What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterans Affairs Financial Aid Counselor position at Thrust Flight?
The Veterans Affairs Financial Aid Counselor serves as the primary liaison between Thrust Flight and veteran students utilizing education benefits. This role is responsible for administering and certifying VA education benefits, ensuring compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations, and supporting students through the financial aid and benefits process.
This position is responsible for verifying enrollment, maintaining accurate student records, and certifying training hours for eligible veterans and military-affiliated students.
The counselor works closely with Admissions, Flight Operations, Finance, and Student Services to ensure veteran students successfully navigate their training program while utilizing available education benefits.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Verify eligibility documentation including Certificates of Eligibility (COE), DD-214 forms, and other required records.
- Ensure compliance with VA regulations and reporting requirements for aviation training programs.
- Maintain accurate training and enrollment records for VA audit and compliance purposes.
- Monitor student progress and report enrollment changes, withdrawals, interruptions, or training adjustments to the VA as required.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for veteran and military-affiliated students regarding education benefits.
- Counsel students on eligibility, payment structures, and program coverage.
- Assist prospective and current students with understanding how VA benefits apply to training programs.
- Coordinate with Admissions to support veteran student onboarding and enrollment.
- Assist in maintaining student financial aid and benefits records.
- Support processes related to verification of student information and financial documentation where applicable.
- Coordinate with the Finance team regarding tuition payments, benefit disbursements, and funding reconciliation.
- Maintain documentation and files in accordance with federal regulations and company policies.
- Assist in preparing reports and documentation for leadership, audits, and compliance reviews.
- Work closely with Admissions, Flight Operations, Training Support, and Finance to ensure accurate enrollment reporting.
- Coordinate with program leadership regarding training schedules and benefit eligibility requirements.
- Assist in maintaining up-to-date VA policies, procedures, and internal documentation.
- Participate in internal training and stay informed of changes to VA education benefits regulations.
Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 2 years of experience in financial aid, veterans affairs, education administration, or regulatory compliance preferred.
- Experience working with VA education benefits or military-affiliated students strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of GI Bill education benefits and VA certification processes.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong customer service and student support mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student records and financial information.
- Interpret and apply complex regulatory guidelines.
- Build effective relationships with students, internal departments, and external agencies.
- Manage administrative processes with high levels of accuracy and compliance.