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Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III)

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.

Why Join Us?

Make a meaningful impact by helping military-connected students, veterans, and their families successfully navigate higher education and achieve their academic goals. Serve in a highly respected Veterans Center recognized as a flagship resource within the California State University system. Build expertise in veterans' education benefits, higher education policy, regulatory compliance, and student advising. Collaborate with university departments, government agencies, and community partners to enhance services and opportunities for military-connected students.

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to student success, inclusive excellence, and supporting those who have served.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it's like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here.

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.

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…