Working Title: Customer Service Specialist, Senior
Job Class: V.A. School Certifying Offiical (SS23081)
Agency: Minnesota State

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/20/2022
• Closing Date: 12/22/2022
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / Mankato State Univ-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: MnSCU Mankato SU / MnSCU MAN Classified A-D
• Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Summer Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $19.87 - $26.89 / hourly; $41,488 - $56,146 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Registration and Academic Records
• Location: Based upon this position’s essential functions, it reports to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 5 days a week, and does not have the option of telework.
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Responsible for the administration of Veterans Administration educational benefit programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Assist students and the public with questions and concerns regarding eligibility and certification of benefits. The incumbent serves as a Veteran’s School Certifying Official, certifying veterans and eligible persons adhering to rules, regulations and guidelines as determined by the University, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the State Approving Agency.

Minimum Qualifications

• Customer services skills sufficient to actively listen to and understand needs and provide accurate information and appropriate alternatives in a timely, thorough, courteous, respectful, and Professional manner in person, over the phone and in writing.

• Communication: Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to write, prepare, and edit materials and clearly explain, discuss, communicate and present complex ideas, regulations, policies and procedures to students, parents, staff and senior managers.

• Computer: Ability to use MS Word and Excel, and other software applications to prepare, create, format, edit, print, save and/or attach a variety of documents.

• Development of administrative and programmatic procedures: Ability to analyze and make recommendations to management for new or revised administrative and program practices and procedures for smooth and efficient office operation.

• Knowledge of English sufficient to:

  • Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations

  • Explain the reasons for transactions and procedures, rules and regulations so others understand the information they are being given.

• Knowledge of math sufficient to:

  • Add, subtract, multiply and divide; calculate percentages; use simple formulas and determine eligibility and level of benefits

  • Skill in math sufficient to: Apply simple formulas to financial data, compute account balances and amounts owed

• Organizational skills: Organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects and stay focused through frequent interrruptions while still delivering results and meeting deadlines.

• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take the initiative to do a job without regular help and advice from others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.

• Knowledge of and experience in certifying veteran’s educational benefits.

• Knowledge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs printed regulations.

• Knowledge of veteran’s legislation and veterans’ resources related to higher education

Additional Requirements

Work safely at all times, which includes but is not limited to, participating in and completing all required safety trainings, as well as performing all job tasks in accordance with Minnesota State University, Mankato policies and procedures utilizing appropriate tools, equipment and personal protective equipment

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at https://www.mnsu.edu/university-life/health-and-safety/university-security/personal-safety-and-alerts/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111, or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Lacie Mitchell-Garza at lacie.mitchell-garza@mnsu.edu or 507-389-1065.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Lacie Mitchell-Garza at lacie.mitchell-garza@mnsu.edu.

About Minnesota State

More than 1600 talented faculty, staff, and 1600 student employees with a wide variety of skills and backgrounds, support university operations every day. Our faculty and staff enjoy excellent benefits, a team environment and challenging careers. As an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution, we are committed to supporting the continued growth of our diverse community.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Other Information

Employment information for this position can be found in its collective bargaining agreement or its plan document at http://mn.gov/mmb/employee-relations/labor-relations/Labor/.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State is an equal opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. We also take the opportunity to recognize that we live, work, and learn in the homeland of the Dakota people, whose language frames our name - Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance is needed.