Veteran Certifying Official

DepartmentVeteran Military Affairs

Position Summary

As a member of the Veteran and Military Student Services team, this position serves to collaboratively administer the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits at Metropolitan State University of Denver as a School Certifying Official (SCO). The certifying official also serves to advise current and prospective veteran, military, and dependent students in procedures to utilize GI Bill educational benefits. The certifying official also processes and submits VA educational benefits in the Enrollment Manager system by verifying enrollment details, tuition and fees, degree audit details, demographic information, course begin and end dates, and course instruction modes through manual data entry. The certifying official will also advise the offices of financial aid and student accounts on VA education policies and regulations, train VA work-study students to assist with veteran’s education benefits processes and help plan and implement new and existing veteran programming to support student retention efforts.

IND208

Duties/Responsibilities

60% - GI Bill educational benefit certification

• Helps develop and execute internal processes for VA paperwork submission and certifies veteran student enrollment to the VA by means of the VA web portal (Enrollment Manager).
• Maintains status and training requirements to be a designated school certifying official with the VA.
• Advises current and prospective military-connected students and dependents in attaining educational benefits offered by the VA, including helping determine which GI bill chapter is most appropriate for each student’s situation.
• Answers questions about how students may maximize their education benefits via phone, email, and in person.
• Handles requests and applications for paid tutoring via the VA.
• Maintains currency of changes to VA regulations, state law, and MSU Denver policy affecting Veteran/Military and dependent students.
• Advises and coordinates on internal policy, procedural and programmatic changes in response to federal or institutional changes.
• Develop and maintain resources on VA benefits, including web-based resources, VA process documentation, forms, and job aides. 

15% - Analysis of academic progress and VA fund utilization; Liaison between students and VA

• Monitors VA students’ academic progress and adherence to academic degree programs.
• Reports punitive and failing grades to VA, which may have a fiscal repercussion to the student. Denies the use of VA benefits for repeated courses, or courses taken that are not required for graduation, and advises students of reason for denial.
• Analyzes the utilization of VA funds by each veteran student.
• Terminates and suspends VA benefits as necessary.
• Advises students on the use of GI Bill educational benefits, including the regulations and consequences of various fund usage modes.
• Determines when and how applicable fees for tuition are reported to the VA. Many of these decisions may yield academic and/or financial ramifications for both the student and MSU Denver.
• Resolves all issues related to veterans educational benefits on behalf of the VA.
• Determines options and solutions when various issues regarding veteran’s education benefits arise.
• Provide VA Educational benefit information to Veteran/Dependent students via listserv communication.

10% - Retention and Counseling

• Provides walk-in counseling/advising services for prospective and continuing veteran/military students.
• Supports and serves as an advocate for current Veteran and Military students.
• Builds relationships with applicants and assists them throughout the application process, facilitating correspondence between prospective students and academic advisors, Admissions personnel, Prior Learning Specialist, Residency Specialist, Vocational Rehabilitation Associate, Care Center Counseling team members, Counseling Center Counselors, Auraria Health Center staff, CU Denver and CCD Veteran staff, the faculty, and other relevant MSU Denver, Auraria and external staff personnel when appropriate.
• Possesses an in-depth knowledge and effectively articulates the value and benefits of the university and its various program offerings and admission requirements, keeping up to date with new programs and varying admission requirements across programs and partner agreements.

10% - Student employee supervision and training

• Act as a designated VA approved work-study site supervisor, under the leadership of the Assistant Director.
• Assist in interviewing and hiring VA work-study students. Submit VA work-study paperwork and timesheets to the VA.
• Assist in training student workers on all policies, processes, and procedures associated with the Veterans Education Benefits work unit, including: FERPA, varying GI Bill chapters, document and form distribution, and appropriate procedures to advise veteran students on the basic steps to receive their educational benefits.

5% Other duties as described

• Assist with programming to support and retain veteran and military students.
• Assist Veteran and Military student services in planning, organizing, and implementing new programs and services.
• Assist Veteran and Military Student Services with event support such as: Veterans graduation, Veteran Orientation, etc.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience; and a minimum of 2 years work experience in Higher Education and/or a Veteran Service field. 2 years of experience equals 1 year of education.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience working in a high-volume multifaceted environment.
• Experience in customer service including the ability to respond efficiently and effectively to customer requests and to use sensitivity and discretion when dealing with customers.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

​​Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Banner or equivalent system knowledge.
• Supervisory experience
• Recognition as a VA Certifying Official (approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs) for at least one year.

Work Hours

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt
• 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Evening/weekend work: Rarely
• Hybrid work options available for this position
• Travel: Rarely

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

If you are an Internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu

​​Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeCarlos Alcala

Posting Representative Email[email protected]Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.