University of Utah

Department 01481 - Veteran Support Center Job Summary

The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the primary liaison between students, the University of Utah, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the State Approving Agency. The SCO is responsible for administering and certifying VA education benefits for eligible veterans, service members, and their dependents, ensuring benefits are processed accurately, compliantly, and in a timely manner.

Working closely with students, campus partners, and VA representatives, the SCO provides guidance on educational benefits, maintains compliance with federal and state regulations, and supports military-connected students throughout their academic experience. This position requires strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a student advocate and provide accurate information and guidance to students regarding VA educational benefits. Analyze student concerns, suggestions, and complaints and provide appropriate responses.
• Certify student enrollment including verifying benefit status, reviewing courses to ensure they meet declared majors, tracking and reporting VA funding to the University, and counseling/advising students of discrepancies that may impact funding. Report student dismissals, graduation dates, and academic probation to the VA.
• Provide guidance to military-connected students regarding military and VA educational benefits, funding options, and benefit eligibility requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert regarding veterans’ education benefits. Liaison with the Veterans Administration and various University departments including The Registrar’s Office, Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Income Accounting, etc. to problem solve, provide training, and be the information resource for students and departments.
• Coordinate with the State Approving Agency regarding changes to academic programs, policies, personnel, course catalog updates, marketing materials, and program approvals to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Assist the Senior SCO with the implementation and compliance of VA and University policies and procedures. Prepare records for audit and compliance reviews.
• Collaborate with the Veteran Support Center team to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, supportive of veteran, military, and dependent needs, and provides an environment that is respectful, engaging, and welcoming among all students and visitors.
• Assist with outreach efforts and programs that support military-connected students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Program Specialists, I: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master’s (or equivalency) degree.

Program Specialists, II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Department-Specific Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent/relevant experience.
• 2 years’ experience gaining a working knowledge of managing VA and/or university functions including but not limited to: student information systems, veteran services, registration, and records management, graduation certification; and skills in holistic university administration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding customer service with a desire to assist, educate, and serve the University’s military population.
• A proven track record of business process improvement and managing change.
• Proficiency with computer systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to manage confidential information and maintain compliance with FERPA and other applicable regulations.
• Ability to interpret and comply with complex regulations and policies.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and administrative skills are essential along with the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to various constituencies.
• Must be able to work across institutional departments, demonstrate success in prior positions, and exhibit a proven commitment to internal and external customer service.
• A strong understanding of current laws, regulations, and procedures as related to academic record-keeping.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report data that informs the way the department practices, university procedures, and policies impact student success and use this data to inform strategies for improvement across all functional areas.
• Must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Military service and/or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) work experience
• Working with VA education benefits or military-connected populations.
• Knowledge of higher education administration, student services, financial aid, admissions, or registrar functions.
• Experience interpreting federal regulations and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.