School Certifying Official & Advisor; Student Services Professional II

Overview

School Certifying Official & Advisor (Student Services Professional II)

Apply Now Job no: 554620
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

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.

• 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, over payments, 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.

• Make a direct impact on the academic success and well-being of veteran and military-affiliated students.
• Work in a mission-driven Veterans Center that values service, advocacy, and student support.
• Apply your military experience and benefits expertise in a professional higher education setting.
• Collaborate with campus partners and external agencies to support a diverse student population.
• Join a supportive team committed to accuracy, compliance, and student success.

• 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.

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 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 (Cal Vet), and other agencies.

For more information regarding the Joan and Art…