Edtech.com's Summary

San Diego State University is hiring a Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III) to serve as the university's primary point of contact for veterans' education benefits and Department of Defense Tuition Assistance. Reporting to the Director of the Military and Veterans Program, this person will certify education benefits, advise military-connected students on academic planning and campus resources, and ensure compliance with VA, DoD, CSU, and state regulations. The role is on-site in San Diego and calls for a four-year degree plus about three years of professional student services experience.

Highlights

Certifies federal and state veterans' education benefits and Tuition Assistance while ensuring compliance with VA, DoD, CSU, and state regulations
Advises military-connected students on education benefits, academic planning, financial aid, and degree progress
Coordinates with campus departments and external agencies on benefit certifications, recordkeeping, and compliance reviews and audits
Supports Military and Veterans Program outreach, communication, and VA Work-Study coordination
On-site role at SDSU's Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, the CSU system's flagship veterans resource center
Requires a four-year degree plus about three years of progressively responsible professional student services experience
A master's or doctoral degree in counseling, clinical psychology, or social work may substitute for part of the experience requirement
Salary range of $5,540-$7,893 per month, with a full CSU benefits package including CalPERS pension and tuition fee waiver

Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III) Full Description

Position Summary

The Primary School Certifying Official (PSCO) plays a vital role in supporting the academic success of military-connected students at San Diego State University. Reporting to the Director of the Military and Veterans Program (MVP), the PSCO serves as the university’s primary point of contact for Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) and federal and state veterans’ education benefits.

The position provides comprehensive guidance to service members, veterans, and eligible family members regarding education benefits, academic planning, and available campus resources while ensuring compliance with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California State University, and state regulations. The incumbent collaborates with campus departments and external agencies to certify education benefits, maintain regulatory compliance, support student success, and strengthen services for the military-connected community.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the university’s Primary School Certifying Official by certifying federal and state veterans’ education benefits, Tuition Assistance, and related programs while ensuring compliance with VA, DoD, CSU, and state regulations.
Advise military-connected students on education benefits, academic planning, financial aid, degree progress, and available campus resources to support their educational goals.
Collaborate with campus departments and external agencies to coordinate benefit certifications, maintain accurate records, resolve complex student issues, and support regulatory compliance.
Prepare reports, analyze student data, maintain required documentation, and support compliance reviews, audits, and annual program approvals.
Support Military and Veterans Program initiatives through outreach, communication, VA Work-Study coordination, committee participation, and advocacy for military-connected students.

Position Information

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, permanent/probationary position.
This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

SDSU Military and Veterans Program is the California State University (CSU) system’s flagship veteran’s resource center and the first veteran’s center in the system. The Military and Veterans Program (MVP) is a component within Student Affairs and Campus Diversity which directs, manages and provides services for all aspects of the veteran, active duty, reserve and dependent programs for San Diego State University undergraduate and graduate students. The MVP manages all veteran and military-connected support services and events for the campus and serves as the primary source for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DoD), California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), and other agencies.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution, where such are job-related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

Knowledge of CSU and SDSU policies, procedures, regulations, admission requirements, and the SDSU General Catalog and Graduate Bulletin is preferred.
Knowledge of state and federal VA education benefits, regulations, and VA data systems, including Enrollment Manager (preferred).
Experience managing VA education benefits, ensuring compliance, and preparing for or participating in state and federal compliance surveys or audits.
Ability to assess policies and procedures, interpret regulations, and recommend process improvements.
Experience working with veterans or student veteran organizations as a member, mentor, advisor, or through veteran services; military service and leadership experience preferred.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and provide accurate guidance on university resources and services.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, administrators, community partners, and external agencies.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to student inquiries.

Compensation and Benefits

CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/month.

Full benefits package includes generous time off (15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave), a CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, medical/dental/vision coverage, a CSU tuition fee waiver, and optional offerings such as FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Supplemental Information

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa); applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

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Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III)

Edtech.com's Summary

Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III) Full Description

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