Specialist, Veterans Affairs - School Certifying Official

MULTIPLE CAMPUS LOCATIONS

INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST APPLY AT:  https://www.easyhrweb.com/JC_SouthernCrescent

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Associate’s degree *and* Three (3) years of related work experience

Note: Experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s Degree and Prior Experience as a School Certifying Official

Three (3) years of experience in higher education, financial aid, student services, or a military-related support role. Familiarity with VA education benefits and regulations, or willingness to learn and complete required SCO training. Proficient in Microsoft Office and systems such as VA Enrollment Manager, Banner, or other SIS platforms 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Serve as the institution’s primary School Certifying Official (SCO), responsible for certifying enrollment and academic progress for students receiving VA education benefits (Chapters 33, 31, 35, 30, and 1606)
Process certifications, amendments, and terminations using the VA’s Enrollment Manager system in a timely and accurate manner
Monitor student eligibility, enrollment status, academic standing, and mitigating circumstances to ensure continued compliance with VA regulations
Maintain and securely manage student VA records, files, and documentation in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines
Respond to student inquiries regarding VA benefits, including eligibility, certification status, payment timelines, and academic progress requirements
Collaborate with internal departments such as the Registrar, Student Accounts, Admissions and Academic Advising, to coordinate enrollment, billing, and satisfactory academic progress verification
Educate students on the process to apply for benefits and guide them through required institutional forms such as the Veteran Information Form, Statement of Understanding, and Enrollment Certification Request each semester
Assist with the preparation for and response to compliance surveys, audits, and reviews conducted by the VA, State Approving Agency (SAA), and institutional auditors 
Maintain current knowledge of VA and SAA policies by participating in required training, conferences, and webinars
Assist with planning and delivering outreach, orientation, and recognition events for veteran and military-affiliated students
Recommend process improvements and contribute to developing a veteran-friendly campus culture
Manage the Veteran Center
Perform other duties as assigned by the Financial Aid Leadership Team
 

COMPETENCIES: 

Understands VA education benefit regulations and ensures accurate, timely certification
Maintains data integrity and follows FERPA and institutional policies
Provides clear, respectful, and student-friendly service
Communicates complex processes effectively in both written and verbal formats
Manages multiple tasks, deadlines, and records efficiently
Stays organized and audit-ready in a high-detail environment
Works effectively across departments to support students and ensure compliance
Open to feedback and contributes to process improvement 
Uses VA Enrollment Manager, student information systems, and standard office software proficiently
Adapts to evolving tools and platforms
Understands and respects the unique needs of military-connected students
Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills
 

SALARY/BENEFITS:  Salary commensurate with education and work experience.  Benefits include paid state holidays, paid annual and sick leave, and the State of Georgia Flexible Benefits Program.

SPECIAL NOTES:  

While faculty members will be assigned a home campus, some travel between campuses may be required. It shall be a condition of employment to submit to a background investigation. Offers of employment shall be conditional pending the result of the background investigation

Federal Law requires ID and eligibility verification prior to employment.  

All male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are ages 18 through 25, are required to register for the military draft and must present proof of Selective Service Registration upon employment.  

Applicants who need special assistance may request assistance by phoning (770)229-3454.  

 Position contingent upon receiving sufficient funding. 

Applicants scheduled for interviews will be notified of the status of the position.  

**  The Technical College System of Georgia and its constituent Technical Colleges do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, spouse of military member, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). This nondiscrimination policy encompasses the operation of all technical college-administered programs, programs financed by the federal government including any Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I financed programs, educational programs and activities, including admissions, scholarships and loans, student life, and athletics. It also encompasses the recruitment and employment of personnel and contracting for goods and services.