Certification Officer and Compliance Specialist

About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our inclusive atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that is welcoming and encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our diversity is what makes us a strong community.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees. In support of the diverse needs of our employees, we offer our part-time employees the following benefits.

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Time Off: Personal, Sick and Vacation Days
  • Tuition Remission: Undergraduate accelerated learning courses that align with your position and/or professional development plans
  • Credit Union

Position Summary

Contributes to a collegial, professional environment that supports faculty, staff, and students. Acts as a liaison between students, teachers, and various University entities. Serves as University Certification Officer, Certification Compliance Coordinator, and Field Placement Assistant. The Certification Officer processes all certificate requests and endorses students who have met certification requirements. The Certification Compliance Coordinator monitors all teacher certification students for compliance with eligibility requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Field Placement Assistant works closely with the Director of Field Placements to arrange field placements for students and provide support for all major functions of the Field Placement Office.

Essential Functions

Job duties that must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This position description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

State Certification Processes

  • Process and submit certification applications to PDE through TIMS
  • Process documentation for Holy Family graduates who seek certification in other states
  • Communicate with PDE regarding certification and requirements and procedures
  • Communicate and collaborate with relevant School/University personnel to understand and implement State Certification requirements
  • Provide information sessions for students regarding certification processes and testing requirements
  • Provide letters of verification of program completion for students seeking certification
  • Additional duties assigned due to potential PDE changes to certifications

School of Education Compliance Processes

  • Verify that undergraduate students, graduate students, and transfer students meet the requirements for formal admission to the School of Education. Notify students of all decisions
  • Work with Academic Advising to identify pre-education majors to distribute the requirements for School of Education admission
  • Maintain communication with students and advisors related to stringent deadlines for School of Education admissions status
  • Direct students to web based information informing students of School of Education formal admission criteria, testing requirements, and available test preparation
  • Maintain database of tracking data for undergraduate and graduate students including GPA, state certification test scores, and faculty recommendations for formal admission to the School of Education
  • Maintain records and archive compliance data for PDE program review and Title 2 reports
  • Meet with Compliance Committee Chair to address any compliance issues and attend Compliance Committee meetings
  • Serve as a contact person for the Office of Admissions, Academic Advising, and Center for Academic Enhancement on compliance issues
  • Assign education faculty advisors
  • Attend School of Education meetings

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed.  Employees must understand the mission and demonstrate the core values of the University. Additionally, demonstrate the ability to work with diverse personalities, and harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees are expected to follow and abide by all University policies, rules, regulations and guidelines. 

Education & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or experience working in teacher certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of and ability to follow university policies and procedures
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the campus community
  • Excellent communication skills (in-person and through other media)
  • Ability to collaborate with individuals and groups
  • Proficient with technology systems, Datatel, Canvas, database applications, multimedia and presentation software
  • Attention to detail

Work Environment

Operates in a face-to-face office environment, that may have frequent interruptions. The area is well-lit, temperature controlled and free from hazards. Noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer.  Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time. Manual dexterity is needed in order to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster an inclusive and healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity and inclusion in its employment and education. 

For more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination click here.

We invite qualified applicants to apply for open positions by submitting a cover letter and resume. 

Please visit our career center to apply directly.