Program Specialist 3 - School Certifying Officer

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 RESPONSIBILITES:

• 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:

Candidates will be evaluated based on application materials, including the supplemental questions and personal interview(s), and will be required to demonstrate competencies in the following areas:

• 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.

JOB READINESS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 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 student VA benefits, 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.
• Office administration, including filing and recordkeeping systems.
• Basic research methods and procedures.
• Written and oral communication skills including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Concepts, practices and techniques of customer service Effectively collaborate with internal and external (federal and state) stakeholders.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills using tact, patience, courtesy and have an understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic and disability issues.
• Establish priorities and work effectively with many demands on time to ensure VA deadlines are met.
• Work independently and maintain confidentiality-both HIPPA and FERPA related information.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• 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.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• 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 Cafe 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

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, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., October 23, 2025.

REQUIRED ONLINE APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• 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.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs

To contact Clark College Human Resources, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Human Resources at (360) 992-2105 or by video phone at (360) 991-0901.

SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Human Resources Office.

Clark College's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, Administrators of Color Leadership Program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Michelle Jenkins, Director of Labor and Compliance, 360-992-2317, MLJenkins@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 142, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Human Resources

October 2, 2025

25-00083