What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Certifying Official position at Virginia's Community College System?
Working Title School Certifying Official Role Title Education Support Spec III Role Code 29144-SW FLSA Nonexempt Pay Band 04 Position Number 28300205 Agency J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Division J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Div) Work Location Richmond (City) - 760 Hiring Range Salary commensurate with the experience of the applicant. Maximum salary is $52,500. Emergency/Essential Personnel No EEO Category B-Professional Full Time or Part Time Full Time Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference? Work Schedule
Schedule as assigned by supervisor.
Sensitive Position No Job Description
Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.
The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the college’s primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military-connected students. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate certification and administration of VA educational benefits in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
The SCO upholds the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and accountability in certification, reporting, and recordkeeping—while providing exceptional, student-centered service to veterans, service members, and their families.
Through collaboration with key departments, including Financial Aid, Registrar, Bursar, and Advising, the SCO strengthens institutional compliance and enhances the overall veteran student experience. This position contributes directly to the college’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, and retention for all who have served.
Key Responsibilities
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Travel between campuses, as needed.
Posting Number CLS_4149P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 11/11/2025 Job Close Date 11/30/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Agency Website www.reynolds.edu Contact Name Email Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is open until filled. Resume review will begin 11/20/2025.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/90538
Schedule as assigned by supervisor.
Sensitive Position No Job Description
Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.
The School Certifying Official (SCO) serves as the college’s primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military-connected students. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate certification and administration of VA educational benefits in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
The SCO upholds the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and accountability in certification, reporting, and recordkeeping—while providing exceptional, student-centered service to veterans, service members, and their families.
Through collaboration with key departments, including Financial Aid, Registrar, Bursar, and Advising, the SCO strengthens institutional compliance and enhances the overall veteran student experience. This position contributes directly to the college’s mission to create an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, and retention for all who have served.
Key Responsibilities
- Certify student enrollment and academic progress for VA educational benefits in accordance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
- Serve as the official VA point of contact for the college, maintaining timely communication with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Review, process, and monitor student eligibility, enrollment status, academic progress, and payment reconciliation.
- Maintain accurate records in VA certification systems (e.g., VAONCE or the VA Education Platform) and the college’s student information system.
- Ensure institutional compliance through accurate reporting, documentation, and periodic audits.
- Collaborate with campus partners in Financial Aid, Registrar, and Bursar offices to resolve student benefit and account issues.
- Provide guidance, workshops, and one-on-one support to veteran and military-affiliated students regarding benefits, policies, and academic processes.
- Analyze data to support continuous improvement, identify trends, and contribute to institutional reporting.
- Participate in professional development, training, and networking with the VA and statewide organizations to maintain current knowledge of policies and best practices.
- Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and service-oriented environment that supports the success and well-being of military-affiliated students.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of VA education benefit programs (Chapters 33, 35, 30, 1606) and related certification systems.
- Familiarity with federal and state compliance regulations related to veterans’ educational benefits.
- Experience working with student information systems and Microsoft Office or comparable data management tools.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with a commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.
- Proven ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and provide high-quality, student-centered service.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two or more years of experience supporting veteran or military-affiliated students in higher education.
- Experience using VA certification systems (VAONCE or VA Education Platform) and enterprise student systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Banner, or Colleague).
- Working knowledge of financial aid, registration, and student billing processes.
- Certification as a School Certifying Official (SCO) through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (preferred or required within six months of hire).
- Experience managing or coordinating state or federal benefit programs.
- Familiarity with military culture, structure, and transitional challenges of service members and their families.
- Active involvement in professional organizations such as the National Association of Veterans’ Program Administrators (NAVPA) or related groups.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student support and service delivery.
Travel between campuses, as needed.
Posting Number CLS_4149P Recruitment Type General Public - G Number of Vacancies 1 Position End Date (if temporary) Job Open Date 11/11/2025 Job Close Date 11/30/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Agency Website www.reynolds.edu Contact Name Email Phone Number Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is open until filled. Resume review will begin 11/20/2025.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter. To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155
Additional Information
This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.vccs.edu/postings/90538
Salary : $52,500
