School Certifying Official
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.
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN45549B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: M-F 9:00am – 5:00pm
Department: 01481 - Veteran Support Center
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $55,000 - $65,000
Close Date: 10/01/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9811996"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/204868
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