Hourly 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.

PREFERRED LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Federal and state Student Financial Assistance programs including policies, rules and regulations.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Financial and income tax statements.
• Methods and terminology of financial record keeping.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Methods and techniques of comprehensive and technical report preparation.
• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• 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.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and prepare comprehensive and technical reports.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Financial Aid Specialist

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE: Classified Bargaining Unit

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This is a non-telecommuting position.

All District employees must participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, which requires them to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption.

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.



Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.

For more information, please visit the Benefits webpage.