Financial Aid Specialist - Program Specialist 3

DESCRIPTION Starting salary for this position is: $4,602 (Monthly) Employees starting at the entry step of this range receive salary step advancement after six months and every 12 months thereafter.
If an employee starting at anything higher than the entry step of the range, will have salary step advancement after 12 months and salary step advancement every 12 months thereafter until they reach the top of the salary range.
Each salary step advancement will be approximately a 5% increase in salary.
Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) District Equity Statement CCS believes that access to high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment is the right of all individuals and imperative for the continued advancement of a strong democracy and workforce.
We also believe higher education institutions have an obligation to work toward and demonstrate progress in ensuring equity amongst their students, faculty, and staff.
Equity is grounded in the principle of fairness.
In higher education, equity refers to ensuring that each student receives what they need to be successful through the intentional design of the college experience.
Spokane Community College (SCC) is a beautiful campus located in the inland Pacific Northwest, on the ancestral home of the Spokane Tribe, near the Spokane River.
Our campus is not far from the urban center of Spokane, a mid-sized city with a high quality of life and quick access to the outdoors.
See our website for more information about living and working in Spokane.
SCC is one of two accredited community colleges that comprise the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS).
Serving about 15,000 students, SCC endeavors to be an educational leader and a responsive partner with the community and region, offering access to relevant programs of the highest quality.
We offer state-of-the-art career technical programs (approximately 50% of total enrollment) as well as liberal arts/transfer programs (about 25%) and basic education for adults (about 25%), In addition to serving the urban and suburban population in greater Spokane, CCS provides educational services to rural communities throughout a 12,302 square mile region in Eastern Washington.
This region includes all of Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties as well as portions of Lincoln County.
SCC’s mission is to provide all students with an excellent education that transforms lives and expands their opportunities.
Please be aware that this recruitment closes at 4:00 p.
m.
PST.
The application process will not be available after this time.
To ensure consideration make sure your application is completed and submitted as soon as possible.
Applications will only be accepted prior to 4:00 p.
m.
on the closing date.
The Community Colleges of Spokane is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Financial Aid Specialist in the SCC Financial Aid/Work Study Department.
JOB SUMMARY The Financial Aid Specialist works in the Financial Aid Office under general direction of the Associate Director of Financial Aid.
Each financial aid program has policies, procedures, regulations, and specific government reporting requirements.
The rules of these programs are highly complex and require coordination to ensure that students receive the correct information and are offered aid in accordance with established regulations.
The Financial Aid Specialist works independently, interprets, and works in accordance with federal, state, and college policies, procedures, and regulations, and coordinates with other financial aid programs and the Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) Business Office to ensure college administrative capability is maintained.
The specialist review applications for financial aid eligibility, advises students and makes decisions regarding special circumstances.
This position is responsible for all aspects of the of managing all the DOE, state and institutional Authorizations and Disbursements for all funds sent to students.
This position serves as a subject matter expert (SME) for the Department of Education (ED), and Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Manages the federal, state, and institutional Authorizations and Disbursements for all funds sent to students.
* Responsible for being backup for the college work-study students who work in the financial aid office.
Assists at times with the work schedule to maximize the number of hours received from work-study students.
Create priority lists, assigns students according to their skill level and training.
Evaluate each day to determine where the office needs the most help and then assigns students; accordingly.
* Analyze and evaluate documentation to determine financial aid file completion, and student eligibility, perform file review and award federal, state, and local financial aid.
This includes using data obtained from federal and state systems.
Analyze and evaluate documentation submitted by student, complete the verification process for selected students, using submitted documents that includes but not limited to federal tax returns.
* Provide complex counseling, assistance and problem solve by providing a variety of options to students based on individual needs and circumstances regarding financial aid, payment and refunds, credit reviews, and enrollment issues.
* Responsible for maintaining knowledge of the federal financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) ensuring students maintain a proper grade point average (GPA) and number of quarters in attendance.
* Maintain expertise and up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations for financial aid programs, enabling the department to plan and react positively to constantly changing federal, state, and institutional regulations and guidance.
* Exercise professional judgment in interpreting rules and regulations and evaluating unusual circumstances for special conditions, using federal and state student financial aid rules and regulations.
* Assist in developing and establishing procedures and policies to implement new programs and/or activities and in formulating new program policies, procedures and standards.
* Assist higher-level staff in the preparation of complex comprehensive plans, summaries, recommendations, progress, or special reports.
* Work on special projects for the Director/Associate Director and serve as an intercampus contact for the Financial Aid Office.
* Maintain knowledge of policies of other departments (Admissions, Registration, Transcripts, Student Success, Testing, Curriculum, etc.
) and understand the impact of department policies on a student’s financial aid eligibility.
* Reconcile Funds between SCC and district Business Office to ensure disbursements to students are accurate.
* Coordinate and collaborate with SBCTC to make sure software updates and developed processes meet state and federal requirements.
This may include setting up and testing new processes, reporting issues, proposing solutions and feedback to make sure students are funded correctly and in a timely manner.
* Serve as backup and provide assistance to other Financial Aid Specialists.
* Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions.
* Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements.
* Support and advance the CCS strategic plan, and perform other duties as assigned.
* * Indicates this is an essential duty.
This position is designated a bargaining unit position.
COMPETENCIES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS COMPETENCIES Manages Complexity Decision Quality Action Oriented Plans & Aligns Ensures Accountability Drives Results Collaborates Instills Trust Demonstrates Self-Awareness Self-Development Nimble Learning Situational Adaptability Learn more about our competencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Associate degree AND three (3) years of experience in Financial Aid.
Or an equivalent mix of education and experience that demonstrates the candidate meets all competency requirements for this position.
Possess comprehensive working knowledge of financial aid policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Knowledge of Washington State Ethics Law and Residency Law.
Knowledge of Title IX Education Act.
Knowledge of institutional funding/waiver processes and financial literacy and loan disclosures.
Knowledge of funding programs under WSAC, Title IV, Workforce Transitions, institutional scholarships, agency-based funding, institutional grants/waivers.
Expertise in Internal Revenue Code as it applies to verifications, filing thresholds and allowable filing status.
Experience and subject matter expertise in one or more of the following relevant systems and technologies: student management system (e.
g.
, PeopleSoft), Common Origination and Disbursement (COD), EdConnect, FAFSA, FAA Access, NSLDS, customer relationship management software (e.
g.
, TargetX), WSAC, Department of Veterans Affairs electronic transmission software, halFile, Bank Mobile, National Association of Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) tools/library, Microsoft Office products.
Must have strong math and logic aptitude as well as problem solving skills.
Must be able to understand and apply complex rules and regulations.
Ability to be supportive yet direct in providing advice and services to students.
Have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Have the ability to initiate and complete projects.
Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Aptitude for anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
Have the ability to work with others as part of a team.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentially and ethical working practices.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge of CCS Administrative Procedures that affect financial aid such as: Student Records, Tuition and Fees, Refunds, Degrees and Certificates etc.
Experience with ctcLink (PeopleSoft).
CONDITIONS/TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT TOTAL COMPENSATION WITH BENEFITS: $73,262- $93,592.
Total compensation is an estimate based upon adding the following amounts together: Base compensation of $55,224 - $74,376, plus Current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates, plus Click here for a full list of benefits.
Median retirement fund contributions.
The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.
S.
Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.
This is an absolute condition of employment.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H1-B visa.
In addition, the Community Colleges of Spokane maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles.
Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
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.
Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Work in a semi-open office setting with frequent interruptions and background noise.
Work is sedentary in nature.
Work directly with students/clients.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Full-time schedule (12-months, 40-hours a week).
6-month probationary period.
This position is overtime eligible.
Criminal background check is required.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following: CCS online application.
* Cover letter addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position.
* Resume.
* References – the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references.
* College transcript(s) if applicable - unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable for initial application, official copies must be submitted upon acceptance of job offer.
NOTE: All of the above are required to ensure your consideration for this position.
The item(s) marked with an asterisk are required attachments to your application prior to submission.
If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at CCS.
recruiter@ccs.
spokane.
edu Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with disability, genetic information or any other legally protected category.
Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access and Title IX or ADA to: Amy McCoy | Chief Compliance Officer Title IX and ADA Coordinator Community Colleges of Spokane 2917 W.
Whistalks Way, MS 3027 Spokane, WA.
99224-5288 ccs.
titleix@ccs.
spokane.
edu 509-279-6012 Direct all inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances to: Greg Stevens | Chief Strategy and Administration Officer Community Colleges of Spokane P.
O.
Box 6000, MS1004 Spokane, WA.
99217-6000 509-434-5040 Native Land Acknowledgement We are honored to acknowledge that the Community Colleges of Spokane, and our main campuses for Spokane Falls and Spokane Community College, are located on the traditional and sacred homelands of the Spokane Tribe.
We also provide services in a region that includes the traditional and sacred homelands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe and Nez Perce Tribe.
We pay our respect to tribal elders both past and present as well as to all Indigenous people today.
This land holds their cultural DNA, and we are honored and grateful to be here on their traditional lands.
We give thanks to the legacy of the original people and their descendants and pledge to honor their stewardship and values.