Program Specialist 2 - Financial Aid

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') seeks a Program Specialist 2 to interpret and apply federal, state and institutional financial aid rules and regulations in determining student eligibility for financial aid funding. The Program Specialist 2 will provide complex student financial aid program information to students, staff and the public. This position will oversee and administer Washington State financial aid programs and private student loans. As a member of the Financial Aid Office, the Program Specialist 2 will provide in-depth customer service to customers from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The Program Specialist 2 reports to the Assistant Director for Financial Aid.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by June 4, 2023 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at dcook@columbiabasin.edu or (509) 542-4407.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently oversee and perform all functions pertaining to Washington State financial aid programs (including but not limited to WA College Bound Scholarship, Passport Scholarship and National Guard Grant) and private student loans; manage funding allocations, determine student eligibility, run necessary processes, generate and analyze reports, and create, modify and reconcile awards;
• Ensure institutional compliance with federal and state financial aid awarding rules and regulations and advise the Director for Financial Aid and Assistant Director in updating policies and procedures;
• Act as department and program liaison with Washington Student Achievement Council, private lenders and other external partners by providing consultation regarding student award information and process improvement;
• Coordinate regularly with other departments including Accounting Services, Counseling and Advising, and Student Records to share student data required to determine eligibility for State financial aid programs and private student loans;
• Serve as backup to the staff member responsible for administering scholarship programs by back-filling all required program functions and processes as needed;
• Analyze and evaluate student applicant data by applying extensive knowledge of regulations, policies and procedures to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs;
• Perform federal verification of student and parent information, including income/assets, as part of file review for a selection of student applicants;
• Review federal and state rules/regulations and make recommendations regarding office policy and procedures;
• Construct student aid awards, adhering to internal awarding policies and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations;
• Calculate and review satisfactory academic progress for aid applicants and recipients;
• Provide in-depth customer service to students, the public and other staff within the institution regarding all matters related to financial aid;
• Deliver periodic on-campus and community financial aid presentations; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
• Two (2) years of full-time clerical experience.
  OR
• Equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education & Financial Aid

Skills & Abilities

Analytical Skills : Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; design work flows and procedures;

Computer Skills : Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; operate personal computer with general understanding of application software; ability to learn office and College-specific software;

Customer Service Skills : Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; respond promptly to customer needs; solicit customer feedback to improve service; respond to requests for service and assistance; meet commitments;

Dependability : Follow instructions, respond to management direction; take responsibility for actions; keep commitments and complete tasks on time or notify appropriate person with an alternate plan;

Interpersonal Skills : Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas and try new things;

Oral Communication : Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings;

Problem Solving Skills : Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Professionalism : Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments; and

Written Communication : Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; vary writing style to meet needs; present numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a twelve (12) month, full-time, represented, classified staff position. This position is overtime eligible and the typical work hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.

PROCESS NOTE:

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.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Communication, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], Customer Service, etc.).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.

Columbia Basin College operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

OTHER JOB ELEMENTS:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including having the ability to move materials on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc. and travel between buildings on campus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to operate equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work area is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.

UNION CLAUSE:
This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.