Processing & Technology Program Specialist - Financial Aid

Seattle Colleges is looking to hire two Processing & Technology Program Specialists (Program Specialist 3) in the Financial Aid department.

Salary Range for this position is $59,723.52 to $72,874.56 annually, depending on experience.

Initial review of application materials will begin on Monday, July 29th. Early applications are encouraged. This position will remain open until filled.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid Processing and Technology, this position has district-wide responsibility for one or more components of Federal, State, and/or Institutional Aid programs. This position manages, directs, and coordinates all aspects of the assigned component(s), to include: file review, verifications, document collection, and awarding Federal, State, and Institutional Aid to students applying to Seattle Colleges.

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance of these program components with required federal regulations, state regulations, and Institutional requirements. This position is part of the Processing & Technology team and collaborates with the campus-based Financial Aid Coaching teams to provide updates and solutions for students and applicants. Additionally, this position collaborates with the Awards Management & Compliance team on various Financial Aid tasks such as file review and awarding processes.

Under the general direction of the Director of Financial Aid Processing and Technology, this position has district-wide responsibility for one or more components of Federal, State, and/or Institutional Aid programs. This position manages, directs, and coordinates all aspects of the assigned component(s), to include: file review, verifications, document collection, and awarding Federal, State, and Institutional Aid to students applying to Seattle Colleges.

This position is responsible for ensuring compliance of these program components with required federal regulations, state regulations, and Institutional requirements. This position is part of the Processing & Technology team and collaborates with the campus-based Financial Aid Coaching teams to provide updates and solutions for students and applicants. Additionally, this position collaborates with the Awards Management & Compliance team on various Financial Aid tasks such as file review and awarding processes.

These positions will be stationed at South Seattle College's main campus. This is an on-campus, in-person role with some options for occasional remote work.

This position is governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with representation by WFSE and subject to union shop provisions.

About Us

We are a district of three distinct colleges¿North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College¿and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation.

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:

Competitive Pay Rates

Promotional Opportunities

Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans

Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Transportation benefits

Tuition Waivers

PEBB Wellness Plan

Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.

Application Procedures:

Attach current Resume

Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:

Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

File Review

¿ Review, analyze, and process applications received via the Electronic Data Exchange software from the Department of Education and Washington Student Achievement Council.

¿ Interpret technical data provided electronically and apply data to specific policies, procedures, and regulations in assessing needs for financial aid.

¿ Designated administrator for financial aid fraud case reviews

¿ Provide extensive financial aid counseling and advice to students and analyze any problems, give probability outcomes/solutions, or recommend alternative courses of action to complete the financial aid application process.

¿ Review and analyze specific documents for unusual problems specific to program policies and procedures while determining financial aid eligibility and maintaining compliance with Department of Education verification requirements.

¿ Runs daily update reports after electronic data has been received and uploaded into the ctc

Link system. Reviews and analyzes the reports to determine type and level of action required to update records and/or resolve discrepancies. Reviews data on the federal NSLDS system to determined default and over-payment information.

¿ Completes all V4/V5 Federal Verifications

¿ Responsible for keeping abreast of new federal and state initiatives and making recommendations regarding implementation; maintain auditable records of aid awards, aid adjustments, appeals requests and documentation, in accordance with state and federal regulations.

¿ Complete required forms for Department of Homeland Security to resolve issues regarding citizenship statuses according to Federal regulations.

¿ Performs financial aid system data validation, integration, and acceptance testing where needed.

¿ Implement and test new software releases and ensure process documentation matches updates. Complete any setups, scheduled jobs, and run controls.

¿ Prepare documentation for State and Federal audits, as needed

File Review (approx. 50%)

¿ Program liaison for campus customer service teams, aid in conversations and explains where verification or complex questions arise from students and campus partners

¿ Develop and/or conduct information sessions on the financial aid programs and application process to outside groups such as high schools and service organizations. Present financial aid information using brochures, literature, and workshops directed toward students, parents, and community groups.

¿ Maintain expertise and up-to-date knowledge of all Federal and State regulations for financial aid programs so the department can plan and react positively to constantly changing Federal, State, and institutional regulations and guidance.

¿ Communicate with Students through Creation of Letters and Information Documents and Based on Specific Student Needs, Develop Resolution to Eligibility Issues and other Complex Problems

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:¿

¿ Excellent student-centered customer service, outstanding interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail

¿ Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population of students and a history of working to remove barriers for historically marginalized communities and students.

¿ Earned associate¿s degree or beyond

¿ Two (2) years of experience with student financial aid, student development services, or related field in higher education that indicates successful performance of the essential functions of this position.

¿ Experience interpreting policies/procedures based on government regulations

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF:¿

¿ Federal and state resources available for training and compliance, including network of financial aid associations and annual conferences

¿ Systems used for processing, communicating, and overseeing student financial aid eligibility

DEMONSTRATED ABILITY TO:¿

¿ Respectfully and effectively communicate and work with people from diverse backgrounds including racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, and sexual orientation, and with diverse physical and learning abilities.

¿ Understand and interpret detailed information and trouble shoot and problem solve academic and systems issues, with attention to detail.

¿ Understand, interpret and apply complex federal regulations, and conduct research

¿ Think critically, be proactive, and take initiative¿

¿ Communicate clearly, collaboratively, and consistently¿

¿ Meet deadlines and prioritize time-sensitive work¿

¿ Work evenings and weekends

¿ Must not be in default on any student loans

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges.

This includes, but is not limited to recruitment, application, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials

Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students

Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion

Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of an office environment

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of ¿bullying¿ behaviors, including ¿cyberbullying.¿

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college¿s Director of Compliance:

1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122-3803, PH: (206) 934-3873¿, Email: compliance@seattlecolleges.edu

Background Check Statement

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. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.