By: Charlotte Kemper, MHS, CRC / VetSuccess on Campus Counselor
Have you heard of the VSOC program? It stands for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) VetSuccess on Campus program and Santa Fe College is a location spot! Through the VSOC program, VA places experienced vocational rehabilitation counselors on college campuses to assist the growing number of servicemembers, veterans and dependents attending school under the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other VA educational programs.
These VSOC counselors are trained to provide academic and vocational guidance to veterans, and help connect them to other VA benefits, including health care and mental health services. The VSOC counselors maintain close relationships with local VA Vet Centers and VA medical facilities, referring servicemembers, veterans and dependents as needed and providing assistance applying for VA medical and nonmedical benefits. Santa Fe College’s VSOC counselor can be found on the Northwest Campus in the Office of Veterans & Military Success Services.
VetSuccess on Campus services are available to servicemembers and veterans eligible for any of VA’s educational programs, including the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, as well as VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. VSOC counselors can also assist dependents of Veterans who are receiving VA education benefits, including eligible spouses attending school through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and eligible children.
In addition, VA’s Education and Career Counseling Program offers a great opportunity for transitioning servicemembers and veterans to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths, ensure most effective use of their VA benefits, and help them achieve their goals. Visit Santa Fe College’s VSOC counselor on campus to learn more about this program.
VA’s GI Bill website offers tools to help veterans transition from military service to student success. For career assistance, including connecting to employers looking to hire servicemembers, veterans and dependents, the new Veterans Employment Center on eBenefits is a one-stop-shop offering online tools and resources.