Job Description
Job Description
VA Certifying Official
Lakewood University Position Type: Part-Time, Temporary to Permanent
Position Summary
Lakewood University is seeking a detail-oriented, student-focused VA Certifying Official (SCO) to serve as the University's dedicated staff member responsible for day-to-day VA enrollment certification activities and veteran student support.
Lakewood University maintains multiple School Certifying Officials to support the University's VA certification responsibilities. The Vice President of Admissions and Marketing serves as the Primary SCO of Record, with additional SCOs supporting the University's certification processes. This position will be the University's dedicated VA SCO role, with primary responsibility for processing VA enrollment certifications, amendments, and terminations through the VA's Enrollment Manager system.
The VA Certifying Official will also serve as a primary point of contact for veteran students who have questions regarding certifications, enrollment changes, and VA education benefits, helping within the scope of the University's role and appropriately referring students to the VA or other resources when necessary.
The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, the ability to manage sensitive student information, and a genuine commitment to supporting veteran students throughout their educational journey. Prior experience serving as a School Certifying Official (SCO) is strongly preferred.
Work Schedule:
Monday: 12:00 pm EST-5:00pm EST
Tuesday: 9:00 am EST-2:00 pm EST
Wednesday: 12:00 pm EST-5:00 pm EST
Thursday: 9:00 am EST-2:00pm EST
Friday: 12:00 pm EST-5:00 pm EST
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
- Ability to handle confidential student information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to learn and effectively navigate specialized systems and databases.
- Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with university departments.
- Commitment to providing responsive and respectful service to veteran students.
Preferred
- Previous experience serving as a School Certifying Official (SCO).
- Experience using the VA Enrollment Manager system.
- Experience working in higher education, student services, financial aid, registrar services, or veteran services.
- Knowledge of VA education benefit certification processes.
- Experience supporting military-affiliated or veteran students.
- Familiarity with student information systems and other higher education technology platforms.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
- Ability to handle confidential student information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to learn and effectively navigate specialized systems and databases.
- Strong problem-solving and follow-through skills.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with university departments.
- Commitment to providing responsive and respectful service to veteran students.
Preferred
- Previous experience serving as a School Certifying Official (SCO).
- Experience using the VA Enrollment Manager system.
- Experience working in higher education, student services, financial aid, registrar services, or veteran services.
- Knowledge of VA education benefit certification processes.
- Experience supporting military-affiliated or veteran students.
- Familiarity with student information systems and other higher education technology platforms.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Accuracy: Strong attention to detail when processing enrollment certifications and changes.
- Compliance Mindset: Ability to follow regulatory requirements, University policies, and established procedures.
- Student Service: A genuine commitment to helping veteran students navigate their educational experience.
- Communication: Ability to explain complex processes clearly and professionally.
- Organization: Ability to manage multiple students, deadlines, certifications, and follow-up activities.
- Confidentiality: Sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
- Technology: Comfort working with specialized databases, student information systems, VA systems, and other technology platforms.
- Problem Solving: Ability to investigate discrepancies, identify appropriate resources, and follow issues through resolution.
- Professional Judgment: Ability to recognize the limits of the University's role and appropriately refer students to VA or other qualified resources.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with the Primary SCO of Record, other SCOs, and University departments.
- Empathy and Professionalism: Ability to interact with veteran students with respect, patience, understanding, and professionalism.
Performance & Success Measures
Success in this position may be demonstrated through:
- Accurate and timely enrollment certifications.
- Accurate and timely processing of amendments and terminations.
- Compliance with applicable VA and University requirements.
- Timely response to veteran student questions and concerns.
- Accurate and complete documentation.
- Effective resolution or escalation of certification issues.
- Positive student service experiences.
- Effective communication and collaboration with university departments and other SCOs.
- Successful completion of required training and ongoing professional development.
- Consistent and reliable follow-through on certification responsibilities.
Lakewood University
Lakewood University is committed to improving the quality of life of its students by providing excellent, affordable, and in-demand educational programs through distance learning. The VA Certifying Official plays an important role in supporting that mission by helping veteran students navigate the administrative aspects of their education and access the benefits for which they may be eligible.
The position should reflect Lakewood's values of Integrity, Caring, Responsibility, Respect, and Quality.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Lakewood University is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Other Duties
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Other duties may be assigned as appropriate to support the University's mission and operational needs.