What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist III - Military Benefits Specialist position at Sam Houston State University?
Come and join the Bearkat community!
Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Posting Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Requisition
202500097S
Title
Specialist III - Military Benefits Specialist
FLSA status
Non-Exempt
Hiring Salary
This position is a pay grade 6. Please see Pay Grade Table at: https://pa-hrsuite-production.s3.amazonaws.com/116/docs/636763.pdf
Occupational Category
Technical/Para-Professional
Department
Veterans Benefits Processing
Division
Division of Enrollment Success
Open Date
04/08/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement
Associates degree in business, customer service, or higher education-based field. Three years related experience or experience in a business, customer service, or higher education-based field or in a related field. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.
Nature & Purpose of Position
Performs advanced specialist duties focusing on delivering outstanding customer service to military-affiliated students utilizing GI Bill® and Hazlewood exemptions for their educational needs.
Primary Responsibilities
Provides comprehensive administrative support to the Veterans Benefits Processing team, encompassing tasks such as managing travel arrangements, facilitating procurement processes, and assisting with various administrative duties. Interacts consistently with students, parents, faculty, and staff to offer guidance, support, and information regarding veteran and military-affiliated benefits, ensuring exceptional customer service in every interaction. Assists in managing documentation related to GI Bill® and Hazlewood exemptions, including imaging, indexing, and requesting additional documentation as needed, adhering strictly to confidentiality and privacy standards. Supports Military Benefit Coordinators in the certification process by aiding in report generation, conducting audits, and compiling essential information to ensure a seamless and efficient process for all military-affiliated students. Serves as a liaison with university administrators, students, and campus partners (e.g., Veterans Resource Center, Student Account Services) to facilitate the certification process for GI Bill® and Hazlewood exemptions, in support of the Military Benefit Coordinators. Assists in upholding policies, rules, and regulations governing Veterans Affairs (VA) and Hazlewood benefits, ensuring compliance across federal, state, and institutional domains. Acts as the initial point of contact within the Veterans Benefits Processing Office for all military-affiliated students seeking guidance on VA and Hazlewood benefits, ensuring adherence to regulations. Delivers clear and comprehensive communication to military-affiliated students, guiding them through the utilization of their VA and Hazlewood benefits, and ensuring they are well-informed about program requirements, rules, policies, and procedures. Forges collaborative relationships with university stakeholders both within and beyond the Strategic Enrollment and Innovation division to bolster student success and facilitate the seamless administration of benefits. Interacts proactively with VA Education administrators and Texas Veterans Commission officials on behalf of students, advocating for their educational benefits and exemptions of tuition and fees, as needed. Compiles information and generates reports for the Veterans Benefits Processing team to support informed, data-driven decision-making. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of the Veterans Benefits Processing department and the university community.
Other Specifications
Attends events outside regular working hours as necessary to represent the university and support military-affiliated student needs, including state and regional meetings and conferences for continuous professional development. Demonstrates the ability to impart technical skills and knowledge in a student-friendly manner. Possesses excellent verbal, non-verbal, and listening communication skills, enabling seamless interaction with individuals and groups, as well as effective collaboration within teams. Demonstrates proficiency in various recordkeeping methods and related systems, understanding their interconnectedness.
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.
Full Time Part Time
Full Time
Position Number
Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/43101
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
