Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, permanent classified Program Specialist 3 – School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE). The SCO manages the Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefit program for the college and completes specialty tasks (i.e. certifies student enrollments for the VA, monitors student progress and process appropriate documents for the payment of veteran’s benefits) within the college wide program. 
 
This position also coordinates all aspects of the program with VA Work Study students and the VA and is responsible for providing technical assistance and information to students, staff and the public. The SCO provides consultation to program participants, staff, and outside entities and resolves complex problems and issues related to the program. The SCO is the VA Site Supervisor for VA Work Study Students who manages their day-to-day work and their time reporting. The SCO position also processes student paperwork for 100% and 25% tuition waivers, then requests the application of the waiver to student accounts.
 
At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform VA Site Supervisor work to include selecting, training and guiding day-to-day work of VA Work Study (WS) students. The SCO will assign and monitor their work for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with federal, state, college, department and technical/legal/regulatory requirements and provide feedback to VA WS students on work performance and behaviors.
• 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 WS. Consult with students using a case management approach, then provide forms and processes for student to collect benefits; collaborate with VCOE team to improve college procedures, college forms, and marketing materials.
• Anticipate potential conflicts or issues and attempt 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 and receive/process VA documents/forms related to educational benefits. This position will ensure accurate VA certification for students and avoid under/over payment which can lead to a college debt to the federal government.
• 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 requirements and restrictions; review completed forms for accuracy and complete­ness; notify students of need for additional information/documentation.
• Act as college’s 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, and then initiate student vouchers to waive material fees for vocational rehabilitation students; maintain a log of bookstore vouchers issued and monitor these students' bookstore expenses.
• 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.

• Associate’s degree AND two (2) years of experience as a School Certifying Official OR a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Human Services, Student Personnel Administration, Business Administration or related area of study.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PeopleSoft (or a similar information management system).
• Experience working in an office setting with ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Experience providing accurate and timely customer service using independent judgment and reasoning.
• Veteran with prior military service or military dependent.
• Knowledge of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official Hand­book, applicable sections of the state education code and federal regulations applicable to education benefits for eligible veterans 
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and other college, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and policies governing education and applicable sections of the state education code relevant to assigned responsibilities.

• Ability to work independently and perform basic research and follow procedures/guidelines. This includes establishing priorities to ensure VA deadlines are met.
• Ability to practice effective and collaborative conflict resolution including de-escalation. Utilize interpersonal skills during student consultations with tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to learn, interpret, apply, and explain laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures relating to admissions and records.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use college computer systems, VAOnce, AskVA, and ID.me federal systems.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and have an understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic and disability issues.
• Ability to work well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.
• The initial appointment will include a 6-month probationary period and the employee will earn permanent status after successfully completing probation.  
• 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.

• A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needs.  
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.   
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Café in Joan Stout Hall.  
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.  
• On-campus childcare.  
• Gym and recreation facilities.  
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events

• Clark College online application 
• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.
• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.
• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.