Department Code
31300-0095
Department
Veteran & Military Affairs
Job Title
VA School Certifying Official
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$62,400 - $68,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
The VA School Certifying Official will assist students and their families requesting and receiving education benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and coordinate processing between students, Syracuse University, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This individual will be responsible for preparing and certifying VA educational benefits to include the Yellow Ribbon Program, and reporting student status and eligibility changes to the VA. Prepares and analyzes reports and ensures compliance on all student files and auditing requirements. Keeps students informed on VA education benefit regulation and policy changes and liaises with University departments impacting VA education benefits. This position will report to the Director of the Office of Veteran Success.
Education and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree – extensive relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree
- Must have completed or willing to successfully complete the Veterans Administration School
- Certifying Official training
Preferred:
- Experience working in higher education
- Military background or experience working with veterans and/or veterans educational benefits
Skills and Knowledge
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective time management, organization and planning skills
- Knowledge of current existing and proposed VA Educational benefits regulations and policies
Responsibilities
- Counsels students and parents regarding eligibility, available benefits, and financial procedures/policies for veterans and/or their dependents
- Prepares and certifies U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) enrollment certifications and certifies students in accordance with the university’s Yellow Ribbon program
- Verifies student educational benefits
- Ensures all compliance and auditing requirements and regulations are met per the university, state, VA and other federal agencies
- Serves as a university technical point of contact for the VA
- Monitors student’s course load and their grades to ensure compliance with VA regulations
- Reports status changes that affect student eligibility for VA benefits; assists students in resolving issues with the VA and other agencies or university departments
- Liaises with university departments (i.e. financial aid, bursar, and others) on the impact of VA education benefits.
- Prepares reports and analyzes data
- Audits student files at the beginning and throughout each semester and at graduation to ensure 100% compliance and timeliness
- Assist veteran and dependent students with interpreting, implementing, and disseminating information on new VA and Department of Defense regulations in order to align regulations with Syracuse University policies
- Attend veteran-related events and training on and off-campus
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
