Job Title:
Financial Aid Program Specialist 2

Institution/Agency:
Pierce College District

Link to application for this position:
http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/

Salary:
$37,260.00 - $42,900.00 Annually

Job Location:
Preferred

Application Deadline:
03/01/19 05:00 PM PST

Description:


SALARY: $3,105.00 - $3,575.00 Monthly $37,260.00 - $42,900.00 Annually

 

OPENING DATE: 02/15/19

CLOSING DATE: 03/01/19 05:00 PM PST

 

POSITION SUMMARY: The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Pierce College is an innovative and equity-focused community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals. The Financial Aid Program Specialist 2 position delivers student financial aid advising to prospective and currently enrolled students and their families. The incumbent will provide information/referral for other funding sources, process applications, determine financial aid and loan eligibility, issue awards, and perform other tasks related to the administration and implementation of the student financial aid programs. Additionally, the Program Specialist 2 is responsible for one or more federal/state/institutional financial aid programs. This position reports directly to the Financial Aid Program Support Supervisor. We're not going to sugar coat it: this isn't an easy job, but this is a rewarding job. There are some days that are a bit more chaotic than others, but there is never a dull moment! You will discover that every day is different and the lessons you learn increase your value in the organization. You will realize your possibilities along the way.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Responsibilities:

•Actively support and engage in Pierce College's equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts in order to provide access, support, and success for our diverse community of learners.

•Determine student eligibility for assigned programs; process related forms; perform awarding; and/or external reporting if program requires.

•Coordinate assigned program activities and processing; maintain up-to-date program procedures and notify fellow staff of any changes.

•Provide training and assistance regarding interpretation of applicable program rules, regulations and procedures; answer questions and resolve or refer problems related to student academic concerns.

•Perform reconciliation of funds and collaborate with others (cashiers, finance, supervisors) to resolve data discrepancies.

•Perform administrative or liaison activities unique to assigned program.

•Develop documents and forms needed for the program.

•Perform other duties as assigned.

Customer Service and Processing:

•Provide in-person, culturally responsive financial aid advising and advising for students, parents, and others seeking information and assistance with all aspects of the financial aid application, eligibility, and disbursement process, while adjusting content to the level of background of each student/person being served.

•Perform community outreach at workshops in a variety of settings, including on and off campus, day, evening, and weekend venues; coordinate presentations with sponsoring groups and other presenters; determining, in advance, the appropriate equipment needed, handouts and materials to be provided.

•Review student data in multiple database systems, such as: cashiering, financial aid, registration, and government databases; analyze data for reasonableness and consistency with other information, contacting outside parties or students when necessary for clarification, making determinations as to how this affects student eligibility, adjusting the aid package and notifying students of changes.

•Assist with the review of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) process, including review of academic records, review of students on SAP probation to ensure that the standards of satisfactory progress and terms of SAP probation are being met.

 •Review federal and state written updates and attend training and informational meetings to maintain current knowledge of regulatory and institutional changes and policies relative to financial aid.

•Review appeals, special projects and tasks.

Community Participation:

•Participate in various college work groups and meetings as financial aid representative.

•Present financial aid information sessions to college and community groups.

•Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

•Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.

•Demonstrated experience maintaining records.

•Experience interpreting policies or procedures.

•Ability to perform data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high pressure, fast-paced environment.

•Experience providing exceptional customer service over the phone, email and in person.


Special Requirements:

•Must not be in default on any student loans.

•Must be able to meet security standards of Joint Base Lewis-McChord to obtain and maintain base access credentials.

•The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•Excellent organizational skills including prioritizing, keeping track of information or work in progress, ensuring accuracy, and multi-tasking.

•Proficiency using MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and the Internet.

•Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

•Ability to perform mathematical computations with a high level of accuracy.

•Ability to perform well in stressful situations and manage stress appropriately.

•Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

•Ability to consistently and accurately document information and process files.

•Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work.

•Ability to negotiate priorities according to campus needs while being flexible and maintaining deadlines.

•Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a team in a busy office environment while earning the trust, respect, and confidence of others.

•Show willingness to learn new methods, procedures, and techniques.

•Actively contributes to a campus environment that embraces diversity and supports diverse perspectives when interacting with students, staff, and/or faculty.

•Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information and be empathetic to individual student circumstances.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

•Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

•Complete the online application profile at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/.

•Apply for the specific job opening.

•Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. At Pierce College, we value culturally competent and compassionate individuals who bridge diverse backgrounds and perspectives in support of academic equity and excellence. In your cover letter, please address how you will support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Please include in your response how your previous education and/or professional experience contribute to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners. (Cover Letter)

•Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)

•Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position, however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and confer date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)

•Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

 

Terms of Employment:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) classified, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus but occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

 

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range of this position is $3,105.00 - $3,575.00 a month (dependent upon qualifications), with annual periodic increments up to $4,040.00. However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr-benefits.

 

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an office environment.

 

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

 

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

 

Conditions of Employment:

•An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

•Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

 

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

 Equal Opportunity:

The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

 

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: [email protected].

 

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Holly Gorski,
Vice President for Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington 98498
(253) 964-6519

Paula Henson-Williams,
District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229

 

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

•Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field.

•Demonstrated experience maintaining records.

•Experience interpreting policies or procedures.

•Ability to perform data entry with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in a high pressure, fast-paced environment.

•Experience providing exceptional customer service over the phone, email and in person.

 

Special Requirements:

•Must not be in default on any student loans.

•Must be able to meet security standards of Joint Base Lewis-McChord to obtain and maintain base access credentials.

•The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment

Will you accept electronic resumes?:
No 

Instructions:
Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

•Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.

•Complete the online application profile at http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/.

•Apply for the specific job opening.

•Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
At Pierce College, we value culturally competent and compassionate individuals who bridge diverse backgrounds and perspectives in support of academic equity and excellence.
In your cover letter, please address how you will support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Please include in your response how your previous education and/or professional experience contribute to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners. (Cover Letter)

•Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)

•Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position, however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and confer date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation.
For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)

•Upload (attach) a list of at least two professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)