Financial Aid Advisor

Posting Details

Application Instructions

Please read carefully before applying: You must provide all information requested on the application form (resumes will not be considered as a substitute for the application). Initial screening by Human Resources for minimum requirements is based on your APPLICATION ONLY (supporting documents will not be reviewed during initial screening). Incomplete applications will not be considered by hiring committees. You will have an opportunity to upload supporting documents for committee consideration during this online application process. COCC reserves the right to cancel or change recruitment postings based on organizational needs.



Position Information

Posting Number: 06002099 Position Title: Financial Aid Advisor Posting Date: 06/14/2022 Closing Date: 07/10/2022 Open Until Filled (notes): Length of Position: 12 months per year Anticipated Start Date:
August 2022 Position Type/Employee Class: Administrative FTE: 1.0 FTE Salary Level: Administrative Salary Level 22 Starting Pay Range $49,782 - $52,000 plus exceptional benefit package Hours per Week: 40 hr/wk Work Schedule: Typically 8:00am - 5:00pm Days of the Week: Typically Monday - Friday Job Summary/Purpose:
The Financial Aid Advisor position provides specific financial aid and financial management advising to students; supports the financial aid department in student education efforts such as consumer information requirements, basic money management, default prevention and identity protection; collaborates with multiple on-campus departments and off-campus organizations in order to develop venues of contact with current and prospective student’s on-campus, in high schools and elsewhere in the community.

Additional Employee Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance plans·
• Tuition Waiver for degree-related and personal enrichment/development courses for Employees, Spouses, Domestic Partners, and children up to 25 years of age
• Generous monthly vacation and sick leave accruals
• 10 paid holidays a year, plus a paid full week off during Winter Break.
• Use of all College recreation facilities in Mazama Gym at no cost
• A staff wellness program that offers a variety of activities and health resources
• PERS (Public Employee Retirement System) eligibility
• 20% Discount at COCC Bookstore
• Engaging workplace culture with a mission to serve students and our community
• COCC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) Program

Terms of Employment:

• This is a 12-month exempt position at pay level 22 in the Administrative salary schedule.
• Requires flexible work schedule, which may include evenings and/or weekends as well as travel throughout the district.
• Requires the provision of official transcripts upon hire.
• COCC employees must work and reside in the state of Oregon at the time their work is being performed.
• The College is NOT able to support Visa applications for this position. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this position.
• Upon hire, must pass criminal and/or driving history; only information relevant to the position will be considered.
• Effective Monday, April 18, 2022, COCC implemented a COVID -19 vaccination requirement for all employees, including benefited employees, part-time faculty, and temporary workers such as irregular wage, work study and community education. Upon hire, new employees will receive an email with instructions outlining how to upload proof of full COVID -19 vaccination or request a medical or religious exception.

Essential Functions:
Advising Functions

1. Advise prospective and current students and parents on all aspects of the financial aid process. Provide guidance and support, including information about funding resources (federal grants and loans, state grants, agency resources, scholarships and federal work-study), application procedures/deadlines and eligibility to students. Service is provided in-person in the Financial Aid Office and in conjunction with Admissions and Records and the CAP Center.
2. Recognize in what circumstances and in what manner it is appropriate to refer a student or issue outside of Financial Aid for resolution. This may include advising, counseling, tutoring, degree evaluation, student employment or other services.
3. Explain and provide information on institutional policies and federal regulations and how they may affect a student’s aid eligibility. Provide professional advice to students regarding how academic choices (course selection, enrollment levels, attendance, drop/withdraw, progress toward completion, GPA, etc.) affect financial aid eligibility.
4. Use personalized contact to help students learn the skills to use available web resources for future access to self-service solutions.
   
   

Event Planning Functions

1. Facilitate group discussions and workshops with specific student populations to inform them of the availability of educational funding, the process by which to apply for and maintain financial aid and advice on how to operate within personal budgets. This may include community outreach centers, high schools and on-campus classes.
2. Assist with on and off campus and evening recruitment and retention efforts by providing financial aid information at student orientation, high school outreach and resource centers targeting non-traditional students.
3. Attend financial aid training and workshops to keep informed of changes in federal law and procedures.
4. Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Office and Compliance Functions:

1. Maintain an organized, accurate and detailed database regarding student contacts to be used in assessing the effectiveness of the services provided.
2. Clearly communicate and act in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations and institutional policies and procedures. Understand and apply current federal laws, rules and regulations as appropriate to the job.
3. Document procedures used for managing the functions described above.
4. Analyze and recommend improvements and program changes necessary for quality customer service and regulatory compliance.
5. Communicate in groups or individually, program information to potential students, current students, faculty and staff.
6. Participate in department committee responsible for reviewing student files requiring special judgment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The individual is expected to follow College work rules and policies.

1. Possess interpersonal, communication and public presentation skills. Must be able to communicate effectively in individual and group settings. Will represent COCC on a professional basis, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
2. Ability to use good listening skills to communicate with students in response to a variety of questions i.e., Satisfactory Academic Policy, reasons for financial aid not being ready, amount available to borrow, ramifications of dropping classes, etc.
3. Ability to understand and effectively use administrative software system (Banner) to accomplish job functions.
4. Ability to work well in teams and with customers.
5. Ability to understand and use software to create work applications and reports.
6. Ability to work accurately and in detail.
7. Ability to stay current with financial aid regulatory changes by monitoring professional websites and attending seminars as required.
8. Knowledge of community resources available to students for assistance with basic needs, counseling, budgeting and planning, or ability to make those contacts.
9. Ability to use software programs and database systems which include Microsoft Office Suite, email, website editing, and modern office equipment.
10. Ability to work cooperatively with and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas or experience.
11. Ability to demonstrate essential job functions outlined above.

Physical Demands and Other Ergonomic Requirements:
Regular office hours are established between 8 am – 5 pm during the workweek. A flexible work schedule, including nights and weekends, may be necessary due to the nature of the responsibilities.
Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature. Requires the ability to work at a workstation for extended periods. Requires to write, read written materials and computer screens, and ability to use telephonic conversations. Occasional lifting up to 25lbs. All individuals are required to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.
This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.
In support of COCC’s EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting. Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in education, student affairs, business or related field.
2. One year of related professional work in K-20 education, higher education student affairs, social service, community outreach, or related area.
3. One year of related professional experience multi-tasking, prioritizing and problem solving.
   
   

The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

All employees are required to successfully complete and pass a background screen, which includes a criminal history check. Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional work experience in a higher education setting.
• Professional work experience with the SCT Banner system.
• Professional work experience working with a diverse population of students and/or customers.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Finalists selected to interview may be required to provide a candidate presentation to the College campus community or complete a skills demonstration.

Note that you will be required to upload/create the required documents indicated in this posting at the time you apply. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to upload all required documents, including transcript(s). If you have questions please contact Human Resources at 541-383-7216. Is a Criminal History Check required? Yes Is a Credit History Check Required? No Open Until Filled No Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Choose your highest level of education:
   • No High School Diploma or GED
   • High School Diploma or GED
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree in Progress
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree in Progress
   • Masters Degree
   • Ph.D. in Progress
   • Ph.D.
   • J.D.
   • M.D.
   • Other Doctorate Level Degree
2. * Please describe how you meet the minimum requirement of one (1) year of related professional work in K-20 education, higher education student affairs, social service, community outreach, or related area.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Please describe how you meet the minimum requirement of one (1) year of related professional experience in multi-tasking, prioritizing, and problem-solving.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
4. The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications, but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. There may be other requirements where an equivalency is acceptable. Please be aware that applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements and do not provide an equivalency statement will not be selected for an interview. Your statement should make clear the requirement you are addressing. Example: The position requires a Master’s degree. You have a Bachelor’s degree and work experience when combined you feel is equivalent to the degree requirement. Please make clear why you feel it is equivalent.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
5. * While this is only a preference, please describe any experience with SCT Banner and/or Argos reporting software, preferably in the area of financial aid.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * Please describe your professional work experience working with a diverse population of students and/or customers.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
7. * While this is only a preference for this position, please describe your experience working in a higher education environment (community college or university)
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
8. * COCC employees must work and reside in the state of Oregon at the time their work is being performed. Are you, or will you be residing in the state of Oregon by the start date of this position?
   • Yes
   • No
9. * The College is NOT able to support Visa applications for this position. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this position. Are you, or will you be eligible to work in the US by the start date of the position?
   • Yes
   • No
10. * Are you a U.S. military veteran? COCC provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. To receive veterans' preference in this recruitment process, you must upload your DD214 and 215 (215 if applicable) or certification that you expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status as supporting documentation. You will have the opportunity to upload the document(s) in the next step of this application process.
    • Yes, I am a veteran
    • No, I am not a veteran
11. If you have identified yourself as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran by submitting your DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) form(s) as proof of veteran status, please describe any transferable skills earned during your military service that you feel relate to the requirements/preferences of this position.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
12. * Background checks are required for all employees of COCC. Should an offer of employment be made to you and accepted by you, you will receive an email from COCC / HireRight Screening requesting your consent and basic information to complete the check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the criminal background check. Confirmed findings on a criminal background check will not automatically disqualify you from being hired into a position. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the job responsibilities and other risk factors. Additional information regarding COCC’s criminal history check policy can be found online in the General Procedures Manual, Section HR-2-1. Please indicate here if you will provide consent to the criminal history check when requested by the College:
    • Yes, I will provide my consent when requested
    • No, I will not provide my consent when requested

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. College Transcript 1 (unofficial)

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 1
2. Letter of Recommendation 2
3. Letter of Recommendation 3
4. US Military DD 214