Program Specialist 3 - School Certifying Officer

Full-Time, Permanent Classified Program Specialist 3 School Certifying Official

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, permanent classified Program Specialist 3 School Certifying Official in the Veterans Center of Excellence. The Program Specialist 3 -School Certifying Official (SCO) manages the VA educational benefit program according for federal guidelines for the college; completes specialty tasks (i.e. certifies student enrollments for the VA, monitors student progress and process appropriate documents for the payment of veterans benefits) within the college wide program; coordinates all aspects of the program with VA Work Study students and the VA; provides technical assistance and information to students, staff and the public; provides consultation to program participants, staff, and outside entities; and resolves complex problems and issues related to the program.

Process student paperwork for 100% and 25% tuition waivers, then request application of waiver to student accounts, then requests the waivers be applied to student accounts. The work schedule is Monday - Thursday 8 : 00am-5 : 00pm on-campus, Friday remote. The hybrid schedule is subject to change based on the needs of the college.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

Job Duties and Responsibilities :

• Gather and review VA-required documents and other information required to certify student enrollment status for VA benefits; certify student enrollments, program changes, and enrollment verifications.
• Consult with and educate student veterans on various VA educational benefit programs available to them including VA Work Study; consult with students, using a case management approach, then provides forms and processes for students to collect benefits; collaborate with VCOE team to improve college procedures, college forms, and marketing materials.
• Anticipate potential conflicts or issues and attempts resolution before problems occur; evaluate situations then consult with VCOE staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and implement resolutions designed to meet student goals and objectives as well as those of the VA and college.
• Monitor student course work to ensure accurate VA certification for students and avoid under / over payment which can lead to a college debt to the federal government; receive and process VA documents / forms related to educational benefits.
• Consult with students and staff and provide technical assistance on veterans' regulations, college admissions, registration records, testing requirements, matriculation, enrollment and fees; refer students to other areas of the college as appropriate.
• Assist students in applying for the VA Certificate of Eligibility, completing VA and college forms, applications and processes; explain the requirements and restrictions; review completed forms for accuracy and completeness; notify students of need for additional information / documentation.
• Act as college's official School Certifying Official (SCO) in accordance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Handbook; consult with VA officials, the State Approving Agency, and other certifying officials for assistance with regulations and procedures for resolution of complex problems.
• Research and review records for changes in status; notify students of problems or required changes.
• Assist higher-level staff in preparing comprehensive, complex, periodic reports or summaries of student enrollment, changes and final grades; consult with students before making certification adjustments and terminations; conduct research to identify student eligibility for continued program participation then report to VCOE Associate Director.
• Prepare and transmit correspondence to students regarding VA eligibility, student status and other information; respond to requests from other educational institutions / agencies for the verification of student status and records; ensure proper releases are on file to safeguard student privacy; initiate and compose correspondence as appropriate.
• Maintain student VA records in accordance with VA regulations and audit records to ensure accuracy; research data; prepare files for auditors; generate reports for district, state and federal agencies.
• Collaborate with bookstore, accounts payable, and financial aid, by retrieving VA Purchase Orders for VR&E students
• Put appropriate Veteran holds on veterans receiving VA educational benefits to ensure they are not dropped from classes for non-payment.
• Track federal legislative issues and collaborate with VA staff to inform veteran students and other college departments to coordinate changes specific to the program.
• Collect and process paperwork for 100% and 25% tuition waivers, then request waivers be applied to student accounts.
• Work with veteran organizations to help veterans
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements and Competencies :

Job Readiness / Working Conditions :

This position is represented by Washington Public Employees Association.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

What We Offer :

Salary Range : $4,740-$6,384 / month | Step A-M (commensurate with qualifications and experience) | Range : 53 | Code : 107J

Successful candidates typically start at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation / sick leave; medical