"SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL"

SCHOOL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Position Summary:

This position supports the accurate and timely certification of VA education benefits for a large and growing population of military-connected students. The role involves processing thousands of certifications annually across multiple VA benefit programs, requiring strict adherence to federal compliance standards and audit readiness. The work is deadline-driven, with peak activity at the start of each term, during add/drop, and at graduation. Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage competing priorities are essential. As part of Student Affairs, this role also contributes to student-centered programs and initiatives that promote engagement, retention, and success for military-connected students.

General Responsibilities:

• Experience working in compliance-driven or regulated environments
• Strong data entry accuracy and record-keeping skills
• Familiarity with student information systems or database-driven workflows
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, or institutional policies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Customer-service mindset with professionalism and discretion
• Problem-solving ability and sound judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments
• Compliance-driven or regulated environments
• Processing financial benefits or eligibility-based services
• Direct student or customer support involving complex policies
• Experience working with veterans or military-connected populations

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Audits student academic records and conducts weekly enrollment audits to ensure compliance with VA requirements.
2. Reviews student financial records to identify and mitigate potential debt issues between the VA and UAB.
3. Identifies and resolves issues unique to veteran students and dependents, serving as a primary point of contact for students, the general public, university personnel, and VA officials regarding veteran education benefits.
4. Maintains accurate and compliant records for all VA benefit recipients in accordance with VA regulations and institutional policies.
5. Monitors student academic progress, including GPA and enrollment status, and reviews other financial aid awards to prevent overpayments in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.
6. Utilizes Enrollment Manager to certify enrollments, report student status changes in accordance with the 30-day reporting requirement, and ensure students receive appropriate GI Bill benefits.
7. Identifies courses with missing or non-punitive grades and makes required adjustments based on VA and UAB policies.
8. Counsels students on how academic standing and progress affect benefit eligibility.
9. Verifies and authenticates documentation used for certification and ensures consistency between the University's student information system and Enrollment Manager records.
10. Prepares and submits graduation, retention, and VA compliance reports to leadership as required.
11. Verifies GI Bill payments received from the U.S. Treasury for accuracy prior to authorizing application to student accounts.
12. Counsels students, dependents, and parents on eligibility requirements and available VA education benefits.
13. Serves as the university point of contact for the National Guard and Reserves regarding Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE), GI Bill Kicker contracts, Tuition Assistance, and the Army National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEAP).
14. Contributes to the planning, coordination, and support of student-centered programs, workshops, orientations, and initiatives that promote engagement, retention, and success for military-connected students.
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Pay Range:

$40,000 - $50,000

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two (2) years of related experience required. Work experience may substitute for education requirements.

Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:

Must complete U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Online School Official Training.