resource Center at Pasadena City College provides a variety of comprehensive proactive and dynamic support services to help our men and women transition back to civilian life and has earned the distinction of being one of California’s exemplary student veteran’s programs.

The Veterans Center Specialist works within the Division of Student and Learning Services and the Veterans Resource Center. Along with the Veterans Counselor will assist military students and student veterans transitioning to college and supporting the student’s adjustment to the academic and social expectations and culture of college life.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

  1. Coordinates and monitors the details of the day-to-day work in the Veterans Resource Center: plans and anticipates monthly tasks; ensures program services are being provided in a timely and professional manner; case management notes are being entered in a database; student needs are being assessed regularly to ensure relevant services are being provided; collaborates in program planning with other staff and projects; assists coordinator with assessment and evaluation of the program.
  2. Develops a referral network to provide resources for veterans transitioning into college.   These referral agencies may include; mental health care, alcohol/substance use treatment; legal assistance and other supportive services.
  3.  Serves as liaison with staff and faculty on campus.
  4. Participates in the hiring and training of new veteran work study students, as needed.
  5. Leads and/or attends regular liaison meetings and training sessions, program seminars, workshops and other presentations.
  6. Collaborates with Coordinator and Veteran Learning Collaborative (VLC) Faculty to develop supplemental projects.
  7. Closely monitors and communicates consistently with VLC students in PCC’s FYE Pathways program; communication will be primarily via face-to-face interactions, but also via phone, email, texting and Internet as necessary.
  8. Acts as an informed referral source throughout the academic year, including accompanying students to various campus resources as needed; support students in connecting with service providers.
  9. Provides administrative support in coordinating Veteran's New Student Orientation sessions and other student veteran activities during the year.
  10. Maintains detailed student contact logs in the database.
  11. Participates in the overall evaluation of program services by assisting with data collection and maintaining accurate information in program participant files.
  12. Performs appropriate clerical duties as necessary.
  13. Supports the activities of the Veterans Resource Center program as needed.
  14. At the request of the coordinator, performs a variety of non-scheduled duties normally and routinely performed by a Veteran Center Specialist.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  1. First-hand experience with and knowledge of the community college system, resources and functions; research techniques excellent communications skills: listening, responding, presenting, handling and resolving conflict.
  2. Experience working with veterans in an academic setting and working with veteran service providers.
  3. Knowledge of veterans service delivery systems, VA and a variety of veteran’s service organizations. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with student veterans, faculty, and staff.
  4. Understanding of issues facing student veterans; knowledge of retention strategies for returning veterans.

Ability to:

Work effectively with diverse populations of students, faculty, and staff; work with committees and to plan workshops; capacity for discretion, diplomacy and confidentiality; organize the work of others; learn PCC’s processes, policies and support systems and website tools.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant major, such as psychology, counseling, sociology or social work.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Course work in psychology, counseling, group dynamics and guidance.
  2. Experience making group presentations.
  3. Proficient in all applicable computer programs i.e. Microsoft Word, MS Windows and Outlook
  4. Strong knowledge of the community college system and its mission.
  5. Demonstrated record of leadership, maturity and academic excellence and resourceful.
  6. One year of work on a graduate degree or more is preferred.
PHYSCIAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various District and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.  This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One year.

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Pasadena City College
1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 585-7361 direct ⋅ (626) 525-7924 fax