Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator

Help students unlock the funding they need to succeed. As BTC's Veterans School Certifying Official and Funding Navigator, you'll guide diverse learners, including veterans and youth who qualify for the Passport to Careers program through complex aid programs while ensuring compliance and care at every step. This is a chance to make a direct impact on student access, persistence, and completion.Salary: $5528 per monthUnder general direction, the Funding Navigator assists incoming and current Bellingham Technical College (BTC) students gain access to financial aid and navigate specialized funding programs such as U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) education benefits. This position will serve as the School Certifying Official for DVA education benefits and will also serve as the lead for emergency funding. The position reports to the Executive Director of Student Financial Resources and collaborates closely with the Student Financial Resources team.Enroll and maintain certification as a DVA School Certifying Official (SCO) for reporting enrollment verifications to the DVA each quarter and as enrollments change. Participate in SCO and related trainings to ensure understanding of and compliance with federal benefits guidelines and policiesServe as a point of contact to provide financial advising and support for students eligible to receive DVA education benefits; file required military education benefits paperwork with appropriate state and federal offices; create and maintain student education files in accordance with DVA requirements and rapidly evolving federal regulations; organize and prepare files for state and federal audits and file reviews; maintain BTC's Veteran Lounge space as a safe and welcoming space for veteran students.Serve at the Designated Support Staff (DSS) for Passport to Careers students. Collaborate with financial aid staff to develop awarding strategies and provide timely student-centered communications.Assist students in applying for and receiving emergency assistance through the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) and Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG)Complete required administrative duties for SSEH and SEAG programs including accurate student group coding and submission of quarterly reports to the State Board.Support students in developing funding plans that align with their academic plans, with the goal of increasing retention and completion of special population, including low-income, first-generation students, and dislocated workers; serve as a point of contact to provide financial advisingReceive and review application materials for the Washington State Waiver for Children/Spouse of Totally Disabled or Deceased Eligible Veterans or National Guard Members; maintain up-to-date records on waiver recipients; process waiver quarterly and review waiver eligibility annuallyProvide excellent customer service to students, prospective students, campus partners, and community organizationsCollect, report, and utilize data to direct program developmentUtilize MS Office, financial aid, student tracking, and other system software accurately and effectivelyPerform duties as assignedRequired Skills/Abilities:Excellent customer service skills for internal users and collaboration with external partners with a wide range of individualsProficient in writing documentation, either independently or using collaborative toolsAdapt readily to new challenges, processes and job responsibilitiesPossess strong analytic and problem-solving capabilitiesDisplay integrity and act with discretion by accessing individual or institutional information for a stated business purposeAbility to complete local and state travel as required.Work independently and on a flexible scheduleExcellent organizational skills and attention to detailExcellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlinesAbility to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environmentProficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related softwareProficient in project managementMinimum Qualifications:Successful completion of a Washington State background checkAssociate's degree from an accredited institutionAt least two years of recent professional experience providing direct service supporting diverse populations in roles such as in counseling, case management, and/or academic/career/financial advisingOR* Combination of a experience and training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job will be consideredPreferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, human services, or a related fieldAbility to use Microsoft Office and other software platforms effectivelyExperience as a school certifying officialExperience working with U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs education and disability benefits and/or working with government agenciesMilitary veteran, dependent or experience working with veteran populationsProven experience maintaining compliance with complex regulationsDemonstrated ability to independently facilitate program operations exercising sound judgement and initiativeWorking knowledge of student funding programs such as Federal and State financial aid, grants and/or financial literacyPhysical Work Environment:Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer with frequent interruptions. Varying from 4-7 hours per dayMust be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.Compensation, Work Schedule and Benefits:Salary: $5528 per monthWork schedule:Generally, the schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Candidate must be willing to work on-site for all of their schedule.Benefits:Leave benefits:8 hours of sick leave per month16 hours of vacation leave per month24 hours of personal leave per calendar year13 paid state/college holidays per calendar yearBenefits also include a Washington State insurance package including selecting one of:6 medical options3 dental plan options3 vision plan optionsInclude:* life insurance* long-term disabilityRetirement benefits package including one of:* TIAA Stare Board Retirement Plan (SBRP)* Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3Two voluntary investment (not matched) programs* TIAA (403b)* State Deferred Compensation (457) planAdditional optional benefits include ability to participate in:Medical Flexible Spending planLimited Purpose Flexible Spending planHealth Savings AccountDependent Care AssistanceDiscounts for automobile and homeowner insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Up to 21 days of military leaveUp to 5 days of paid bereavement leavePaid civil/jury dutyBereavement leaveAbility to participate in a shared leave program50% of this position is funded out of a Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins) grantApplication Procedures and Deadline:Required application materials must be completed and submitted online at www.btc.edu/jobs and received by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2026, for priority consideration.Application materials received after this date and time may be considered until the position is filled.More information about Bellingham Technical College is at www.btc.edu or contact the Human Resources Office at (360) 752-8354. At this time, BTC is not sponsoring H-1B Visas.Required Online Application Materials:(Attachments in Word or PDF file only)Complete the BTC online ApplicationCover letter addressing the required and preferred qualificationsSuccessful candidate will need to complete a background checkInterviews are tentatively scheduled for May 13-15, 2026