VA School Certifying Official

VA School Certifying Official

The VA School Certifying Official will assist students and their families requesting and receiving education benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and coordinate processing between students, Syracuse University, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This individual will be responsible for preparing and certifying VA educational benefits to include the Yellow Ribbon Program, and reporting student status and eligibility changes to the VA.

Prepares and analyzes reports and ensures compliance on all student files and auditing requirements. Keeps students informed on VA education benefit regulation and policy changes and liaises with University departments impacting VA education benefits. This position will report to the Director of the Office of Veteran Success.

Education and Experience

- Required:

Bachelor's degree – extensive relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree

Must have completed or willing to successfully complete the Veterans Administration School Certifying Official training

Preferred:

Experience working in higher education

Military background or experience working with veterans and/or veterans educational benefits

Skills and Knowledge
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Effective time management, organization and planning skills

Knowledge of current existing and proposed VA Educational benefits regulations and policies

Responsibilities
- Counsels students and parents regarding eligibility, available benefits, and financial procedures/policies for veterans and/or their dependents

Prepares and certifies U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) enrollment certifications and certifies students in accordance with the university's Yellow Ribbon program

Verifies student educational benefits

Ensures all compliance and auditing requirements and regulations are met per the university, state, VA and other federal agencies

Serves as a university technical point of contact for the VAMonitors student's course load and their grades to ensure compliance with VA regulations

Reports status changes that affect student eligibility for VA benefits; assists students in resolving issues with the VA and other agencies or university departments

Liaises with university departments (i.e. financial aid, bursar, and others) on the impact of VA education benefits.

Prepares reports and analyzes data Audits student files at the beginning and throughout each semester and at graduation to ensure 100% compliance and timeliness

Assist veteran and dependent students with interpreting, implementing, and disseminating information on new VA and Department of Defense regulations in order to align regulations with Syracuse University policies

Attend veteran-related events and training on and off-campus