School Certifying Official & Advisor (Student Services Professional II)

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The School Certifying Official & Advisor plays a critical role in supporting military-affiliated and veteran students by ensuring accurate administration of VA education benefits while providing knowledgeable, student-centered advising. Reporting to the MVP Director and working closely with the Primary School Certifying Official, this position supports the daily operations of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center and serves as a trusted resource for students navigating complex benefit processes. This position works with a high level of independence, exercising sound judgment and attention to detail to maintain compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. This is a meaningful opportunity for a professional with military experience who is passionate about serving those who have served.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field.
• Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth.
• A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving as a School Certifying Official or working with VA education benefits.
• Familiarity with federal and state veterans’ education benefit programs.
• Experience advising students in a higher education setting.
• Military service or experience working with military-connected populations.
• Knowledge of CSU or SDSU policies and systems.
• Experience communicating information to small or large groups, such as through presentations, orientations, or workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and follow through on assigned responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus or community partners.

Responsibilities

• Independently administer the certification of federal and state veterans’ education benefits for undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs, CSU, and SDSU requirements.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for VA-related inquiries, providing guidance to students, campus partners, and the public through in-person, phone, and electronic communication.
• Liaise directly with the VA Regional Processing Office to resolve certification discrepancies, payment delays, overpayments, and other complex benefit-related issues.
• Advise military-connected students on education benefits, policies, and procedures, and assist them in navigating university and external systems related to their benefits.
• Review and maintain student records and documentation in accordance with institutional, state, and federal compliance standards.
• Apply judgment to interpret regulations and guidelines in non-routine or complex situations, escalating issues as appropriate.
• Support coordination with campus partners such as Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, and academic units to ensure accurate and timely benefit processing.
• Assist with training and providing functional guidance to entry-level or trainee staff
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on changes to VA regulations, policies, and best practices.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level