Project Specialist (Veterans Services)

Application Instructions:

• Complete all sections and fields on the application and attach all required documents incomplete applications may not be considered.

• Include all relevant education training and/or experience on the application.

• Do not include any personally identifiable confidential or otherwise unrequested information that does not pertain to job related factors (e.g. social security number date of birth pictures etc.) on your application or attached documents.

• For job postings with a close date all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting close date will receive consideration.

• For job postings with an initial screening date all applications received by 11:59 PM (Pacific Time) on the job posting initial screening date will receive priority consideration; however typically the job posting will remain open and continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

• For job postings requiring professional references include at least three (3) professional references from the following categories:

1. Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);
2. Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);
3. Masters thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);
4. Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or
5. Other professional references.

Please note professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for or as a finalist for a position.

Project Specialist (SC Veterans Office)

Short-Term

Non-Bargaining Unit

Summary Description:

The Project Specialist will support a variety of specialized assignments within the Veterans Office at Saddleback College. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of federal and state veterans education benefit programs and experience working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Department of Defense (DoD) and related state agencies. This role focuses on improving internal compliance procedures enhancing student engagement and supporting the administration of veteran-specific services during the summer term.

Representative Duties:

Knowledge of:

• VA educational programs MySite/Banner systems and DoD portals.
• Familiarity with military and veteran student populations.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Manage multiple tasks deadlines and priorities in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
• Identify and resolve issues related to certifications student support and compliance.
• Think creatively to improve processes or address challenges that arise.
• Work with a diverse student population and provide superior customer service to veterans military families and other stakeholders.
• Report to work on a regular and consistent basis as scheduled to the assigned job.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with VA educational programs MySite/Banner systems and DoD portal.

Work Schedule: TBD Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the departments needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

Employment Conditions and Information:

This is a short-term temporary hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1^st through June 30^th). Short-term temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent seasonal or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district upon the completion of which the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an if and as needed basis as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at any time due to departmental needs with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 15^th of the first month to the 14^th of the second month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the third month.

Example: For the following reporting period: September 15^th through October 14^th the NBU employee will be paid on November 10^th.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 Public Law 99-603 requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

California Public Employees Retirement SystemandCalifornia State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the SOCCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) who accepts employment with the SOCCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date by either calling or sending an e-mail to

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis as scheduled to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at or . Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD provides access to its services classes and programs without regard to national origin immigration status religion age gender gender identity gender expression race ethnicity color medical condition military and veteran status genetic information ancestry sexual orientation marital status physical or mental disability pregnancy or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The SOCCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check if the SOCCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction provide mitigating evidence or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The SOCCCDis looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic socioeconomic cultural disability gender identity sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds present within our community.

The SOCCCD is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in their classes and as such to eliminating institutional barriers that disproportionately impact students of color. Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and professionally.

Irvine Valley College (IVC) serves approximately 21584 students reflecting a rich diversity: 41% Asian 2% Black/African-American 21% Hispanic/Latino 8% Southwest Asian and North African 5% two or more races and 21% White in Fall 2024.

Similarly Saddleback College (SC) serves around 25789 students with demographics showing 12% Asian 2% Black/African-American 29% Hispanic/Latino 5% two or more races and 47% White in Fall 2024.

These numbers underscore the importance of our commitmentto eliminating equity gaps across all student demographics through implementing dynamic student-centered practices and support the academic and career success of our diverse student body we seek a candidate who will actively contribute to our mission of inclusivity and support. The ideal candidates values will align with SOCCCDs goals for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER