Veteran Services Coordinator & School Certifying Official

Veteran Services Coordinator & School Certifying Official

Reports To: Director of Veteran Services

Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt (Full-Time)

Position Summary:

The Veteran Services Coordinator & School Certifying Official is a key front-line staff member in the Office of Veteran Services, responsible for processing all VA, Tuition Assistance (TA), and ROTC benefits while supporting the onboarding and first-year success of military-connected students. This individual will serve as the welcoming face of the department, helping students navigate their benefits and transition into campus life, while ensuring institutional and federal compliance in all certification processes.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

School Certifying Official (SCO) Responsibilities

1. Accurately certify VA education benefits (Chapters 33, 31, 30, 35, and 1606) using VA-ONCE.
2. Submit enrollment certifications and amendments for tuition, fees, and housing allowances.
3. Monitor enrollment status and course applicability and maintain documentation per VA audit standards.
4. Process Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) through military education portals.
5. Coordinate with the Business Office and ROTC program for benefit billing and payment tracking.
6. Assist with annual compliance requirements (85/15, Yellow Ribbon, SCO training).

Student Onboarding & Transition Support

1. Coordinate onboarding for new military-affiliated students, including initial benefit counseling.
2. Conduct individual intake sessions to establish success plans for academic and personal goals.
3. Facilitate veteran-specific orientation sessions or breakout tracks.
4. Conduct early-semester and mid-term outreach to identify and resolve student concerns.
5. Partner with other campus departments to connect students to academic, financial, and wellness support services.

Advising & Academic Support

1. Serve as a point of contact for military-affiliated students, providing individualized support to address academic, personal, and career needs.
2. Collaborate with academic advisors to ensure students are on track to meet degree requirements and career goals.
3. Develop and maintain a tracking system for monitoring student progress, retention, and graduation rates.

Outreach & Resource Coordination

1. Build relationships with prospective and current military-connected students through proactive communication and outreach initiatives.
2. Promote awareness of university and external resources available to military-affiliated students, including counseling, career services, and tutoring.
3. Coordinate events and workshops to foster community among military students and their families.

Collaboration & Advocacy

1. Act as a liaison between the Office of Veteran Services and other university departments to streamline processes for military-affiliated students.
2. Advocate for the unique needs of military students and propose solutions to enhance their educational experience.
3. Represent the Office of Veteran Services at recruitment events, fairs, and other university functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Commitment to the ministry and mission of Houston Christian University
• Familiarity with Enrollment Manager, Army AiPortal, and other military education platforms is a plus.
• Familiarity with military culture, terminology, and the unique challenges faced by military-affiliated students
• Understanding of military education benefits, including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31 (VR&E), and other VA and military (preferred but not required)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable with technology platforms for tracking student engagement
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to FERPA guidelines and institutional policies
• Prior military service or affiliation (preferred but not required)

Additional Information

Houston Christian University is an independent, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to the development of moral character, the enrichment of spiritual lives, and perpetuation of growth in Christian ideals. HCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Houston Christian University is committed to maintaining a teaching faculty and staff who share an active Christian faith. The Preamble to the By-Laws of the University, “Scripture and a Christian Worldview,” and the “Ten Pillars Core Convictions of HCU” set forth a statement of belief which each University employee is expected to support and personify as an essential function of their employment at the University. Your submittal of an application for employment indicates your acceptance and affirmation of these statements.

As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, Houston Christian University also strives to build a faculty and staff team that provides role models who embody biblical orthodoxy and ethics for all our students, whatever their background or life experience.

As with all open positions at the University, a contract or employment offer will only be extended when the budget for the position has been confirmed.

**Disclaimer**

Background checks are performed for every new hire. If your application is selected to continue in our hiring process, you will be required to submit a background check form authorizing this screening. If you decline, your application may be denied. By proceeding with the online application, you understand and accept this process.