Primary School Certifying Official (Student Services Professional III)

About the role

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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 presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and provide accurate guidance on university resources and services.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, administrators, community partners, and external agencies.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to student inquiries.