Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00058257	Description Activated On: 6/30/2026 9:03:20 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Oversees the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) program in Pennsylvania, including high school equivalency (HSE) testing and the 30 college credit option and manages the high school equivalency section in the division.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. Acquires and maintains a thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant PA code and regulations that govern HSE activities in the Commonwealth and ensures that all HSE/CSSD-related activities comply with these rules and regulations.
2. Serves as point of contact for all information related to the HSE program in Pennsylvania. Provides information on policies, regulations, procedures, and data as they relate to the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma, HSE tests, HSE test fee subsidy, and the issuance of the diploma based on college credit.
3. Oversees state-specific activities related to eligibility for HSE in PA, including overseeing review of age waiver requests for 16 and 17 year old individuals, review of Pennsylvania residency, and requests for issuance of a CSSD to individuals under 18 years of age.
4. Evaluates transcripts from accredited postsecondary institutions to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a CSSD based on completion of 30 semester hours of college credit. Issues diplomas to those who qualify and evaluation reports to those who do not.
5. Works with staff to ensure all correspondence/inquiries are handled efficiently. Handles inquiries in person, by phone, or by email that front-line staff cannot address.
6. Coordinates information from the test vendors to the HSE records and credentialing vendor when tester records have issues. Makes or approves corrections in tester records after evaluating evidence.
7. Acts as the professional liaison with the CSSD/HSE records and credentialing vendor.
8. Acts as the professional liaison between PDE and HSE test vendors.
a. Works with HSE test vendors to recruit new testing centers to ensure coverage of the state.
b. Works with HSE test vendors to ensure sufficient, standardized, compliant HSE test administration at all local testing centers to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.
c. Provides final approval of new testing centers.
d. Reports testing center issues to the appropriate vendor for investigation. Rescinds approval for testing centers with repeated and unaddressed issues.
e. Works with adult education programs to create sites where individuals can take HSE tests via online proctoring.
f. Works with HSE test vendors to identify possible testing irregularities and investigate them.
9. In coordination with HSE test vendors and HSE records and credentialing vendor, authorizes state office staff, correctional institution staff, and other individuals to have access to HSE systems as needed to support individuals who need to take a HSE test.
10. Reviews existing HSE policies and proposes updates and revisions as needed.
11. Reviews the information on the PDE website related to the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma Program (both HSE testing and 30-college credit) and provides updates as needed.
12. Develops, implements, and oversees a campaign to encourage individuals who have passed a portion of the HSE test to complete and pass the full battery and earn the credential.
13. Attends regional, state, and national meetings and conferences related to HSE testing, including HSE test vendor phone calls, webinars, and meetings as appropriate.
14. Presents information on the HSE program and resources in Pennsylvania at meetings and conferences.
15. Represents the Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education and Division of Adult Education on committees and workgroups, responding to issues in the Commonwealth from an adult education/HSE perspective.
16. Together with the division chief, reviews available HSE tests per PDE procurement procedures to determine which HSE tests are accepted in PA as the basis for issuance of the CSSD.
17. Together with the division chief and following PDE procurement procedures, conducts procurement of a vendor to handle CSSD/HSE records maintenance and credentialing.
18. Works with the division chief to continuously evaluate and improve the operation of the HSE section.
19. Assists with monitoring of division-funded programs as part of the monitoring team, as needed.
20. Assists with review of grant applications during competitive and continuation grant processes, as needed.
21. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

This position exercises independent professional judgment in interpreting Pennsylvania regulations related to the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (CSSD) and the HSE program. It has authority to review and approve eligibility determinations (including age waivers, residency, and college credit evaluations), issue or deny diplomas, approve and rescind testing centers, authorize system access for stakeholders, make or approve corrections to tester records, and recommend updates to policies and public information. The role also jointly participates in major procurement and test selection decisions with the division chief and provides expert guidance to vendors, programs, and the public.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Administer HSE program, incl. activities related to eligibility for HSE
2.	Oversee/monitor work of HSE testing centers, HSE test and credentialing vendors
3.	Provide technical assistance and guidance
4.	Interpret and apply policies and guidelines
5.	Communicate complex ideas orally and in writing
6.	Compile, analyze, and present quantitative and qualitative data and information
7.	Improve program practices, develop procedures, and make program policy recommendations
8.	Advise clients
9.	Travel alone and with others incl. overnight and multi-day travel
10.	Use office equipment, internet and software packages