School Certifying Official & Advisor Trainee; Student Services Professional IA

School Certifying Official & Advisor Trainee (Student Services Professional IA)

Apply Now Job no: 554618
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Temporary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

The School Certifying Official & Advisor Trainee supports military-affiliated students by assisting with the administration of federal and state veterans’ education benefits and providing student advising within a structured, team-based environment. 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 while developing proficiency in veterans’ benefits certification, compliance, and student support practices.

This role serves as an entry point into veterans’ education benefits administration and student services. The incumbent assists with certification processes, responds to VA-related inquiries, and supports the resolution of benefit and payment issues while gaining working knowledge of Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs regulations. Responsibilities are performed with guidance and oversight, with opportunities for increased responsibility as experience and competency grow.

This position is well-suited for a detail-oriented, student-centered professional early in their career who is motivated to learn, develop technical expertise, and contribute meaningfully to the success of military-connected students.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the certification and administration of federal and state veterans’ education benefits using established procedures and systems, under staff supervision.
• Provide customer service support to students and the campus community by responding to routine inquiries in person, by phone, and electronically, and referring complex questions to appropriate staff.
• Help maintain accurate student records and documentation in campus and VA-related systems.
• Support veteran and military-connected students by providing general information and connecting them to campus resources and services.
• Assist with the planning and execution of programs, orientations, workshops, and events serving military-connected students.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for events, communications, and outreach activities.
• Support daily operations of the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center, including front desk coverage and office coordination.
• Participate in training and professional development related to veterans’ education benefits, student services practices, and university systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Military and Veterans Program.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact supporting the academic success, well-being, and persistence of veteran and military-connected students.
• Apply your professional experience in higher education student services and veterans’ education benefits administration within a complex, compliance-driven environment.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource within a mission-driven team committed to accuracy, collaboration, and student advocacy.
• Strengthen and expand your skills in advising, program coordination, regulatory compliance, and cross-campus collaboration.
• Join a diverse and inclusive campus community at San Diego State University that is committed to equity, belonging, and student success.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, temporary position anticipated to end 12 months from date of hire with the possibility of appointment to a Student Services Professional IB at the end of the training period.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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 resource center and the first veteran center in the system. The…