Financial Aid Specialist

Description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, provide specialized assistance and information to applicants regarding the Financial Aid program; prepare and review needs analysis and packaging of Financial Aid applications; coordinate the activities of the programs and make award decisions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey level professional class within the Financial Aid Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Financial Aid Specialist by the performance of routine financial aid processing functions. Incumbents in this classification are further distinguished from the Senior level in that that latter assumes lead supervision over and provides work direction to lower level financial aid staff, coordinates financial aid program activities, makes award decisions and coordinates the implementation of new financial aid software or system functions. Incumbents at the journey level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: two (2) years of college with major coursework in education, counseling or a related field
AND
two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in a student services or related program.

One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Valid California drivers license and a safe driving record.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state Student Financial Assistance programs including policies, rules and regulations.
• Interviewing and advising techniques.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Interpret and communicate complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures effectively.
• Advise, counsel and interview students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Financial Aid Specialist

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Prepare needs analysis and package of financial aid applicants; interpret and apply government and campus policies to determine appropriate award allocation for each applicant; establish student budgets and determine program eligibility; ensure compliance with state and Federal guidelines.
2. Assist in the coordination of assigned state and Federal financial aid programs; monitor and request annual funding for assigned program to assure adequate funds are available for projected student awards; coordinate disbursement of funds with fiscal services staff to accurately disburse aid to eligible students in a timely fashion.
3. Advise and counsel student applicants and recipients in all phases of financial aid; interview students and assess individual academic, financial and personal situations; determine impact of needs analysis; explain program regulations, requirements and institutional policies; assure accuracy and completeness of applications.
4. Monitor and maintain the automated process to calculate satisfactory academic progress; review student educational plans; audit files to determine students continued eligibility for financial aid.
5. Reconcile financial aid overpayments; research, compile and generate necessary data and required documentation and reports; determine amount owed by student; assist in implementing collection procedures and practices; explain overpayments, causes and ramifications and provide assistance for resolutions.
6. Participate in various college wide outreach functions; provide technical expertise to other personnel, faculty, students and the public regarding financial aid processes; coordinate activities with other related on-campus student services; refer students to social service agencies and other community resources as appropriate.
7. Maintain external contacts with government agencies and other community colleges for the purpose of coordinating, obtaining and verifying information.
8. Maintain current knowledge of complex regulations and requirements for assigned financial aid and student loan programs; attend and conduct various meetings; participate in on- and off-campus workshops.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE: Classified Bargaining Unit

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This is a non-telecommuting position.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; possible exposure to dissatisfied individuals.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.

Application Process:

A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.

Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.

A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.

For Academic positions (only): If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an equivalency application.

A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.

If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).