Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III)

Support the success of SDSU’s military-connected students as a Primary School Certifying Official (PSCO) with the Military and Veterans Program. In this role, help manage the University’s certification and compliance processes for federal, state, and Department of Defense education benefits, including VA education benefits, DoD Tuition Assistance, the California College Fee Waiver, enrollment certifications, records, reporting, and regulatory requirements.

The position serves as a central connection point between students, University departments, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DoD), the State Approving Agency, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and other partners. Through accurate certification, compliance oversight, policy communication, and responsive problem-solving, the role helps ensure students receive timely information and the support needed to pursue their educational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and certify student enrollment for federal VA education benefits, including applicable GI Bill® chapters and the Veteran Readiness and Employment program; maintain related certifications, updates, amendments, terminations, reimbursements, and records in required University and VA systems.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for VA, DoD, and state compliance activities, including surveys, audits, the DoD Memorandum of Understanding, and State Approving Agency requirements.
• Advise students on degree requirements, class selection, program completion timelines, financial aid, tuition assistance, fee waivers, reimbursements, and related resources.
• Review student records, degree plans, enrollment details, tuition and fees, and supporting documentation to ensure accurate benefit processing and compliance.
• Monitor regulatory and policy changes, communicate updates to students and campus partners, and recommend process improvements as needed.
• Collaborate with University departments, faculty advisors, government agencies, and military and veteran-serving organizations to resolve concerns and connect students with appropriate support.

Why Join Us

• Manage critical education benefits and compliance processes that support SDSU’s military and veteran programs.
• Develop valuable expertise at the intersection of student services, government regulations, education benefits, and higher education compliance.
• Work across a broad network of campus and external partners, gaining insight into University operations, federal and state processes, and military-connected student support.
• Join a mission-driven program that values accurate service, responsive communication, and meaningful support for the SDSU military-connected community.

• 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.

The Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center 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 of 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 Barron Veterans Center, click here.

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.

• Experience managing VA education benefits, ensuring compliance, and preparing for or participating in state and federal compliance surveys or audits.
• Demonstrated skill in interpreting and applying program rules and regulations, analyzing data, evaluating information, and developing appropriate recommendations or process improvements.
• Sound judgment when assessing complex or sensitive situations, determining appropriate next steps, and advising students individually or in groups.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including preparing reports, presenting information, and explaining policies and procedures clearly to varied audiences.
•  Knowledge of compliance surveys, audits, and related reviews conducted by state or federal regulatory agencies, with experience supporting planning and preparation.
• Proven skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, administrators, campus departments, student organizations, government agencies, and community partners.

• Background in VA education benefits, other student benefit programs, or the Enrollment Manager certification database.
• Knowledge of state and federal VA education benefits, regulations, and VA data systems, including Enrollment Manager
• Strong presentation skills and experience communicating complex information to diverse audiences of varying sizes.
• Familiarity with the SDSU or other Academic General Catalog, Graduate Bulletin, general admission requirements, and CSU policies and procedures.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

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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. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.